The Shortest Day & the Longest night!
Embracing the Magic of the Winter Solstice
As the longest night of the year approaches, the Winter Solstice invites us into a time of stillness, reflection, and rebirth. This ancient turning point marks the return of the light, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the promise of renewal is always there.
For centuries, women have gathered during this sacred time, lighting candles, sharing stories, and honouring the rhythms of nature. It’s a moment to pause, to breathe, and to reconnect — with ourselves, with each other, and with the cycles of the Earth.
The solstice isn’t just a celestial event; it’s an invitation to look inward. What has this year taught you? What do you need to release to make space for what’s to come? Just as trees shed their leaves, we too are called to release, trusting that the bare branches of winter will soon bud with new life.
Wintering as a Journey
At Sacred Sister, we honour the art of “wintering” — the practice of slowing down and embracing the gifts of the season. Winter is a time for deep rest, reflection, and intentional connection. It’s a season that whispers: “Come home to yourself.”
Bringing Nature Into Your Home
Winter is the perfect time to invite the beauty and grounding energy of nature into your home. One of the simplest ways is by making a solstice wreath. Gather evergreen branches, pinecones, holly, and berries while foraging, and weave them into a circle to symbolize the eternal cycles of nature. Hang your wreath as a reminder of the light and life that persist even in the depths of winter.
You can also collect items like cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and rosemary to create fragrant garlands or add them to your solstice altar. These small touches bring the outdoors in, filling your home with warmth and seasonal scents.
What to Forage
If you’re heading out for a winter walk, keep an eye out for:
Evergreens: Pine, fir, or cedar branches for wreaths and decorations.
Berries: Holly or mistletoe (be cautious as some berries are toxic!).
Pinecones: Perfect for centrepieces or fire starters.
Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are abundant in winter and great for both cooking and rituals.
Foraging connects us to the rhythms of the land, helping us feel more in tune with the solstice energy.
Recipe for a Solstice Warmer Drink
Create a cosy drink to share during your solstice celebrations:
Spiced Winter Solstice Apple Juice
Ingredients:
1 litre of apple juice
1 orange, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
2 star anise
A small piece of fresh ginger, sliced
Honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the apple juice, orange slices, and spices.
Simmer gently on low heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse.
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Strain and serve warm in mugs, garnished with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick.
This drink will fill your home with the comforting scents of winter and warm your heart.
Essential Oils for the Solstice Season
Essential oils can enhance your solstice rituals and create a soothing atmosphere in your space. Some of our favourite oils for winter include:
Frankincense: Grounding and spiritual, perfect for meditation.
Cedarwood: Connects us to the forest and brings a sense of stability.
Orange: Uplifting and warm, a reminder of the returning sun.
Clove: Comforting and protective, great for clearing energy.
Diffuse these oils individually or blend them together to create your own solstice scent. You can also add a few drops to candles or bathwater for an extra touch of magic.
The Gift of Community
During the darkest days, connection becomes our guiding light. Sacred Sister is a home for women who long to gather in community, to heal old wounds, and to walk together on a path of empowerment and love. Our spaces are designed to help you feel seen, heard, and supported.
From our solstice-inspired rituals to journaling prompts and guided meditations, every offering is crafted to hold you in this sacred season. Imagine sitting in circle, candles flickering, voices raised in song or quiet prayer, each of us weaving threads of connection into a tapestry of sisterhood.
You’re Invited
This Winter Solstice, we invite you to join us on a transformative 6-week Wintering Journey. This private offering includes a nurturing Facebook group, meditations, rituals, and connection-focused activities designed to guide you through the season with intention and grace.
Winter Solstice Opening Ceremony : A live, virtual circle to honour the light within and around us, this coming Sunday 22nd at 7pm
As the solstice approaches, let’s come together to honour this sacred time. Let’s light our candles, set our intentions, and step into the promise of a new season, hand in hand.
Ready to Begin Your Wintering Journey?
Explore our offerings and join the Sacred Sister community today. Together, we’ll embrace the magic of the solstice and walk into the light of a new year.
