Winter Solstice

A Time of Pause and Renewal

The Winter Solstice happens on December 21st/22nd, it one of the four cosmic turning points in the year. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, symbolizing the end of the solar year and the promise of longer days returning. Starting on December 25th, the days grow longer by one minute each day until we reach the height of summer on the Summer Solstice.

I like to think of the Winter Solstice as the New Moon of the year—a time for fresh starts, reflection, and planting seeds for the future.

I like to think of the Winter Solstice as the New Moon of the year—a time for fresh starts, reflection, and planting seeds for the future. In this analogy, the Summer Solstice becomes the Full Moon, while the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes align with the Waxing and Waning Moons. These connections remind us that our personal growth is cyclical, mirroring the rhythms of the natural world.

The Winter Solstice is both an astronomical phenomenon and a mythological archetype—a time to honor the balance between darkness and light, reflection and renewal.

Astronomical Perspective: The Sun “Standing Still”

The word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). Around this time, the Sun appears to pause in its southward journey along the horizon, lingering at its lowest point in the sky for about three days. This “standstill” is a result of the Sun’s gradual shift along its ecliptic path, a near plateau in its movement before it begins its slow ascent northward.

While the Sun’s ascent technically begins immediately after the solstice, the change is so subtle that ancient cultures observed what seemed like a pause in time—a moment to reflect before the return of light became noticeable. When the sun starts to move again, we could say it is the return of the SUN.

Mythological Perspective: The Three Days of Stillness

For many ancient traditions, these three days symbolized a time of death and rebirth. The Sun was seen as resting or “dying,” only to be reborn on December 25th, a day widely celebrated as the return of light:

Yule

Celebrates the rebirth of the Sun God and the lengthening of days.

Christianity

December 25th marks the birth of Jesus, often viewed as the “light of the world” also known as the SON of God.

Saturnalia

A joyful time honoring Saturn, abundance, and renewal. Also did you know Saturn rules Capricorn? And that Capricorn season starts on the Winter Solstice?

This symbolic pause offers a powerful metaphor for our own lives—a chance to reflect on the year that has passed, let go of what no longer serves, and set intentions for the growing light of the new year.

Winter Solstice Ritual: A Reflective Tarot Journey

To honor this sacred time, consider combining reflection and intention-setting with tarot. Using the energy of the solstice, align your insights with the archetypal wisdom of the 12 zodiac signs.

Winter Solstice Tarot Spread: A Ritual for Reflection and Renewal

Winter Solstice Tarot Spread:

Shuffle your deck and draw one card for each of the 12 zodiac signs, using their motto as your prompt for reflection. Arrange the cards in a circle, starting with Capricorn at the top, and move counterclockwise (mirroring the zodiac wheel). Reflect on the message of each card and its connection to the zodiac’s energy:

Winter Solstice

1. Capricorn (I Use): What resources or tools are ready for you to use?

2. Aquarius (I Know): What insights or truths are guiding you forward?

3. Pisces (I Imagine): What dreams and visions are emerging for the new year?

   
   

   Spring Equinox

4. Aries (I Am): How can you embody your truest self in this moment?

5. Taurus (I Have): What strengths or values can you rely on?

6. Gemini (I Think): What thoughts or ideas need your attention or refinement?

   
   

   Summer Solstice

7. Cancer (I Feel): What emotions are calling for nurturing or release?

8. Leo (I Show): How can you share your light and creativity with the world?

9. Virgo (I Analyze): What aspects of your life could benefit from clarity or improvement?

   
   

   Autumn Equinox

10. Libra (I Balance): Where in your life is balance or harmony needed?

11. Scorpio (I Transform): What transformations are ready to unfold?

12. Sagittarius (I Seek): What knowledge or adventure is calling to you?

    
    

Reflect and Journal

After pulling the cards, take time to journal your insights for each zodiac sign. Notice patterns or recurring themes—what stands out as your focus for the coming year? Consider how these insights align with the solstice’s energy of release and renewal.

The Winter Solstice: The Cosmic New Year

The Winter Solstice is a powerful opportunity to honor the cycles of nature and your own life. Through reflection, ritual, and tarot, you can align yourself with the returning light, planting seeds for the year to come. As the Sun begins its slow ascent, remember that each day brings a little more light—both in the world and within yourself.

When Does the New Year Really Begin?

Did you know there are multiple ways to mark the New Year?

Different traditions, calendars, and celestial events offer unique opportunities to celebrate fresh starts. Here’s a breakdown of some key options:

1. The Cosmic New Year (Winter Solstice):

   The cosmos gives us its first New Year when the Sun enters Capricorn, around December 21st. Known as the Winter Solstice, this day marks the return of longer daylight in the Northern Hemisphere—a perfect moment for renewal.

2. The Gregorian New Year (January 1st):

   The calendar most of the world follows today, the Gregorian calendar, celebrates the New Year on January 1st. This date is largely a convention rooted in Roman tradition, but it’s widely recognized as a time to set goals and resolutions.

3. The Lunar Capricorn New Year:

   The New Moon in Capricorn, which occurs between December 21st and January 21st, offers another chance to align with a fresh start. This lunation marks an ideal moment to set grounded, ambitious intentions in sync with Capricorn’s energy.

4. The Chinese New Year:

   Rooted in lunar traditions, the Chinese New Year begins on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice, typically falling between January 21st and February 20th. It’s a vibrant celebration of renewal and preparation for the year ahead.

5. The Astrological New Year (Spring Equinox):

   For those who follow the zodiac, the New Year begins when the Sun enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, around March 20th. The Spring Equinox represents a time of balance, energy, and growth, aligning with nature’s renewal.

Are there other ways to mark the New Year? Cultures, traditions, and spiritual practices around the world offer a variety of perspectives. Each of the New Year's mentioned above offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, reset, and begin anew. Which resonates most with you?

May your solstice be filled with insight, intention, and renewal. Blessed Be! 🌑✨