Five Simple Solstice Rituals that Won't Kill Your Joy

This time of year is usually filled with plenty of stress, pressure, and "not enough" guilt, no matter how you celebrate. So when it comes to honoring the Winter Solstice, I think the last thing any of us needs is a complicated bunch of bullshit to pile on top of our already too-long holiday to-do list. 

But I do think it helps to pause and reflect on the year that's passing, and the Solstice is a great time to do that. The final longest night of the year, every day after it will be longer and, eventually, warmer. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest days, there will still be light, even when it doesn’t feel like it will ever return. I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use some of that energy right now.

In lieu of something overly complicated that requires preparation and adds to your already over-encumbered schedule, I’ve prepared five different options for celebrating the Solstice, ranging from “this requires a little bit of effort” to “I can literally do this right now.”

(I've given each ritual a spiciness rating, because I refer to my neurodivergent brain as "spicy brain." The spiciness level indicates how challenging you might find them to do, and whether I have listed tools for them or not. They are listed from least spicy to most spicy.)

Option 1: Simple Gratitude & Release
Spicy Level: 🫑

Wherever you are, if you can, close your eyes. If you can’t, that’s fine, too. 

Take a deep breath in and out. Allow the weight of this year to surface. Thank this year, regardless of how you feel about it. 

Now wish it well as you say goodbye and move forward into the new year. Remember that light and hope always return, even on the darkest of days.

Take another deep breath in and out, and if you closed your eyes, open them.

Keep this point as a marker in your mind. The old year is now dead, the new one is born. Move into the rest of your day with this knowledge as a mini refresh in your heart and mind.

Optional Spice-Up: Add a ritual shower or bath, either while you're taking this moment or after, to physically represent cleansing yourself of the old year. Take it to the next level with some Cleanse and Banish intention spray and/or oil.

Option 2: Hot Cocoa Visualization 
Spicy Level: 🌶️

Make a cup of your favorite something (hot cocoa, tea, a hot toddy, whatever). Get nice and cozy somewhere you really like to be. Blankets and slippers are always nice additions, if you like them. Lighting a candle can also help, if it's safe to do so.

As you stir your drink, breathe in deeply. Sink into your body by tuning into your senses - how the drink smells, the warmth of the mug in your hands, the steam on your face as you breathe onto the liquid surface. 

Allow yourself to acknowledge all you have been through this year - what you have survived, and what has lit you up. Simply be with that for a moment. Then give thanks to yourself and to the year for getting through it, for being alive. Even if you don't feel grateful for everything that happened, you're still here, and for now, that can be enough.

As you begin to sip your drink, think of what you want to create in the new year. Imagine your life as vividly as possible, as you’d like it to be. Who is there? What does it feel like? Where are you? Don’t be afraid to dream big. 

Now, think of what you will have to leave behind to get these things, if anything. The Solstice is about releasing what no longer serves us and setting intentions for the future. The goal is not to punish yourself, but rather to begin thinking about what it would help to let go of moving forward.

Sit with these things as you finish your drink. Take a deep breath, and move into the rest of your day, knowing your intentions are already at work.

Option 3: Make a Vision Board
Spicy Level: 🌶️ - 🌶️🌶️

I know, I know, vision boards are so prevalent they’re almost cliche. But they are fun, and they do tend to be pretty effective, at least at getting all your ideas out. 

You can do this one digitally or physically, it’s up to you. Personally I like to use Pinterest’s collage feature because it’s easy, I can save it to my phone, and print it out or save it as my wallpaper if I want. 

The point is to think about things you want to draw into your life in the new year, and gather representations of them together in one place. You can get super crafty and do this with magazine cut-outs on posterboard, or just by writing things down on a piece of printer paper. Fingerpaint if you want to! It doesn’t really matter, so long as it represents to you what you want to create.

Just make sure to spend some time thinking about what you really want before you start - not just “more money” (though that’s great, too) but how you want to feel, where you want to go, etc. 

Braindump it wherever your moodboarding. Have fun!!

When you’re done, place it somewhere you’ll see it regularly, and smile.

Option 4: Releasing and Manifesting with Candle Magick
Spicy Level: 🌶️ 🌶️

Tools:*
1 black candle
1 gold or yellow candle
2 pieces of paper
A pen

* Remember that everything we use is literally just a tool. Your intention is the biggest thing that matters. If you don’t have a specific item, replace it with something you do have that makes sense to you, or forego it altogether. Also, if something doesn’t feel right to you, don’t use it! Witchcraft is personal. Honor your own self.

In a safe and quiet space, take out your materials. Ground yourself in the space by feeling your feet on the floor or earth. (Using a grounding ritual oil and/or spray can also help, if you like scents.) Take a breath in and release it. 

On the first piece of paper, write down a short list of 1-5 things you no longer want in your life. Fold it away from you three times and place it on your work surface furthest from you. Light the black candle, saying, “With this fire, I release what no longer serves me.” Then set the candle down on top of the paper.

On the second piece of paper, write down a short list of 1-5 things you want to see manifested in your life. Fold it towards you three times and place it on your work surface closer to you. Light the yellow or gold candle, saying, “With this fire, I ignite hope and passion for new dreams and adventures.” Then set the candle down on top of the paper. 

Gaze into the candles flames, imagining your obstacles, negative energy, and things that no longer serve you burning away, while your new hopes and dreams are ignited into a roaring bonfire. Let this fill you with warm energy.

Allow the candles to burn down all the way, or snuff them safely and bury them somewhere on your property. (Throw them out if that’s not an option.)

Option 5: Journaling Reflection
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Find a comfy place to sit. I usually do my ritual and spellwork at my writing desk, which is near my altar and is in my creative work space, but set up wherever you can have some quiet, undisturbed time to yourself.

If you have incense or a candle you’d like to burn, do so. I like warm, spicy scents this time of year, like cinnamon, clove, and orange, but go with whatever feels right or that you just like. (Personally, Cozy Witch is one of my favorites.) Electric wax melters and diffusers are a great alternative if you can’t have combustibles in your home. 

Take out a journal. Reflect on the prompt: "What did I do this past year that I’m proud of?" This can be anything from “I bought a new house” to “I finally bought myself that watercolor set I’ve been wanting.” Go back through your year in your head (use your phone photos if necessary) and really write it all out.

Once that feels complete, respond to the prompt: “What did I want to do that I didn’t?” The key here is gentleness and compassion. Don’t use this to beat yourself up. We’re just taking inventory of wishes and dreams that have yet to be fulfilled and are still on your mind as the year closes.

Now, respond to the prompt: “What do I want to leave behind?” This can be anything from “my shitty ex” to “I’m tired of avoiding making doctor’s appointments when I need to.” Anything that feels heavy and you don’t want to carry anymore, put it here. Just acknowledging you don’t want it anymore is the first step in beginning to let it go. Again, be gentle, kind, and loving with yourself. You’re learning.

Finally, ask yourself: “What do I want to bring into my life?” Don’t just think about tangible things, like a job, a new partner, or a new pair of shoes (though those are all valid). Think about emotional and spiritual desires, as well. What is your soul calling for? What lights you up inside when you think about it?

When you’re done, close your journal. Close your eyes, and put your hand over your heart. Take several deep breaths in and out. Thank yourself for taking the time to honor yourself in this way. Allow whatever you’re burning to burn all the way out, or turn off your melter or diffuser, knowing your intentions are already well underway.

Optional Spice-Up: Finish up with a ritual bath or shower with some self-love ritual oil and/or spray to slough off the old and seal in your intention to move forward with love and compassion towards yourself.