Sabbats, Seasons, and Tarot Spreads

We often think of winter as bleak and dreary, but December is actually a month of stunning color. For those of us in cold climes, the ground will soon be covered with a blanket of glistening white snow, while silver icicles hang from the eaves of our houses. Wreaths of green pines trimmed with bright red ribbons will go up on our doors, and the winter skies will turn an indescribably brilliant blue. At night, the skies become dark, yet twinkling stars invite us to celebrate the winter season.

This year, the winter solstice occurs on December 21. The official time for the start of winter is 9:03 AM. So, what — exactly — is a “solstice”? It’s a celestial event that occurs when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, meaning that we’ll have the fewest hours of daylight and the longest night of the year.

For spiritual practitioners, the solstice is often seen as a time of “shifting vibrations”. It is a time for introspection, renewal, and hope as we come to the end of one cycle and begin the next. Beginning at the solstice, the sun will linger with us a bit longer each day, and this “return of the light” represents rebirth and new beginnings. We reflect on the passing year, we set intentions for the future, and we gather with friends and family to share gifts and good cheer.

On the Wheel of the Year, we celebrate the season of Yule. One tradition is to burn a Yule log. Ashes are saved, (we keep ours in a small pouch that we hang near the fireplace) and those ashes are then added to the following year’s Yule log burning.

It’s a time for gratitude as we give thanks for the gift of life the sun has given us. Sometimes in the coldness of winter, we forget to be thankful. We bundle up to face the elements as we venture out into the cold for work, and we wear ourselves out with the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking, baking, and scheduling festivities. At times it can be overwhelming.

During this month of December, I encourage us to slow down, to take a cue from nature itself and rest as needed. I offer you a short blessing to begin each day:

“May I walk gently today, breathe deeply, and hold kindness close. May warmth rise within me, even when the world is cold. May light guide my steps, and peace steady my heart. May I celebrate the coming season with joy in my heart. So mote it be!”