Winter Solstice is a point of peak darkness. The longest night whispers to us to draw deep within, to go quiet so we can hear the call of our soul song.
The hushed blanket of night reminds us that in the dark there is much we cannot see or understand with our conscious mind- But we can feel, sense and ‘know’ what we need to, by tapping into our wise instincts and intuition.
Seeing in the dark requires different faculties than in the daylight. Instead of relying on surface appearances, logic and analysis, we must awaken to the wisdom of our body, heart and intuition to help us navigate the moment. We must honour and integrate our inner needs into our decisions about the future.
With Mercury retrograde, the end of a challenging year and Pluto nearing its end of a 15-year cycle in Capricorn, we are in a place of deep transition and reflection over these next few weeks. We are closing a chapter in preparation for a new cycle.
The past may now rear its head in many ways, reminding us of lessons we’ve already learned, things we’ve accomplished, what worked and what didn’t. Unfinished business may come up to be tended and released. Some things may naturally dissove or end, clearing space for a new chapter. The events of this time may serve to remind us of who we really are and how we’ve changed over time.
Acceptance is a word that keeps coming to my mind. This is a season for accepting the choices we’ve made, learning from the mistakes and painful experiences. We are urged to take responsibility for our lives and create the one we want to live, one small step at a time.
We’re in Crone/Elder season, and the Wise Old Ones remind us to be patient with ourselves as we process all of this. Take it slow, no need to rush, they say. Your healing and renewal are a necessary step towards growth. Sometimes we need to stop moving and simply be still or even take a detour to the past in order to move forward again.
The Old Ones may gaze sternly into our eyes, reminding us of our potential and urge us to stop habits that are holding us back- whether it’s letting negative self-talk, fears, old trauma or boundary issues control us.
They may gaze at us with lightheartedness and childlike joy, reminding us of the simple pleasures we may take for granted in our busy lives.
The Old Ones see deeply into our soul- our pain, longings, fears and insecurities. They take our hand in theirs and remind us that we are never alone. We are loved, and we too are Wise Old Ones in the making.
They ask us: How is this moment helping you to become wiser? What has this past year taught you?
If you wish for some inspiration/support to help you integrate the year’s lessons, read on for some oracle guidance…
Winter Solstice Oracle Reading:
In the spirit of the Old Ones, and Wise Crone energy, I’d like to offer you a reading from the ‘Wisdom of the Cailleach’ Oracle by Jane Brideson.
The Cailleach, also known as An Cailleach, An Cailleach Beara or Beira, is the Irish and Scottish Hag of Winter and Old Woman who shapes the land. She is responsible for storms and nasty weather, making mountains and preventing thaw. Her name means ‘veiled one’. She is associated with the cold, barren months of the year, while the goddess Brigid or Brìghde, is associated with the fertile, warm months.
Cailleach’s energy is strong this time of year, so let’s take heed of her wisdom.
Choose one card as your message of inspiration for this season…
You may wish to take a moment to ground and centre yourself first and ask “What do I need to embrace this Solstice?” Then Choose.
Once you’ve chosen a card, remember its number and then see below for the description! Descriptions in italic are from the author, Jane Brideson, followed by my own words.
- Fire Pit: Passion-Sacrifice-Creativity
- Passion, anger or strong emotions
- A sacrifice or an opportunity to release the past
- The spark of creativity, increase in enthusiasm and vigour.
- A time of power and intensity
Imagine you are sitting outside at a sacred fire pit on a cold winter’s night. As the flames dance and sparks fly, what do you feel? What ignites your own sacred flames within? The fire calls us to be brave, courageous, authentic. There’s no more denying how you really feel, or who you really are. It’s time to express yourself and channel your energy into productive, yet authentic actions. Time to do things that feed your passions and your physical energy. Feel yourself warming up from the inside out, your inner flame burning away false pretense and old selves. It is time to rise, to transform, to create anew!
2. Possibilities: Trust-Hope-Potential
- Hopes, dreams and plans for the future.
- Trust that all will be well in this moment.
- An opportunity to explore your potential.
- Time of optimism and freedom.
Imagine yourself bundled up nice and warm, standing in a peaceful forest under a starry winter sky. Gaze up at the beautiful vastness above you and allow yourself to feel the wonder and awe of a child. This is a big, wild universe, and sometimes we forget how much we have yet to experience and explore! Ask yourself ‘what if-?’ and let your imagination wander. It is easy to get stuck in limited thinking patterns as we grow older .This card asks you to open up to more. Let the perceived limitations fall for a moment and seek new possibilities for growth and expansion! What does your curious self wish to explore? Where can you expand your view of the world?
3. Ancestors: Origins-Forgiveness-The Past
- Your roots, your ancestors, your heritage.
- Lessons learned, time to move on.
- Understanding and forgiving your former self.
- Time to leave behind your past, old patterns and beliefs.
You come from a long lineage, which has brought you here today. What sings in the memory held in your blood and bones? We carry both trauma and gifts from our ancestors. Sometimes it can feel like a heavy weight, as we carry the past into the present. What inherited patterns are not serving you in this lifetime? What is it time to transmute and heal? What gifts have you been given that are asking to be expressed more in your life? Perhaps a little journey into the past is called for in order to move into your bright future. You hold the power to change the story and make a brighter path forward for your descendants and the generations to come. What legacy do you wish to leave behind? Your ancestors surround you in love and support you now on your path.
4. Harvest Hag
I am rowan berries on a thread, fleet footed hare beneath the moon, the keen-eyed, reaping blade.
I am the seed, sickle and the sheaf, ebb and flow of land and sun, life’s waxing and decrease.
I am your call to roam across the land, to fill your arms with grain and fruit, to reap your golden harvest, laughter, love and tears.
Gaze into the wise eyes of the Harvest Hag and be reminded of your own resourcefulness and abundance. You hold all that you need to create the life you desire. The sickle represents discernment and respect for that which you are reaping. Only take what is needed, and leave the rest to flourish on the Earth Mother’s body. Life is cyclical, and there are times to reap and times to sow. What abundance exists in your life? What bounty do you hold but have not yet put to use? What latent talents or abilities can you cultivate to help you move forward? Like the hare, you are fertile and can create abundance wherever you put your energy. Harvest your gifts and weave new magic!
5. Tribe: Community-Celebration-Support
- Family, chosen family or community
- The mutual support, comfort and help of friends
- Undertaking responsibility and assisting others.
- Time to celebrate and share with others.
You are not alone in how you are feeling. There are others who share your struggles and longings, who resonate with your energy, and await you in their circle. It may be time to let go of certain beliefs about yourself that hold you back from connecting with others. Perhaps you are afraid of an old pattern repeating or a wound re-opening. Perhaps you don’t feel you have anything to offer. Put these ideas to rest and remember your worthiness. It is safe to take the first step in re-connecting with your soul family. Join a class, a community event, or reach out to a friend for a phone call or cup of coffee. Join an online community if there is nothing local. Find others who share your values. We are stronger together!
6. Sun: Joy-Energy-Prosperity
- Happiness, warmth and good health.
- Good luck, success, a positive outcome
- A time to enjoy sunlit days, a holiday.
- Time for pleasure, fun and play.
Has life gotten to heavy or serious lately? While there will always be some heaviness in life, it doesn’t mean you need to carry it all the time. This card wants you to lighten up and create space for more light-heartedness and joy! If the lack of sunlight is affecting your mood, try using a full-spectrum lightbulb or visiting an indoor garden. Light candles, string up some extra holiday lights or add some fresh colours into your home. Perhaps it’s time for a sunny getaway or some more leisure time to do what nourishes you. Pleasure is our birthright and a certain amount is necessary in order to help you reach your long-term or serious goals. Time to release the burdens you no longer need to carry and make space for fun, lightness and laughter! Your body, heart and mind will thank you.
7. Mound: Solitude-Withdrawl-Inner Focus
- Need for solitude and privacy
- Meditation, an inner journey.
- Withdrawl into your inner world.
- Time for contemplation and assessment.
The sacred journey inward beckons. You have given your energy to the outside world plenty, and now it’s time to focus on your inner self and your spiritual path. There are times in life where we cannot go forward or grow until we stop and take the time to do our own healing. Most spiritual practices involve a time of withdrawl or solitude away from the bustle of the outside world in order to hear the inner voice and come to a greater self-understanding. It is in these journeys that we can process our past, accept our present and contemplate the future, gaining a fresh perspective on life itself. The wise know when to turn inward to find the satisfaction they may have been seeking outside themselves. Create a sanctuary for your soul, protect your boundaries and delve into the mysteries of your inner world.
May you be held in the loving embrace of the Elders and Wise Ones this Solstice.
May you find comfort, hope and peace as the longest night births the light again.
May your inner wisdom grow!
xo
Serena