As the first snowflakes fall and hoarfrost crunches underfoot, we enter the fallow season. In the wonderful world of Nature, Midwinter is anything but bleak; the carpet of snow paves the way to a brighter tomorrow.
Just like stars need the darkness to shine, we need to retreat to the shadows to restore our light. The natural world needs to experience the low temperatures of Winter so that it may blossom anew come Spring, and we need a period of rest and reflection so that we too may bloom.
The world is moving so fast, and in these times of over-production and over-stimulation, slowing down is, in itself, an act of rebellion.
So we invite you to embrace radical stillness; give yourself permission to pause and surrender to the magic that is all around.
Go outside, walk in wonder, for there are gifts to be had, if you know where to look.
ELEMENT
WATER
Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio
Winter is ruled by the element of Water; symbolising destruction and creation; the composting of the old to make way for the new. The water element is connected to our will and drive; we all have within us the force of a wave, the power of an ocean and the serenity of a lake; now is the time to find inner harmony and manifest what you want for yourself in the next year.
Embrace the wisdom of Winter, and allow yourself to rest, reflect and restore.
Water signs, you are creative, intuitive and wear your heart on your sleeve. This is your season.
Indulge in the comforts of home and find a balance between your strength and sensitivity, for there your power lies.
FULL MOONS
Cold Moon | December 15th
A time to sit in the stillness and fire the inner flames of introspection.
Wolf Moon | January 13th
This represents light conquering darkness and new beginnings. A time to strengthen connections with your pack.
Snow Moon | February 12th
A beacon of reflection, a turning point, a chance for you to know yourself and step into your power.
PLANTS
Holly
In Celtic tradition, holly's ability to keep its leaves was seen as magical and a sign that Spring would soon return. They also believed that holly could protect against evil spirits.Hang in doorways and thresholds for protection and invocation of the return of the sun.
Pine
A symbol of long life, immortality, and renewal, Pine has been used in magic and healing practices for thousands of years.Packed with vitamin C, make your own pine needle syrup for help with colds and finding a clear path forward.
Rosemary
In various cultures, rosemary is used as a protective herb to ward off dark spirits and negative energy. Place sprigs of rosemary above doorways or hang a rosemary wreath to invoke safety and protection. Steep in water to create an anti-inflammatory tea that is shown to reduce anxiety and aid concentration.
PLAYLIST
Inspired by our collection The Wonder of Winter, these are our songs of the season.
Pearly Dew Drops - Cocteau Twins
I Melt with You - Modern English
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
It’s a Wonderful Life - Sparklehorse
Don’t Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
The Frost - Mitski
The Pine Tree - Johnny Cash & June Carter
YULE - 21st December
Yule, or the Winter Solstice, is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun. It marks the longest night of the year.
We all experience moments of darkness in our lives – as does the earth. In the middle of Winter, we may doubt that the light will return…but this is when the sun will come back into the world and into our lives. It’s always darkest before dawn.
And so, the festival of Yule invites the onset of Spring and the return of light and warmth. Just knowing that the seeds of new life and new beginnings – though currently hidden – will soon start to stir is something to celebrate.
To welcome in the warmth, you can light the fire in your home (if you have one) or envelop a room in the cosy glow of candles. You can also celebrate by crafting an evergreen wreath, its circular shape evoking – what else – the Wheel of the Year.
IMBOLC - 1st February
The festival of Imbolc marks not only the beginning of Spring but the earth’s awakening, the stirrings of new life and the return of light after months of darkness.
It is a time for renewal and rebirth for us as humans, of entering into a new mind-set as the sun rises on a new year. Above all, it is a time for hope.
You can celebrate Imbolc by lighting the candles in your home come sunset, as a means of welcoming in the light. The festival can also be honoured by spring cleaning your home as well as clearing out your mind and heart, all to signify letting go of the past and looking to the future, making the space (both inner and outer) for new beginnings.
And of course, you can sow seeds: emblematic of pure potential, each seed you plant can represent your hopes, ideas and dreams for the year ahead.
