The winter solstice happens on Monday, December 21, 2020. This is the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day of the year. What happens at the winter solstice? Why is the solstice important? Enjoy solstice facts and folklore as we shift our energy to bring in new light!
The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, making it the “shortest day” of the year and the longest night. In many ways, this annual event represents a gateway: an ending and a new beginning. Which can make sleep a little trickier than normal. Thankfully, we have a SLEEP Essential Oil Collection to help quiet the mind & calm the body.
After we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to once again grow longer and longer until we reach the summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.
This year, the solstice falls on the same day as the Great Conjunction—when two planets, Jupiter and Saturn, will come so close that they will appear as one in the sky. Jupiter represents newness and exploration while Saturn represents rules and traditions, and the two opposites will come together to close out 2020. The winter solstice may be the darkest day of the year, but it's traditionally been celebrated as a time of light. Think of it this way: Although the winter solstice means the start of winter, it also means the return of more sunlight. It only gets brighter from here!
1. Cleanse the Air.
Cleanse the air naturally with Palo Santo A sacred aromatic "holy wood" used for centuries as a spiritual remedy to cleanse, purify & clear negative energy. Ethically harvested from naturally fallen branches of the Palo Santo tree. It has a fine citrus aroma with underlying notes of frankincense. Origin: Ecuador
Ritual: 1. Light end of stick & burn for 30 seconds. 2. Blow out flames & spread the smoke. 3. Feel peace, clarity & positive energy.
2. Create a Solstice Wish Tree.
In this ritual, ornaments are not merely decorations—they are wishes. Make your own ornaments or personalize ones that you buy at the store. You can write words on them, such as peace, good health, prosperity, loving partner, or paste pictures: a wished-for car or a place you want to visit next year. Make some wishes for yourself and some for friends, family members, or for the greater good.3. Express Gratitude.
Pour a few drops of CAMPO GRATITUDE Essential Oil into a diffuser. Create space to inspire, reflect & rejoice. Breathe in the beauty as you take a piece of paper and start listing your material possessions: your home, car, clothes, books, computer, and so on. Then, write one or two reasons why each is important to you.List memories of the places you've been, the paintings you've seen, the music you've heard—and why all of these experiences matter to you.
Finally, make a list of the people who have added value to your life and have helped you become the person you are today. Write or call at least one of them to say how much you appreciate them. Check out the beautiful wax seals & writing essentials to jazz up your letter from Kathryn Hastings Co.
You can also scent your letter with a few drops of GRATITUDE or LOVE Essential Oil.
4. Look Up.
In many cultures & religions, the star symbolizes the guiding light. There is a lot to see in the night sky this solstice season, so go outside and experience the dance of the planets. The Jupiter–Saturn meetup reminds us that each one of us is an opening for light, a gateway through which we can manifest anything. Here’s a list of the best telescopes for stargazing for beginners. We are obsessed with this stunning Eichholtz Industrial Maritime Telescope that is a piece of art.
5. Pray for the Planet.
Take a few moments to center your heart, take a few deep breaths, and imagine a beautiful blossom is opening in your heart. From your heart, imagine that you can send pure love to Mother Earth to give her energy and to bring healing to the planet.
Breathe Beauty
