10 Ways to Start an Ayurvedic Lifestyle. Whether your brand new to Ayurveda or pondering where to start, here are a few tips for you!
Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. This blog post will provide an
The Winter Solstice, celebrated as Yule (or Jól) in many European pagan traditions, is the darkest and shortest day of the year. The occasion marks a turning point, and though months of winter lie ahead, each day that follows slowly becomes a bit brighter. On this day of peak darkness, Yule (and many other holidays observed in and around the Solstice) celebrates the return of light and the promise it brings for the new year to come.Yule is about cultivating strength, gratitude, and hope. We release the struggles that we have worked through during the dark half of the year so that we may welcome in the energy of the Sun—the source of the vitality and resilience that carried us through those hardships. By reflecting in the shadow of the night, we find inner knowing, peace, and resolve that readies us to shine anew. Herbs for the Winter Solstice By working with planetary, elemental, and natural energies of winter, we can intentionally invite more light, determination, and structure into our lives. There are a number of plants that can help us in this endeavor: Blessed Thistle: Linked to the planet Mars and the Fire element, blessed thistle helps divert negative energy to protect and strengthen humans and our animal familiars (animals should not consume it, but they benefit energetically from its presence). Medicinally, this plant is a galactagogue, helping to encourage milk production in those who are nursing. This bitter also supports the liver and encourages circulation. Blessed thistle flower essence assists those who need comfort in giving and receiving. Chamomile: In folk traditions, this flower of the Sun and of Water has been used in sleep amulets for dispelling insomnia and nightmares. It is also used magically as a hand wash to attract money. From a therapeutic perspective, this plant may be used as a mild sedative for natural sleep support, a slightly bitter digestive tonic to calm the stomach, or a relaxant to naturally ease tension. Cedar: Influenced by Jupiter and the Fire element, cedar is believed to bring confidence, prosperity, growth, magnetism, and good health. This germ-fighting and tonifying botanical has applications but is often used to relieve congestion, or to cleanse and support the urinary tract. Cedar essential oil is especially useful in aromatherapy blends to fortify the immune system against seasonal maladies. Cinnamon: Associated with both Mars and Mercury and embodying Fire, cinnamon brings purification, success, psychic vision, and clarity of mind. It has been used for millennia to awaken the mind and restore the body. Energetically, cinnamon is a moistening and warming spice, helping to stoke inner fire and keep vital energy flowing during dry and cold winter months. Medicinally, cinnamon is helpful for relieving gas and bloating, as well as regulating circulation. Mistletoe: An herb of the Sun, Jupiter, and Fire, this plant is famed for attracting love and fertility (hence the holiday tradition of kissing beneath it). It also symbolizes peace—according to Nordic folklore, if you were to encounter an enemy under mistletoe, you were meant to drop your weapons until the next day. Herbalists use this nervine to relax the body, promote circulation, and reduce pressure and accumulations through the body. Hawthorn: Hawthorn (of Mercury, Mars, and Air) has been used to ensure a fruitful harvest and fidelity in romantic relationships. Hawthorn tends to the heart magically and physically, offering aid for emotional heartache and a range of well documented cardiovascular benefits as well. This tonifying and diuretic plant helps dilate the blood vessels around the heart to promote better blood flow and function. Clove: Cloves (of Uranus and Fire) bring protection, joy, wealth, and domestic harmony. Clove is said to help stop the spread of gossip and bring truth to light. Medicinally, clove has been used to relieve discomfort, particularly dental-related complaints. It may also help with seasonal congestion and stomach disturbances. Orange Peel: This fruit of the Sun and Air (also known as “neroli”) brings confidence, happiness, and vitality into our lives. Orange peel offers spiritual guidance, helping those who are confused or lost in life find direction and focus. Orange peel is a warming and uplifting carminative that helps with digestion and mood. It contains vitamin C, folate, B6, and other vital nutrients and antioxidants. Frankincense: Blazing with the energy of the Sun and Fire, frankincense is one of the most revered sacred herbs in human history. It helps call in the presence of the divine, and many cultures consider it essential for raising the spiritual vibration in rituals and ceremonies. This resin also has many therapeutic applications, offering relief and support for joint, digestive, and oral health.Festive & Purifying Herbal Blend for Winter Solstice You can enjoy the energetic and aromatherapeutic benefits of many Winter Solstice herbs with a simple homemade herbal potpourri. Unlike many store-bought versions made with synthetic fragrances, this all-natural blend will help cleanse and purify the air in your home (or car, or office!). Infuse this blend with your New Year's intentions and let it permeate your space to make its lovely scent an encouraging presence to bring your goals into fruition. It also makes a thoughtful DIY gift for loved ones. YULE HERBAL POTPOURRI RECIPE Ingredients 1/2 cup pine needles 1/2 cup cedar needles 1/2 cup oak bark 1/2 cup juniper berries 4 cinnamon sticks 3 Tbsp. whole cloves 3 Tbsp. frankincense powder 12 drops of Forest Essential Oil Blend by Floracopeia (or essential oils of choice) Directions Combine evergreen needles, bark berries, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl and stir to mix. In a separate bowl, mix frankincense powder with essential oil. Pour resin/oil mixture over blend from step 1 and toss to combine (salad servers work well). Transfer blend into an airtight glass jar to store. When ready to enjoy, scoop mixture into small bowls placed around your home to diffuse. How to Make a Yule Altar You can combine your Yule potpourri with other Winter Solstice symbols to create a celebratory space for connecting with the energies of the season. Here are a few ideas:YULE ALTAR SUPPLIES & DECORATIONS Animals: Reindeer, bear, phoenix, owl, raven, stag, squirrel Crystals: Bloodstone, garnet, quartz, ruby, emerald, diamond Foods: Spiced cider, mulled wine, eggnog, gingerbread, dried fruits, roasted meats, apples, cinnamon cookies, nuts, red cabbage, latkes, chestnuts Colors: Red, green, gold, white, silver Charms and Talismans: Wreaths, candles, bells, pinecones, holly, lightsMEDITATION RITUAL FOR WINTER SOLSTICE Gather precious items, delicious foods, and your Yule herbal potpourri, and arrange them in an indoor or outdoor space where you can enjoy their energy. Find a comfortable seat before them, and take in the sights, scents, and feelings evoked by your altar. Then, close your eyes and meditate on your intentions for the year ahead. Visualize your goals coming to fruition, and hold this image clearly in your mind. Picture yourself sending this vision onto your altar and letting the potpourri absorb your desires, infusing the herbs to be slowly released into your space throughout the winter to focus and inspire you. Happy winter, everyone!WANT MORE RECIPES? TRY THIS ELDERBERRY SYRUP MOCKTAIL You might also enjoy: Fall Equinox Rituals, Herbs & Recipes Herbs for the Summer Solstice TCM Fire Cider with Chinese Five Spice Written by Jules Benefico. Jules is a Clinical Western Herbalist and the Retail Manager at Five Flavors Herbs. She studies medical astrology, western alchemy, and clinical nutrition and infuses this into her herbal practice.
Good Morning Friends & Folk ~ a very Merry Yule and a beautiful Winter Solstice to us all.... 'tis the shortest day of the year... the wheel turns slightly once again to bring us more sun each day! This old farmhouse holds many memories of Christmas' past, not only for our family but of those who lived here before... each year as we cozy up the house, I can envision those-before us doing the same and it brings me a great sense of peace and welcoming. it will be a cold Christmas here in our parts of Virginia, the woodpiles are stocked and the homefires are burning bright ~ tea kettles and soup-pots are bubbling and the scents of orange, cloves and pine wafts through the air ~ the halls are decked and the bells are jingling! ....and we will welcome home our daughter to spend the Holiday at home.... merriment, comfort food and cozy slippers await us as we hunker down for the rest of this year, ~ readying ourselves to ring in a sparkling-fresh 2023. {all photos found on Pinterest} Blessings from the Farm ~ Lori
Make these rustic, ginger and orange zest vanilla spice cakes to keep or give away during the Winter Solstice.
Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. This blog post will provide an
Happy Winter Solstice!! We’re welcoming the winter season and bringing some much-needed warmth and coziness to the shortest day of the year with this wonderfully comforting, aromatic simmer pot.
Make these rustic, ginger and orange zest vanilla spice cakes to keep or give away during the Winter Solstice.
Explore Android Jones Art's 675 photos on Flickr!
Celebrate Yule with a Winter solstice ritual. You can harness the energy of rebirth and renewal, contained in this sacred feast day.
Celebrate Yule with a Winter solstice ritual. You can harness the energy of rebirth and renewal, contained in this sacred feast day.
The wheel turns... Darkening days slowly, ever so slowly, become lightening days. I can't help feeling uplifted at the thought of the light gradually returning even though the worst of the winter is still before us. Wishing everyone a very happy Winter Solstice, Yule and Christmas. Thank you all for your support, likes and comments, they're greatly appreciated and help motivate me to continue to work on still life photography.
Bring the magic of Yule into your home with this easy Winter Solstice simmer pot recipe for your stovetop or cauldron.
Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. This blog post will provide an
Winter solstice parties are great for gathering everyone for a December party. We'll cover what do you serve at a winter solstice party, tips for hosting a winter solstice party, and more! Definitely add this to your winter parties ideas!
Yule, the Winter Solstice, & Magick! Read on to discover a bit of history, traditions, and symbols of the joyous holiday! Tis the season after all!
High quality giclée print of my original gouache painting. Professionally printed on 100% cotton archival matte paper with pigment inks. The print is unframed. Named and signed on the back. Prints ship flat in a rigid mailer.
Today is the Winter Solstice, and I'm sharing some 8 winter solstice traditions to help you celebrate this time of year.
Happy Winter Solstice! This plant-based delight is the perfect way to celebrate the longest night of the year, and the return of the sun as we begin to move towards longer days. It’s spiced with fennel and saffron and packed full of delicious flavors and textures of apples, onions, and potatoes.
The winter solstice, also known as Yule in some traditions, is an event embedded deep within human history and has been celebrated across cultures for centuries. Its origins lie in the astronomical event marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, a celesti
Today is Winter Solstice! The shortest day of the year and first day of winter. While I’m not pagan, I’m very interested in spiritual stuff like this as well as the changing of the seasons. While I understand the rabbit being a symbol of Spring but does anyone know why they are associated with the […]
Need winter solstice children's activities or want to learn what is winter solstice, what is winter solstice celebration, and what are winter solstice traditions for the shortest day of the year? Celebrate winter solstice ideas with winter theme lessons and solstice activities for kids — great for winter solstice activities for the classroom, homeschooling teaching resources to teach kids about the winter solstice, or family fun at home!
A collection of twelve traditional tales from around the world that honor the \"return of the light\" that takes place on the winter solstice The winter solstice, the day the \"sun stands still,\" marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and it comes either on December 20th or 21st. Celebrations honoring the winter solstice as a moment of transition and renewal date back thousands of years and occur among many peoples on every continent. The Return of the Light makes an ideal companion for everyone who carries on this tradition, no matter what their faith. Storyteller Carolyn McVickar Edwards retells twelve traditional tales-from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia-that honor this magical moment. These are stories that will renew our wonder of the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.
Many cultures around the world celebrate the winter solstice by holding festivals, holidays, and winter solstice activities.
A perfect drink to bring in the solstice
The winter solstice is an astronomical event that has been celebrated since ancient times. From feasts to bonfires, we have several great ideas to help you celebrate with your friends and family!
Blogged @ rosinahuber.blogspot.com/2010/12/cinnamon-christmas-stars...
Winter solstice parties are great for gathering everyone for a December party. We'll cover what do you serve at a winter solstice party, tips for hosting a winter solstice party, and more! Definitely add this to your winter parties ideas!
When is the winter solstice? In 2023, the first day of winter is Thursday, December 21. So, what is the winter solstice and why does it happen? Learn all about the shortest day of the year—and tell us what winter means to you!
Make your holiday a little more magical with this bright, refreshing blend of bourbon, cranberry juice and rosemary simple syrup.
Why celebrate the Winter Solstice? The shortest day has seen feasts & fire for centuries, find out more along with simple ways to celebrate at home.
The perfect winter solstice recipe. Cooked potatoes, onions and carrots are pureed with milk in this soul warming soup seasoned with flavorful spices.
Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. This blog post will provide an
Would you like to celebrate winter solstice in your own way? Let me inspire you with all those incredible celebrations around the world.
