Solstice Ritual for Your Guiding Light
We have finally reached the end of the difficult, intense, and transformational year of 2020. The darkness of the December new moon has fallen, and we are approaching the winter solstice. Many of us have experienced loss and pain this year. My heart is heavy with grief over the recent passing of my beloved grandmother. Yet I know that within every sorrow lives the seed of the new. Even in the dark, the smallest light shines brightly. That was my grandmother’s spirit—she loved to cry, laugh, and sing, for both joy and grief, right up until the very last days of her life. I feel the same way.
I find comfort and inspiration in these wise words from Danish poet Brorson:
"When the heart is heaviest, the harp of joy is strung—ready to sound more beautifully than ever."
Our mourning and wakefulness in the darkness open our hearts to deeper joy, meaning, and love. Darkness is fertile, and right now something new can be born within you, between us, and around the earth—like a bright star in the winter night sky. Ancient nature-based traditions also teach that the winter solstice holds special powers to send dream visions, intuition, and clarity about what is coming from the deep, fertile darkness. Think of a seed germinating in rich, dark soil, or a baby growing in the womb. Even in a dark night when we lie awake feeling lost and unsettled, clarity, decisions, and a path forward can appear like a shining star in the black sky. From that clarity, our deepest desires can gradually take root in daily life.
This ritual is designed to harness that power. It allows you to release the old year, reconnect with your guiding star, and plant potent seeds that can grow in 2021. It combines art therapy, shamanic practice, and neuroaffective self-healing into one simple, powerful exercise. I would love to hear from you—your reflections, photos, or music inspired by this ritual. I will be joining you in spirit as you do it.
The Ritual
Feel free to adapt any detail; the frame is flexible. When I suggest drawing or writing, you may also choose to dance or sing. The ritual is simple and takes about an hour. You will need: a journal or notebook, paper, pens, paints, and optionally some fabric, stones, or other beautiful materials.
Step One: Take All the Good With You
Write down everything you are grateful for creating in 2020—big or small. Draw, doodle, or write words about what you want to keep and nurture in your life. Feel these emotions fully in your body as you do this.
Step Two: Let Go and Learn From the Difficult
Write down what was challenging, painful, or difficult this year. Then write or draw what you have learned (or are learning) from these experiences. Allow yourself to fully express all feelings—don’t worry about making it pretty. Forget grammar and aesthetics. Identify the most important lesson and save it in your journal or a special place. Release what you no longer need: tear the paper, burn it safely, or recycle it. Feel the release in your body as it disappears.
Step Three: Create the New
Write or draw what you long for and truly wish to create in the coming year. This is not about setting goals—it’s about what your heart genuinely desires. What wants to grow and shine within you? Be specific, and let your unconscious mind play along. Pay attention to your body, your inner images, spontaneous impulses, and dreams. This could be better health, a healing relationship, a fulfilling career, clearer purpose, or sharing your art. Let yourself feel and acknowledge your deepest wants. Create a drawing, collage, or sculpture that represents everything you want to bring into your life.
Step Four: Plant the New in Time and Space
Imagine your life on a physical timeline or arc in the room you are in. Place your drawings, words, stones, fabrics, or symbols along this timeline, representing the future you wish to create. Step into this future, experiencing each intention, goal, or desire as if it has already come to life. Engage all your senses—hear it, taste it, feel it, live it.
I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Feel free to share this ritual with others.
Much love,
Karin
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