12 Days of Yule: Winter Solstice
Day 1 and Time to Embrace the Dark
Hello, dear Listeners,
Welcome to our 12 Days of Yule series!
Yule is a time-honoured celebration that begins on the winter solstice, the year's longest night, and extends through the end of December. Deeply rooted in ancient pagan and Norse customs, this midwinter festival honors the sun's rebirth and the gradual return of longer days. Historically, it was observed by Germanic peoples, including the Norse and Anglo-Saxons, and over time, many of its traditions blended seamlessly into Christmas celebrations.
Each day of Yule carries its own special significance, with rituals that might include honoring ancestors, sharing festive meals, lighting candles, or engaging in activities designed to invite blessings for the coming year. Central to Yule festivities are symbols like the Yule log, representing warmth and light; the practice of wassailing, which involves singing and toasting to health; and the use of evergreens in decorations, symbolizing life and renewal.
Embracing Yule allows us to connect with the natural rhythms of the season, finding beauty in both the darkness and the returning light. It's a time to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the cyclical nature of life, drawing inspiration from traditions that have been cherished for centuries.
The first day of the Yule celebration is today, the Winter Solstice. The shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time to cast off what no longer serves you as you welcome in the beautiful transition to lighter days—a gentle transition as the days slowly get longer.
Greeting midwinter as a friend is something that’s taken great practice for this Australian woman. I haven’t grown up with long dark winters and lots of snow. Christmas at the beach is what I’m used to! Having rituals that sustain and nourish me have helped with my intention setting and the feelings I have around being far away from loved ones and the seemingly endless darkness.
A book that’s helped me embrace winter with more ease is
’s Wintering. It is a beautiful reminder that looking to nature for cues on how to live well is a smart thing to do. There’s a reason why trees shed their leaves and animals hibernate—deep rest is needed for the spring and summer. We’re just not meant to be living like it’s spring and summer all the time. The ebb and flow of the seasons is important.Please enjoy this special Winter Solstice Visualisation I’ve prepared for you.
Lisa (& Whit)
Check out our most recent chat:
Whit Stewart
You can find Whit online at Madrona Coaching, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching
Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.
Lisa Bolin
You can connect with Lisa at Flourish Mind and Body, on Substack Flucking Flourishing and Northern Notes, and on Instagram @lisabolin_flourish
Offline, she’s connecting with nature, taking a dip, or reading a good book.