A Winter Solstice Message From Kate

Yuletide Blessings Beautiful People,

Here at Kate’s Magik the Yule altar is set, the candles are lit and the Frankincense and Myrrh is burning. As we descend on the final days of darkness we are ready to transform and set our intentions for the new year ahead

The holy Yule season begins with the Winter Solstice on December 21st, when the darkness finally gives way to the light. The Winter Solstice and Yule have been recognized and observed by many cultures all over the world since the beginning of humankind. It is a significant point in the wheel of the year that denotes the simultaneous end and new beginning of a cycle. December 21st is the darkest and the longest night of the year, as the days that follow are indicative of the sun’s rebirth and return towards our planet earth! It marks the final day of the waning half of the year and that light, warmth and growth will once again embrace us as the year waxes toward the peak; the Summer Solstice. This is the time of merry and magic where we celebrate rebirth, renewal, transformation and the return of the light. The Winter Solstice and Yule is celebrated in a myriad of different ways: Yule or Christmas or Hanukkah trees, lights and candles, Yule logs and other special foods, altars and rituals that help us begin anew, and gifts of gratitude and appreciation. A Yule Ritual can be a powerful way to create personal shifts and set intentions for the year ahead.

Kate’s Magikal Suggestions for a Winter Solstice Celebration

These may be done any time over the coming weeks as Winter embarks

Create a Yule fire and blow all your challenges into a stick, which you then burn in the fire. You may also burn strips of paper that have your detailed challenges troubles, concerns and judgements listed
Take a purifying salt bath - you can add a little Frankincense, Rosemary, Citrus, Letting Go Anointing Oil or Isis and Rebirth Anointing Oil; or simply squeeze some lemons and add lemon peel for the cleansing properties
Take a walk in nature and be mindful of the dormant state of the land. Contemplate what needs to transform in your life as you commune with the natural world around you. Look for omens in the birds, the trees and the clouds.
Bake a Yule bread and share a celebratory feast of winter harvest with family, friends, or neighbors.
Anoint yourself with beautiful oils that fit the Season

Make a seasonal altar of light, gratitude and Intention with winter flowers, pine cones, oranges, mistletoe and fir tree clippings. Light a candle and burn resinous incense such as Frankincense, Myrrh or Copal and place your wishes and intentions for the new year here.
Walk a labyrinth near you; (shed when walking in, illuminate and pray in center, then state your intention on the way out) it's a wonderful and highly effective practice!
Work with Deities such as Ganesh, Hekate, Isis, Kali or other archetypes that support the season of endings and beginnings
And then, most importantly SET YOUR INTENTIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD. Journal on the change you are craving, your goals around your personal relationships, abundance, love, health, yourself, family, community and the planet we call home. Set your intentions on the altar.

The Kate’s Magik tribe wishes you a magical Solstice Season! May this holiday time be filled with light, love, songs, community and gifts. But may we also remember the ancient, sacred celebration of Winter Solstice, which is that of renewal, peace, gratitude and intention setting. May the Spirit of Yuletide shine within and around us throughout the year, as the Wheel of the Seasons continues to turn.