The first of December is actually the start of meteorological Winter, but in many Northern areas hard frosts and snow begin much earlier. In ancient times, when the agricultural calendar was the focus, our Ancestors knew that Winter Solstice signified the halfway point of Winter. There was comfort that half of the hardest, coldest months were behind them and the thaw was eventually coming. They could measure their stores and gather the hope of survival close. We received a kiss from Grandmother Winter already here in the Northeast and I was delighted to have a snow day!
For the modern advent of the Winter season, the holidays are upon us with all the blessings and stresses that may entail. And this year is unlike any other holiday season in modern memory. The pandemic precludes much of the traveling and gathering that this time of year usually brings. Instead of gathering our loved ones, we are being asked to gather compassion, patience, and strength to make it through these winter months. Zoom might be where we all meet under the tree or at the dinner table. Laughter, joy, and shared moments may feel a bit odd, but is certainly better than not having our loved ones at all as so many have experienced since March.
Our “winter stores” may include extras of things like hand sanitizer, bleach, and toilet paper, but in too many cases, there are no winter stores even for essentials for some families. In the approach to Winter Solstice, we are experiencing the deepest, darkest part of the year and this year may feel darker than ever before. We are being called upon to embody Goddess in support of our communities with any extras we may have. Our blessings take on a new light as we extend a bit of extra support or time to those who are experiencing loss, challenging circumstances, and hunger. Prayers are important too – support the light in every way that you can!
Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Astronomically, the Sun becomes stationary and then slowly begins to move in an upward motion in the sky to culminate at the Summer Solstice. From the depths of the belly of Goddess, it is time for us to tend our light and to plant our seeds of luminous hope for the coming year. Surround yourself physically and virtually with those who support and nourish your sacred intentions.
This year, we have an incredible astrological occurrence called the Great Conjunction on Winter Solstice. Join Renee Starr for her Grand Conjunction Course on Mystery School of the Goddess to learn more about this conjunction and how to work it into your magickal practice for Winter Solstice and beyond!
Juno Lucina, Neith, and Guadalupe offer their light as we travel through the inner planes. Winter Solstice is also the time of year to honor the Mothers that birthed the Sun/Son – Mother Mary (Jesus-Yeshua), Isis (Horus), Frigga (Balder). Each of these Mothers brought their sons into the world to be the symbol of Light across continents. What is the light that you wish to birth into being?
Winter is the Time of the Crones and Wisdom Women. They circle the hearth fires, poke the coals, and sustain us in the darkest nights. Singing our souls home, they guide us through the sifting and sorting of the inner journeywork that began in Autumn. We are halfway to our own wisdom and the Grandmothers give us permission to rest (even for a moment) into their comforting embrace. Call upon An Cailleach, Spider Woman, Baba Yaga, the Norns, the Fates, and Nicnevin and see what stories light up your soul.
The Goddesses that live on the snowy tundras are standing vigil and ready for the sacrifices of the past year. What do you need to shed and leave to the harsh energies of the tundra? This might be a really large list from 2020! Take this opportunity to assess and make way for more light in your life, in your being for the coming year. Some of these Goddesses come with the mandate that you must transform or you will not survive the winter of your soul. Ask for assistance from Freya, Skadi, Berchta, and Mother Holle.
The Altars have been very busy here at MotherHouse. Each morning I chant and pray and send out blessings and energy for our Community and beyond. The Goddesses are gathered, the candles are lit, for those who are victims of the pandemic physically or have lost a loved one, for those who suffering and feeling alone. My chants and prayers are being offered for all of you every single day.
Happy Winter Solstice and Merry Christmas!
Blessings on your season and I hope to see you all in Community!
xo Kimberly
Priestess & Founder of MotherHouse & Mystery School of the Goddess
For those interested in Goddess Priestess Training, my new program begins 1/10/21 – read more and sign up here!
Goddess Wheel of Year readings are now booking!
A WINTER SOLSTICE ORACLE FOR YOU!
DECKS USED:
Sacred Mothers and Goddesses by Claudia Olivos
Weavers’ Oracle by Carolyn Hillyer & Review
A Curious Oracle by The Wild Empress
Circle Cast Mist by Murphy’s Essentials
CELEBRATE THE HOLYDAYS
December 20 – Mother Night (Norse)
December 21, 2020– HAPPY YULE! Winter Solstice at 5:02am eastern time
- Join Michelle Boxley for The Gifts of Yule on Mystery School of the Goddess
December 21, 2020 – Saturn Jupiter Great Conjunction at first degree of Aquarius –
- Join Renee Starr for The Grand Conjunction Course on Mystery School of the Goddess
December 21, 2020 – Sun enters Capricorn a 5:02am eastern time
December 21, 2020 – Soyal – Hopi Winter Festival
December 21 – Feast of Egyptian Goddess Aset – Isis
December 21 – Day of Frau Holle
December 22 – Shinto day of honoring the Sun Goddess Amaterasu
December 23, 2020 – Final Mars Pluto Square
December 24 – Vigil for Mother Mary (Christmas article for Mary)
December 24 – Mothers Night (Old English)
December 24 – January 20 – Celtic Tree Month for Beth (Birch)
December 25 – Merry Christmas!
December 26 – Feast Day of Horus (son of Isis)
CONSECRATE YOUR WEEK!
Prompts for this week for EveryDay Sacred Living …
SUNDAY
Divine your week. Who is the Goddess guiding you for the week? How can you connect more directly with this Goddess?
MONDAY – MOONDAY MAGICK
Moonday this week is also Winter Solstice and the Great Conjunction. What intentions are you setting for 2021? What needs to be released so that you have room for new energy? What are you holding in dream?
TUESDAY
How have the holidays changed for you this year? What are the good things about this season? What are the challenges? How can you reach out for support, spiritually and emotionally?
WEDNESDAY
Have you chosen your Power Word(s) for 2021? What words are showing up synchronistically? What words feel important to dream, vision, and manifest in 2021?
THURSDAY
Journals and Planners – Planners and Journals! Two of my favorite things in this season! Add Washi Tape and I have a triplicity of Bliss. What are your choices to journal and plan your New Year?
Three Journals I am using for 2021:
- Scribbles that Matter – B5, Dot Grid, Hard Cover, 160 gsm paper weight
- Magic of I Dream Journal
- Archer and Olive – B5, Dot Grid, Hard Cover with choice of designs, 160 gsm paper weight
Three Planners I am using for 2021:
- Goddess Planner (of course!)
- Plum Paper Planners – you can customize what you need!
- Passion Planner – Daily Undated A5 size
FRIDAY
Favorite holiday movies? How are you treating yourself today with yummy food?
SATURDAY
Prep for the transition to New Year 2021 in earnest. What rituals and ceremonies do you have for the change of the calendar year? What makes you feel grounded and magickal moving forward?
Share with us in the MotherHouse of the Goddess Facebook Group!
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