As we come into a New Moon on Dec 19th and the Winter Solstice on December 21st, we have arrived to the tender threshold of an end and the beginning of both the lunar and solar cycle.
We may be arriving bone-tired, processing grief and old wounds, but we have arrived. Perhaps we’re feeling reflective, inspired, hopeful, optimistic or perhaps a bit anxious or uncertain. Or all of this and more. We are held in the dark womb of rebirth now, as we await the return of the light of Solstice and its slow increase over the months to come.
Even if the months to come are colder, here in the northern hemisphere, the light’s return offers us new clarity, hope and healing to pave the way for new adventures and manifestations that begin in the spring.
Winter may seem ‘barren’, yet I don’t believe this is true. This dark womb season is teeming with potential- energy in waiting. Possibilities. Dreams. Old stories being composted into new adventures. An old self evolving into a new one. Some dreams will be ripe for manifesting this year, and others not quite yet. There is new life incubating beneath the surface- we just can’t see it. There is still much mystery, asking us to trust in the invisible, the life fruiting behind the scenes.
The darkness is what makes the light known and seen. When we struggle, it becomes most clear what really matters, what holds us up through hard times, and what is worth building upon.
The light represents our inner spark- that which holds meaning, what keeps us going through the dark months ahead. This often comes in the form of inspiration, our faith, and anything which warms our heart- simple creature comforts, to spending time with loved ones, pets, nature or a dream of a more equitable society.
The quiet and inward energy of the Winter season clarifies things for us- it brings into focus what warms us when we’re cold, what lights us up when we’re down, and what rises up into focus when we’re less distracted. If we actually let ourselves slow down enough to notice, we glean wisdom and self-knowledge necessary to build more fulfilling lives and set more authentic goals.
Winter Solstice initiates Capricorn season. This ambitious and pragmatic earth sign holds much wisdom for us to glean beyond its what our capitalist society often points out about it- it’s much more than money and business. Capricorn is the wise elder archetype. They knows what holds meaning, how to care for our elders- the elder within and elders in our lives. They understand the importance of being a good ancestor and creating a legacy- in whatever form that takes. They teach us how to pull up our spiritual strength from within and not only survive but thrive during the winter seasons of our lives. Capricorn shows us the importance of history and how to patiently weave a tapestry of experience that serves not only us but those who come after.
Capricorn season also teaches us that our goals must align with who we truly are, rather than who we think we should be. A healthy dose of realism is helpful during this season, as we may need to take baby steps towards our dreams, and tend the foundations before setting forth on a high energy-consuming path. Our goals for the next few weeks may need to involve more self-care, gentleness, slowness and presence than we see in our visions of the future. The reality is often a bit slower than our vision would like.
With each passing day this season as we head towards Imbolc in early February, we get a bit more light, a bit more clarity on the path we are on and where we’d like to go. Despite cultural pressures to begin brand new regimens and attain rigid goals starting in January, we don’t need to rush or have it all figured out yet. This is not the way of nature.
Nature asks us to take our time digesting, reflecting, grounding into the present moment. New visions will dawn on us. New desires will stir. A pathway forward will become clear. But this must happen on its own. Nature trusts this process and asks that we do too. We will sprout and grow again, in new ways and in perfectly orchestrated divine natural timing.
Some simple ways of honoring this time are:
- Deciding to get a bit more rest- go to bed early or sleep in or just sit down and relax intentionally without distraction in your day
- Meditate
- Go for a walk in nature
- Listen to calming music
- Journaling or reflection
- Light a candle and say a prayer for yourself, others, and welcome the Sun and the light’s rebirth
- Intuitive movement, drawing or art
- Yoga or breathwork
- Oracle card/Tarot reading
An Cailleach & Oracle Reading:
The Celtic Goddess An Cailleach is the ancient giantess ruling over the cold and dark season. Her name means ‘Veiled one’ emphasizing the mysterious aspect of the season. An Cailleach is the One Who Shapes the Land, tends animals, creates winter storms and bestows sovereignty on Kings. She is mysterious, powerful, wise and commands respect. She teaches us to open to the mystery, to access our inner strength, respect the land’s wisdom and open to new dimensions within and without.
For the Winter Solstice Oracle Reading, I always favor this deck by Jane Brideson- Wisdom of the Cailleach. The imagery is so beautiful and powerful. May you be guided by its wisdom as well as your own as you navigate this magickal season!
Now, take 3 deep relaxing breaths. Once you’re calm take a look at the cards below and ask ‘what do I need to know for this Solstice Season?’ And choose a card. Scroll down for the description. Words in italics are by me and the rest are by the author.
Remember that number and scroll down to find it’s meaning!
- Change- Transformation, Rebirth, Restoration
Change, rebirth, evolution. Chance, coincidence, a surprise or unexpected event. An opportunity to begin afresh. A realization or insight that reshapes your life.
Are you ready for a shift? Change is in the air. Be open and flexible. This year, 2026, is also a Wheel of Fortune year, emphasizing change. If things have been heavy, things will now lighten up. If things have felt slow, they may speed up. If you’ve been struggling, you’ll soon find ease. This is a great time to experiment, try something new, even something very small, like visiting a new neighborhood, town or taking a new class or reading about a subject that interests you. Be open to new ideas, possibilities and allow yourself to explore new territory. The hare is intuitive, instinctive, fertile and connected to the moon. Life moves in cycles- it’s time to let go of the past. Rebirth is imminent. Let your intuition lead the way and leap into the unknown!
2. First Shoots- Birth, beginnings, growth.
An awakening to new possibilities, a new start. Birth and growth of new ideas. An opportunity to learn new skills or put new ideas into practice. Time to emerge and take the first step.
This time is calling you trust what you feel stirring and emerging deep within. There is new life waiting for the right moment to burst through and show themselves in the light! This card holds a bit more of an Imbolc or even Spring energy to it, so for you, there is likely to be an early sense of renewal and growth this season. Something you’ve been working on behind the scenes may begin to show promise. You may feel new ideas stirring and calling to be expressed in a vision board, or plan for the near future. You may notice your energy increasing as the season goes on and new opportunities begin to show up. If you have creative aspirations or something you’ve been wanting to try or start working on, give it a go! This is a time to begin those baby steps forward, and trust the energy for it will be there.
3. Rest- Recuperation, patience, retirement.
Rest and refreshment. Withdraw from a situation, patience and restraint is needed so reserve your judgement. Resignation or retirement from work. A time to recover health and stability.
This card holds the traditional wisdom of wintertime, as it calls for you to slow down and allow some stillness, rest and recuperation. You’ve been working hard, perhaps struggling, fighting or pushing out too much energy, and now you can put down your sword, your responsibilities, your load, and just rest. What comforts you? Where can you make some space in your schedule to do less? Do you have supportive relaxation and sleep rituals that help you slow down and get a good night’s rest? This is the time to nourish your body, mind and soul by letting go and relaxing in the Great Mother’s dark womb to be renewed. Enjoy some alone time, and curl up in comfort. Take time off work for a solo retreat if needed. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for new activities once you’ve recuperated. Enjoy!
4. Moon- Intuition, dreams, illusion
Imagination, inner vision, creativity. Recognition of your body’s cycle and energy levels. Heightened awareness, insight and understanding. A time to use your intuition and follow your dreams.
There is magick in the air here! What a wonderful time to start tapping into your intuition more and taking more time to journal your insights! Do you record your nighttime dreams? This may be a good idea in order to gain wisdom that will help you navigate this season. Do you have any creative hobbies that nourish your soul and express your spirit? How often do you gaze out at the moon? Take some time to be outside this season and let the moonlight bathe you in each of her phases. Notice how each phase affects your mood and your energy levels. We are cyclical beings and flow with the tides. Understanding this flow allows us to accept change and flow with it rather than holding rigid to unnatural structures or ideals. Practice tapping into your cyclical, intuitive wisdom as it arises rather than logic or doing things out of habit and notice what changes.
5 . Sovereignty
I am
Mighty stag, doe in fawn.
fierce guardian of the herd.
I am
your pathway to wild places, your solace, grief and savage spirit.
My worn hands and soothing song
shall lead you over sacred hills, through thickets of uncoiling ferns
By twisted track to find hearts’ ease
Deep in the valley of my embrace.
The Cailleach is a sovereignty goddess which means she is essentially the spirit of the land itself. In Celtic traditions it was necessary for prospective kings to be approved of. In a ritual- often with a female representative of the sovereignty goddess, through marriage or sexual union she bestowed him with kingship. Respect for the land (and feminine energy) was necessary for a king to be worthy of his throne. Sovereignty can also speak to owning your own self and space sacred, and respecting your needs and boundaries. How can you bring sovereignty into your life now? Do you feel connected to the land you walk on? How is the relationship between you and the land? Your relationship with yourself? Love, respect and protection are energies to explore here. You may wish to spend more time outdoors, connecting with nature, and/or respect your own needs and boundaries more.
6. 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.
How often do you gaze up at the sky in awe? This card helps us connect to our inner child and the part of us that still wants to wish upon a star. Keeping a sense of awe and wonder are key as we get older and think we have things figured out. There is always more to learn, and the great mystery never ceases to surprise us, if we are open and curious. What kinds of possibilities do you see for yourself in the future? Can you expand them a little more? What if the future is even brighter than you imagined? Hold a positive vision for yourself and your future. There is so much shifting in the world right now that things that weren’t possible before could be now. Dream, vision, stargaze and believe in the beauty you see and wish to create.
Did your card resonate? I hope it did. May this Winter Solstice season bring you so many gifts of rest, warmth, hope and renewal and we rebirth the light and open to new paths forward in 2026!
Blessings,
Serena
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