The turning of the Wheel is so fascinating. For those that observe the seasons, the Sabbats and the Esbats, the Wheel of the Year, we can get a sense of how the correspondences show up in our lives. How our emotions and experiences can often be tied to the tides of the moon, or wane and reel with the journey around the sun.
Take Samhain for instance, the Sabbat that is more commonly known as Halloween. It is a time of death, letting go, honouring our ancestors and the past — appreciating it but not staying attached.
This year at Samhain, as I usually do, I made a conscious effort to let go and let die what needed to. But I can honestly say that I didn’t totally finish my personal work. I am approaching Winter Solstice with something undone, something to let go of that I haven’t fully done yet. Perhaps you might feel something similar.
Winter Solstice is the longest night, and we celebrate the re-birth of the sun. After the Winter Solstice, or Yule as it is also known, the days start to get longer again. It is a symbol of hope and renewal in our own lives. (Much like the meaning of Christmas, for those who celebrate that holiday.) So this longest night at solstice is representative of the darkest time from Samhain to Yule, speaking from a perspective of the solar light on planet earth, it can be a dark night of the soul (sol/sun… hmmm interesting….) It is a dark time in the sense that may go inward, and look at the parts of ourselves that perhaps are not so sunny. The sun is reborn at the Winter Solstice, the light is growing again and it is a time for celebration of this renewal. Perfect timing to enjoy the holidays, isn’t it?
That all being said… are you ready?
Did you let go at Samhain the things you needed to let go of so that you can be reborn with the sun into a new life?
You may be ready, but if you are like me, you may feel you have a little more to do. And that’s okay, because that’s the beauty of observing the Wheel, we observe ourselves in this process. Observe and make the adjustments we need to as we go, using the Magick and power of the holy days to help us.
Here are some ways using the four elements to help you fully let go and prepare for the rebirth of the sun.
- FIRE: Write down the things you are ready to let go of, and (safely) burn that piece of paper burning piece of paper with a candle or in a fireplace.
- AIR: Express yourself through journaling about the things that you are ready to let go of.
- AIR: Talk out a resolution if there is a situation happening between you and another person. Clear the air, and let bygones pass in the spirit of the season. Enter the New Year with a clean heart.
- WATER: Releasing or cleansing bath using your favourite salts or essential oils. Put the intention into the water, asking it to cleanse you and help you release the things in your life that are no longer serving you. Stay in the bath until the water has full drained out of the tub and know that is it done!
- EARTH: Talk a walk in nature, feel the earth beneath your feet, touch your hands to the earth and ask Mother Gaia to transmute the old energies.
- For more magickal ideas, you can check out our Gaia Awakening classes.
There are many ways we can choose to let go and prepare ourselves for new beginnings. Whichever way is best for you, take a deep breath, sink into your heart. The spirit of Yule and the rebirth of the sun is a time of great renewal, if you wish it to be. Open your heart to the light of the sun, and set your soul on fire for the New Year.
Blessed be!
