As we near the end of the first month of winter (at least in the Southern Hemisphere), it definitely feels like winter. Last time I wrote about nature was in late autumn, and I mentioned that the air has a chill to it. Now the air is all chill. The Winter Solstice is here.
As I write this I can hear the rain outside and see it falling steadily. Our frequently visiting backyard pigeons often perch on the half of the small clothesline that’s under cover, until the rain subsides and they’re able to fly again without getting too waterlogged.
During these rainy and colder months, in the warmth of my cosy place of residence, I write, read, and drink tea. I knit and watch YouTube videos to learn and watch TV to switch my overactive brain down a gear. During winter I get in touch with my inner cottage hedge witch and inner nature child. I use this month as a time of reflection, personal growth, and turning inward and becoming a homebody hermit (even more than usual!), or as much of a homebody hermit as my obligations permit.
An adventure to nature
Recently I visited and stayed at my parent’s place for an important birthday of a family member for which we had a bonfire gathering. It also happened to be my birthday that weekend.
While I was up there I spent time appreciating nature. I went for a walk down a familiar road, past the forest that I frequented and always seemed magical at this time of year. Unfortunately, all that’s there now is land with the remnants of fallen burned pines from the bushfires a couple of years ago, and evidence of human machinery activity. When I walk past I still feel some uncomfortable grief twinges.
Further down the road, and as far as I went that morning, was a creek flowing, creating small beautiful waterfalls that felt alive with fairy activity.
The image above was actually taken elsewhere in the same week for illustration purposes. I was too immersed in nature to remember to take pictures on the walk I described!
Anyone who says that winter is a time of things dying I’d urge to get out in nature if weather permits – things may look still and dead, but to me it’s a time of much aliveness, just hidden and more subtle.
Autumn leaves at this point are still hanging on, but some fierce winds will likely rustle the last few to the ground.
At night I shared my bed with my cat Sapphy and I spent some quality time with my mum’s cat Sylvie.
The day of the party was cold, but the rain held off long enough for people to enjoy the bonfire, which was slow to start but eventually became established and very warming.
Facing the bonfire when it was mainly glowing embers and some low flames made me think about the previous bonfires that we’d had, where I’d come laden with papers of old writings and journals that were ceremoniously burned (and a looooot of stuff from my school days!). But this time, I had nothing to burn and just enjoyed it.
Turning 28
It doesn’t seem like a big jump, but there was something about going from 27 to 28 years old that seemed big. The day before my birthday, I treated it like New Year’s Eve, because as of this year I figured it makes more sense to have my New Year’s Day on my birthday.
I know logically and for the purposes of societal and calendar time-marking ease, that New Year’s Eve and Day on December 31st and January 1st respectively make sense. But to me now getting in touch more with the cycles astrologically, naturally, numerologically, and spiritually, it personally makes more sense to celebrate this time of beginning from my birthday each year.
I’m beginning a new seven year cycle, a new chapter of life if you will. The day before my birthday, I drew up my numerology, I charted some astrology, and I did many a card reading. I reflected on what I’d done and achieved the past year, internally and externally. Then I set some intentions for what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be this coming year; how I wanted to show up in the world.
It also happens to occur just before the Winter Solstice, which to me is a sacred time.
What the Winter Solstice (Yule) is all about to me
Yule is a special time for many spiritual people attuned to nature and the earth. To me, it represents an ‘out with the old in with the new’ mentality, consolidating the letting go in autumn of what was no longer necessary.
It’s about turning within, getting cosy, finding comfort in the home and those you’re close to. It’s a time of reflection, as I described above with my birthday/New Year practices.
The celebration of this and other important points in the cycles of the year is a quiet solitary practice that I undertake personally in ways that feel right for me in my solitary (still largely inside-the-broom-closet) cottage witchery practice.
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Questions!
What’s happening in your part of the world?
Does anyone have any winter solstice practices or traditions?
Do you have a special way that you mark or celebrate your own birthday?
Let me know in the comments below, or reach out to me at [email protected].
I’d love to know your quiet thoughts.
Winter solstice blessings and much love to you all,
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