The magic of the Solstice
In the Northern hemisphere we celebrate the Winter Solstice, 12 days before the new year starts. It markes the return of the Sun—a promise of life, warmth, and renewal. A time to honour cycles of nature, rebirth, and new beginnings. Unlike New Year’s Eve, the Solstice connects us deeply to the rhythms of the Earth and cosmos.
What exactly is the Solstice?
The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words "sol" (Sun) and "sistere" (to stand still). During the Solstice, the Sun appears to pause in the sky, rising and setting in nearly the same spot for a few days. This "standing still" of the Sun made ancient people see it as a profound and sacred moment.
The energy and effects of the Solstice can be felt for 3 days before and after, making it a sacred “solstice window” for reflection, celebration, intention setting and connection.
The Solstice is a magical turning point in nature’s rhythm. It happens twice a year—marking the longest day (Summer Solstice) and the longest night (Winter Solstice). It's like nature pausing to take a deep breath before shifting seasons.
Summer and Winter Solstice explained:
Summer Solstice: This is the longest day of the year when the Sun shines the brightest. It’s a time of celebration, abundance, and gratitude for all that is blooming in your life.
Winter Solstice: The opposite, this marks the longest night of the year. It’s a sacred pause when we turn inward, reflecting on the past and planting seeds of intention for the future.
What happens to the earth, sun, and moon during the Solstice?
The earth:
The solstice occurs because of the Earth's tilt on its axis (23.5 degrees) and its orbit around the Sun. During the Winter Solstice, the North Pole tilts away from the Sun, leading to shorter days and longer nights in the Northern Hemisphere. During the Summer Solstice, the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night.The sun:
At the Winter Solstice, the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky for those in the Northern Hemisphere. This creates the shortest day and longest night. Conversely, at the Summer Solstice, the Sun is at its highest point, flooding the Earth with light for the longest day of the year.The moon:
The Moon itself doesn’t have a specific effect on the solstice, but its phase during this time can amplify the energy. For instance, if there’s a full moon near the solstice, it adds a layer of illumination to the darkness of the Winter Solstice or heightens the brightness of the Summer Solstice.
Why is this important?
The solstice is a cosmic reminder of the cycles of life—light returning after darkness or life flourishing under the peak of the Sun’s power. These astronomical shifts have been celebrated for millennia, helping us connect to nature, time, and our place in the universe.
Inti Raimy festival in Cusco, Peru
Why did ancient cultures celebrate the Solstice?
Ancient cultures saw the Solstice as a powerful moment. They didn’t just survive by watching the cycles of nature—they thrived by aligning with them. The Solstice symbolised balance, renewal, and connection to the divine. They built monuments like Stonehenge, held ceremonies, like the ‘Inti Raimy’ in the Andes and told stories that honoured the Sun’s journey across the sky.
For them, the Winter Solstice represented hope: the return of the Sun, the promise of longer days and warmer seasons. The Summer Solstice was a time to celebrate life and light at its peak.
In Andean wisdom, the Solstice is a powerful portal when the veil between worlds is thin, and we can connect deeply with the energy of renewal. Just as the sun begins its rebirth, we are reminded of our own cycles of transformation and the infinite potential for new beginnings.
Why does it matter today?
In modern times, many of us have lost touch with nature's rhythm. The Solstice invites us to slow down, reconnect, and find balance. Tuning into these natural cycles helps us:
Reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Create space for gratitude and intention.
Feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.
The Solstice is a reminder that we’re part of nature, and its cycles mirror the ups and downs of our lives.
Why the Winter Solstice is so powerful for intention setting?
It connects you to the rhythms of nature– You’re in tune with the cycle of endings and new beginnings.
It’s a moment of stillness: Perfect for getting clear on what you really want.
It amplifies your dreams! This is a time of rebirth—your intentions carry the energy of renewal and light.
Prompts for intention setting:
Reflect on the shadows of the year:
What patterns, habits, or thoughts from this past year no longer serve you and might be holding you back?
Honor the space between the Darkness & the Light:
What are you resisting? What fears or doubts arise when you think about stepping into your intentions?
Dream your future into being:
What do you want to call into your life as the light begins to return? What is one step you can take to align with this vision?
Working with the Solstice energy for the year ahead:
12 days of intention setting: Here’s a step-by-step guide to work and amplify the energy of the Solstice:
1. Understand the 12 days:
From the Winter Solstice to the New Year, each of the 12 days represents a month in the year ahead. These days are a powerful time to reflect and set intentions.
2. Set the space:
Find a quiet, peaceful spot where you can connect with yourself. Sit comfortably, and take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
3. Focus on the Light:
Close your eyes and visualise the light of the Solstice shining over you. See it washing away any shadows or doubts, leaving you feeling clear and open.
4. Choose one Intention each day:
Every day, think about one area of your life you’d like to grow or improve. Write down a single, clear intention for that day—something meaningful to you.
5. Reflect and feel:
Take a moment to visualise this intention coming to life. How does it feel? Allow yourself to embrace the possibility of it becoming real. Connect your mind and heart…thats the secret.
6. Trust the process:
Repeat this each day for 12 days, by the end, you’ll have set intentions for each month of the year ahead.
