Remembering the Winter Solstice

Pause, Reflect, Recharge

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice on 21st December marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, a natural reminder from the Earth to slow down, rest, and reflect. Just as many animals hibernate during this time, we too can honour this season by giving ourselves permission to pause, recharge, and nurture our energy.

A Time to Let Go

As the year of the Snake draws to a close, it’s the perfect moment to release what no longer serves you. Snakes shed their skin to grow, and we too can shed old patterns, worries, and stress to make space for new energy in the coming year. Use this season to reflect on the past months, acknowledge your growth, and let go of what’s ready to be released.

Hibernation for Humans

This isn’t just about sleeping more (though that helps!) It’s about consciously slowing down your rhythm. Lower the pace of your day, take quiet moments, and allow your mind and body to rest without guilt.

Homeopathic Support for Rest and Rejuvenation

Homeopathy can gently support your body and nervous system during this slower period. Read more about finding the right remedy to calm your nervous system here. Some common remedies known to promote rest, relaxation, and emotional balance include:

• Ignatia amara – for emotional tension, especially after a challenging year.

  
  

• Arsenicum album – to calm anxiety and restlessness, helping you settle into restorative sleep.

  
  

• Nux vomica – if you’ve been pushing yourself too hard and need to detoxify and slow down.

  
  

These remedies help your body recharge naturally so that when the energy begins to return in spring, you feel balanced and resilient.

Supporting Practices for This Season

You can also enhance your Winter Solstice self-care with simple, seasonal practices:

1. Moon Oil: Take your favourite oil (mine are almond or jojoba) and rub it on your pulse points during the full moon on December 19th. This is a powerful time for reflection and release. Applying moon oil or using it in a ritual can help let go of stress and invite calm energy.

2. Herbs for Winter Rest:

• Chamomile – calming, promotes restful sleep.

• Lemon balm – supports relaxation and emotional balance.

• Valerian – soothes the nervous system and encourages deep sleep.

  
  

3. Crystals to Recharge Your Energy:

• Amethyst – for calming the mind and promoting restful sleep.

• Moonstone – to connect with lunar energy and support reflection.

• Smoky Quartz – grounding, helping release tension and stress.

Gentle Reminders

The Winter Solstice and the close of the year of the Snake invite you to go easy on yourself, pause, and release. Embrace the slower pace, rest when you need to, and engage in small rituals that support your body, mind, and spirit.

Take a deep breath, settle in, and allow yourself the luxury of hibernation, shedding the old and making space for a renewed, resilient you in the coming year.