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The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. It typically occurs around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. This natural event signals a turning point as the days slowly lengthen again, bringing more light and warmth with each passing day. 

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the winter solstice is closely tied to the season’s yin energy—a time of stillness, rest, and introspection. During this time, we are encouraged to align with nature’s rhythms by slowing down, conserving energy, and reflecting on the years past. In this post, I explore the deeper significance of the solstice and how it offers an opportunity for both personal reflection and energetic realignment, helping us to embrace the quiet, restorative power of winter before the return of the sun.

Winter Solstice: A Natural Shift to Yin Energy

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long embraced an energetic map that aligns the body’s physical and emotional states with the natural world’s rhythms. This map is the foundation of practices like acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese herbalism. In TCM, the belief is that our bodies and minds are a microcosm of the larger world around us. When we’re in harmony with nature’s cycles, we experience balance and wellness in our physical and emotional health. This is especially true during the winter season.

Winter, in TCM, is associated with the most yin energy—cool, introspective, receptive, and adaptive. It’s a time when the external, active energy of summer gives way to a deeper, quieter phase of rest and conservation. Just as animals hibernate and conserve energy for the colder months, winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and replenish. If you’ve been running full speed ahead through the summer and fall, you might notice that your motivation wanes during the winter. You might feel more sluggish or even a little “blah,” and this is perfectly in line with the seasonal shift.

The Body’s Response: Meridians and Emotions

Winter also connects to specific meridians in the body, which are like rivers of energy that nourish our organs. These meridians are associated with the bladder and kidney. The bladder meridian, in particular, holds emotions, much like our physical bladder stores waste until it’s time to release. If you’re not allowing yourself to process or express your feelings, you may feel tense, especially in your back. 

It’s no surprise that many people experience back pain or stiffness during the winter months when they’re resisting this emotional release. Similarly, the kidney meridian is related to our life force, or “qi.” When we’re out of alignment with the seasonal energy, our kidney qi can weaken, leading to feelings of low willpower, diminished ambition, and a noticeable energy drop, especially as the days grow shorter.

Realigning with the Season: The Power of Solstice Rituals

This shift can be surprising, even overwhelming. The natural inclination is to continue “go, go, go” as the world around us celebrates the holiday season, but winter asks us to embrace rest and reflection. Taking the time to slow down is often foreign to many of us as the pressure of a busy schedule builds. It’s one of the reasons I love hosting solstice ceremonies. These ceremonies create a sacred space for us to realign with the season, reflect on the year’s journey, and cultivate a deeper sense of rest, which so many of us desperately need.

But what happens when you’re out of alignment with the season? Or when you’re resisting the energetic shift into rest? It can be disorienting—like trying to turn too quickly on a basketball court or a car skidding on ice. Slowing down, however, is the key to making this transition smoothly. Just like when you bring your vehicle to a complete stop, the winter solstice offers us a moment to pause and realign with the season’s energy.

You can register for my solstice ceremony here.

The Overlap of Yule and Christmas

The Winter Solstice, or Yule, is the shortest day of the year. It marks a significant moment in the seasonal cycle when the sun begins its return, slowly bringing more light with each passing day. While many people associate Yule with the return of light, it’s fascinating to note that many of the traditions we recognize at Christmas today have deep roots in Yule. 

Over the centuries, Yule celebrations and Christmas customs have blended, particularly after monarchies in Christianized countries imposed Christianity on their people, shifting old Yule practices into new Christmas traditions. 

In fact, the word “Yule” itself became synonymous with Christmas around the 9th century. So, it’s no wonder that the two holidays share so many common themes, from decorations to feasts to the idea of bringing light back into the world.

In ancient Yule celebrations, a massive log, known as the Yule log, was kept burning throughout the entire celebration to mark the sun’s return. This tradition of fire and light is echoed in modern-day Christmas celebrations, such as the lighting of Christmas trees and the use of candles. Even the act of lighting a Christmas tree can be seen as a symbolic representation of welcoming the return of the sun, signaling the start of a new season.

This connection to fire and light can also be seen in other winter holidays, such as Hanukkah, which is also centered around the theme of light—specifically, the miraculous burning of the menorah candles. It’s intriguing to see how different cultures and traditions, whether it’s Yule, Christmas, or Hanukkah, all share a focus on light, marking the triumph of light over darkness in their unique ways.

Celebrating Yule in a Modern Context

What makes Yule such an accessible holiday for many people, regardless of their religious beliefs, is its strong connection to nature and the cycles of the Earth. You don’t have to be a practicing pagan or follow a specific tradition to celebrate Yule. For many, it’s simply a way to honor the changing of the seasons, reflect on the year past, and look forward to the return of the light. This makes Yule a great starting point for anyone looking to incorporate elements of the Wheel of the Year into their spiritual practices, as it overlaps with many of the Christmas traditions already celebrated by countless people.

Whether you’re gathering for a Christmas feast or lighting a tree, you’re already participating in traditions that echo the ancient rituals of Yule, which honor the natural world and the cycle of light. For those who might not feel a strong connection to the religious aspects of Christmas, Yule offers an opportunity to engage in the holiday season in a way that feels more aligned with nature’s rhythms and less focused on the commercialized aspects of the holiday.

The Yule Goat

Now, here’s something I recently discovered that I can’t wait to share: the Yule Goat! This Swedish tradition has its roots in ancient pagan festivals and is tied to the return of the sun and the worship of gods like Njord and Thor. While the exact origins are a bit murky, the Yule Goat has evolved into a modern Christmas symbol. It’s typically a straw goat adorned with red ribbons and is often displayed under or near the Christmas tree. In some places, giant versions of the Yule Goat are erected in towns during the holidays.

Rest as a Radical Act

In the midst of the holiday rush, one of the most important things we can do is rest. Rest has always been important, but in today’s world, it feels especially radical. Our society often glorifies being busy, but rest allows us to replenish our energy and honor our bodies. As we transition from one year to the next, consider making rest a priority. Whether it’s slowing down or taking a mental break, rest can help reset our intentions and make space for the new year ahead. One way you can rest is by joining me in my Winter Solstice Ceremony, you can find out more information about it here.

Refresh your Altars and Offerings

As we approach the winter solstice, I find it’s a great time to refresh my personal altars, offerings, and even my money bowls. The solstice marks the longest night of the year, but it’s also the return of the light—a time to set new intentions and to honor the Earth’s cycles. Whether it’s adding new seasonal decorations or taking a moment to reflect on what I want to manifest in the coming months, this is a time for renewal.

If you live in a colder climate, one fun way to celebrate is by collecting snow. Snow water can be used in spells, rituals, or as a symbol of purification. It’s a simple but powerful way to connect with the season and the elements around us.

Summary

As we navigate this time of year, it’s important to honor the old and the new, blending them in ways that resonate with our current lives. Whether you’re lighting a fire, refreshing your altar, or finding joy in quirky traditions like the Yule Goat, remember that this season is about connection, reflection, and rest.

I hope that as you celebrate the solstice and the holiday season, you’ll find ways to honor both the rhythms of the Earth and the love and joy shared with family and friends. Embrace the changing seasons with rest, ritual, and celebration. After all, it’s not just about the holidays—it’s about nurturing the light within and welcoming the new year with open arms.

Join us in community to celebrate the solstice and align your mind, body, and energy with the Winter season ahead, find out more about the ceremony here.