As I publish this blog post, it’s the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night in the northern hemisphere. This year’s solstice is extra special as it also coincides with December’s full moon and a meteor shower. A coinciding full moon and winter solstice is rare and won’t occur again until 2029.

If you’re a follower of moon energy like I am, you know that the full moon with the solstice is a powerful combination! It’s like the heavens are sharing with us the most incredible fireworks show. In fact, this energy is perfect for leveraging your creative power.

How can you harness the power and celebrate today?

Three rituals to honor the solstice

1. A tradition that dates back centuries is to light candles to chase away the darkness. I love—capital LOVE—candles and the soft illumination they bring. This is a day to splurge on candlelight! Try writing under the flickering light and see what shows up on your page. It’s the perfect time to go inside. Use these prompts to get you started: Today, I will celebrate________. I choose to forgive _________.
2. Because this year’s solstice is extremely powerful, it’s a great day to celebrate and practice self-love. Why? One reason is that which we celebrate grows. I don’t know about you, but I could certainly use to amplify celebrating and increasing self-care. The holidays and year-end tend to be busy-busy-busy. Here’s your permission slip to go get your nails done, get a massage, or grab a book and curl up by the fire with a cup of tea (or hot chocolate with mini marshmallows).
3. A solstice ritual dating back to pagan times includes dancing. I don’t know about you, but dancing always gets me into the vortex. So put on some great music, turn it up loud, and dance! Consider doing so by candlelight and feel the magic inside you growing. Although not a great dance song, check out Mary Chapin Carpenter’s song, The Longest Night of the Year.

Revel in the magic

Be sure to soak up the beautiful energy and et outside to witness the moonlight falling over skeleton trees. Look for meteors showering the sky like falling rain.

I look at the timing of these celestial events as an invitation to slow down and absorb the natural wonder all around. From my family to yours, wishing you a peaceful and joyful holiday season!