For both winter and summer solstice, I have similar traditions and rituals. At the heart of it is like a day long reflection on the season, on the idea of stillness before the turning, presence to this moment before things change directions, appreciation of the descent (or growth, in summer), taking time to take in and celebrate the return of the light while also spending time with the darkness to appreciate the special world that shows itself when we let ourselves adjust to the dark. It's a day of meditation and journalling, of a meandering, long walk in nature (I live in Canada so it's often a bundled up, cold and snowy one in winter), of sauna, of candles and firelight, starlight and a low sun.
Lovely cosy post! It was only the last couple of years I even knew what the winter solstice is. There's so much I feel ignorant about but your posts help so much. 🤎🙏
Thank you so much for this Victoria. This year I will be having my first full winter solstice celebration, and celebrating them with my niece too. This was a wonderful read. Winter Solstice Blessings to you ❤️🎄
Really enjoyed reading this and learning more about the winter solstice. The winter solstice cake sounds delicious and I think I'll have a go at the shortbread.
Good luck with the shortbread! I made the Solstice cake at the weekend and it was delicious, although I didn't realise it had to be kept in the fridge, and I put mine in a tin by mistake, so it had a short (but happy) life!
I've been thinking deeply about what traditions I want to start with ny family and how to incorporate more yuletide celebrations instead of just Christmas and this gave me great ideas, thank you!
This is gorgeous Victoria! I have spent this morning bringing ivy in from the garden and am glad to hear this is in tune with ancient solstice ritual! I have also added the ingredients for the solstice cake and wish biscuits to my shopping list so hope I will be able to get around to making them this week. Solstice blessings to you xx
I love the solstice recipes and rituals. Thank you! My daughters and I always celebrate the solstice and equinox. It's a powerful time to set intentions.
Letting go of what no longer serves us with the bathing of hands and setting our intentions for the new year with the lighting of candles. Songs and blessings shared together with a little feast at the end.
Vickie that was a wonderful read! It’s also really cheered me up as I’ve now found a new way to look at the shortest day. I find these long dark nights quite depressing and long for spring. But, you’ve made me see things in a different light. Thank you. X
Ah, I'm glad it's cheered you up! I find all the cake and biscuit baking (and eating) at this time of year definitely helps. And then, as of next week, the days start to get longer and Spring is on the way x
These are such great ideas Victoria! I celebrated our Winter Solstice in June and Yuletide in July (I live in Australia). I love the idea of a Yuletide wishing biscuit and I'll add them to my Yuletide menu for next year. I also love making a Yule Log Cake with a special 'ration recipe' for eggless ginger cake (so moist and delicious). It's so fun making little marzipan mushrooms to decorate it and I have a little gnome that I bring out every year whose only (and very important) job is to sit on the top of the cake. May you have a joyful and cosy Winter Solstice, from the heat of Summer Solstice in the land down under.
I'm planning to celebrate the Solstice but it will be summer for me here in the Southern Hemisphere. I've attended beautful Summer Solstice gatherings in the past among wise women. I hope to create a little of the magic they always shared.
I know! It's interesting to track time in this way isn't it. The good thing about this Solstice is the dawn is much later so it's not such an early start 😁
Those ice lanterns are amazing! I love the ideas you bring out and it’s especially nice to think about so much celebration of seasonal events, thank you!
For both winter and summer solstice, I have similar traditions and rituals. At the heart of it is like a day long reflection on the season, on the idea of stillness before the turning, presence to this moment before things change directions, appreciation of the descent (or growth, in summer), taking time to take in and celebrate the return of the light while also spending time with the darkness to appreciate the special world that shows itself when we let ourselves adjust to the dark. It's a day of meditation and journalling, of a meandering, long walk in nature (I live in Canada so it's often a bundled up, cold and snowy one in winter), of sauna, of candles and firelight, starlight and a low sun.
What a great description, this sounds like a magical way to spend the day. I'm especially jealous of the snow! Have a wonderful day ❄️
A lovely post
Lovely cosy post! It was only the last couple of years I even knew what the winter solstice is. There's so much I feel ignorant about but your posts help so much. 🤎🙏
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm learning all the time too 😊 ❄️
Thank you... can’t wait to try the recipes. So grateful to you for sharing these beautiful pieces. Sending winter blessings to you xx
And many Winter Solstice wishes back to you Lauren! ❄️ x
Thank you so much for this Victoria. This year I will be having my first full winter solstice celebration, and celebrating them with my niece too. This was a wonderful read. Winter Solstice Blessings to you ❤️🎄
And to you! Hope you and your niece have a lovely day ❄️ ☀️
Really enjoyed reading this and learning more about the winter solstice. The winter solstice cake sounds delicious and I think I'll have a go at the shortbread.
Good luck with the shortbread! I made the Solstice cake at the weekend and it was delicious, although I didn't realise it had to be kept in the fridge, and I put mine in a tin by mistake, so it had a short (but happy) life!
I've been thinking deeply about what traditions I want to start with ny family and how to incorporate more yuletide celebrations instead of just Christmas and this gave me great ideas, thank you!
I'm so glad it did! And a very Happy Solstice to you for Friday ❄️
This is gorgeous Victoria! I have spent this morning bringing ivy in from the garden and am glad to hear this is in tune with ancient solstice ritual! I have also added the ingredients for the solstice cake and wish biscuits to my shopping list so hope I will be able to get around to making them this week. Solstice blessings to you xx
Perfect! You’re all set for the solstice now 😊 Good luck with the baking... I’m hoping to do the same this weekend x ❄️
I love the solstice recipes and rituals. Thank you! My daughters and I always celebrate the solstice and equinox. It's a powerful time to set intentions.
It's lovely to have those markers throughout the year isn't it. Happy Solstice for next week! ❄️
Letting go of what no longer serves us with the bathing of hands and setting our intentions for the new year with the lighting of candles. Songs and blessings shared together with a little feast at the end.
Oh, I love this! Especially the little feast at the end ❄️ ☀️
Vickie that was a wonderful read! It’s also really cheered me up as I’ve now found a new way to look at the shortest day. I find these long dark nights quite depressing and long for spring. But, you’ve made me see things in a different light. Thank you. X
Ah, I'm glad it's cheered you up! I find all the cake and biscuit baking (and eating) at this time of year definitely helps. And then, as of next week, the days start to get longer and Spring is on the way x
These are such great ideas Victoria! I celebrated our Winter Solstice in June and Yuletide in July (I live in Australia). I love the idea of a Yuletide wishing biscuit and I'll add them to my Yuletide menu for next year. I also love making a Yule Log Cake with a special 'ration recipe' for eggless ginger cake (so moist and delicious). It's so fun making little marzipan mushrooms to decorate it and I have a little gnome that I bring out every year whose only (and very important) job is to sit on the top of the cake. May you have a joyful and cosy Winter Solstice, from the heat of Summer Solstice in the land down under.
That cake sounds amazing, I think we need a photo! And a happy Summer Solstice to you! ☀️❄️
I'd love to share a photo but don't have the option for some reason. There's one in my recipe page here if you wanted to take a look, along with the recipe.... https://open.substack.com/pub/wheelandcross/p/recipe-gingerbread?r=1k4xhn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Love it, and the recipe sounds great, thanks for sharing the link! ❄️
I have never had a solstice tradition but this year I feel very inspired to. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Glad you'll be joining us! I think it's a lovely tradition to follow - one of my favourite times of the year!
I'm planning to celebrate the Solstice but it will be summer for me here in the Southern Hemisphere. I've attended beautful Summer Solstice gatherings in the past among wise women. I hope to create a little of the magic they always shared.
Oh you'll have to tell us what the Solstice is like there! It's really nice to think of us all celebrating together across both hemispheres ☀️ ❄️
I can’t believe it’s winter solstice already, it doesn’t seem that long ago to when I watched the sunrise for summer solstice 🤎
I know! It's interesting to track time in this way isn't it. The good thing about this Solstice is the dawn is much later so it's not such an early start 😁
Those ice lanterns are amazing! I love the ideas you bring out and it’s especially nice to think about so much celebration of seasonal events, thank you!
Ah thank you that’s very kind! I love the ice lanterns too... they feel very magical - just right for this time of year 💫