In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice occurs on or about December 21st when the sun is in the Tropic of Capricorn. (For the Southern Hemisphere the solstice occurs on or about June 21st when the sun is in the Tropic of Cancer).
The winter solstice marks the onset of winter and the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Winter Solstice Traditions
The winter solstice has been observed and celebrated for thousands of years all over the world. Some of these traditions continue today while others have evolved or transformed with time. Still others were banished or abandoned and are no longer practiced.
For some cultures, the solstice was sacred and a solemn time. People paid thanks to Gods and/or Goddesses or some other sacred representation of the sun. For others, the winter solstice was a time to rejoice. In essence, the Winter Solstice signifies that the sun has “returned,” the daylight hours will increase and all living things will wake up and flourish again.
A group well known for solstice celebrations is the Pagans, who predated the advent of Christianity in Europe. Their beliefs and sacred practices were banished by the Christians. However, many Pagan rituals were, in fact, altered and masked and continue to be practiced today (e.g., hanging mistletoe, gift-giving, and the burning of yule logs).
Winter Solstice – A Time to Clear, Release, and Let Go
For many, the winter solstice is a time to let go of that which no longer is of service.
Burning of effigies is one classic form of letting go or releasing. People create figures or forms that typically represent people who they despise, have caused great harm, or have an unhealthy hold on another them. Then they burn the figures and forms on the solstice.
New Year’s resolutions are a form of release, especially when stated in the negative such as I’ll stop smoking, eat fewer sweets, drink less, etc.
Another ceremonial way to let go, which is similar to the burning of effigies, is to write resolutions or intentions on a piece of paper and burn them.
Oftentimes, the clearing of negative energy and cleansing process extends over a week, ten days, or a longer period. It’s interesting to note that there are ten days between the northern Winter Solstice and New Year.
This prolonged cleansing process may include ritual baths, detox diets, and biophysical purging as well as detoxification with herbs, colonics, enemas, and special diets. The clearing process may include regular meditation, prayer, and other rituals.
The deep cleanse prepares an individual or a community to access higher spiritual and personal connection and purpose. It establishes a clear and supportive foundation to articulate and usher in new intentions for a new year: positive affirmations or positive New Year’s resolutions.
Essential Oils For the Winter Solstice That Support the Process of Letting Go
What Are Essential Oils
Essential oil is an all-natural aromatic essence extracted from a whole or complete individual plant specie. Essential oils have distinct biochemical and subtle (vibrational or energetic) healing properties determined by the type and nature of a specific plant. These qualities are similar, but not identical to those of the fresh (living or freshly cut) or dried (herbs) plant material.
Essentail oils are highly concentrated and potent. Thus, use them with care and in an appropriate and safe dilution.
Essential Oils For the Winter Solstice For Release and Energetic Clearing
Best Essential Oils For Releasing and Energetic Cleansing
Essential oils for the winter solstice are naturally those which support the process of letting go and moving on. Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), juniper berry (Juniperus communes), and white sage (Salvia apiana) are traditional herbs and essential oils used in smudges for clearing and cleansing energy and ultimately the densest human manifestation, the physical body. (See what is smudging, juniper berry for smudging, and essential oils for detox).
Galbanum (Ferula glabaniflua) and hyssop are excellent essential oils for shedding old ideas, beliefs, and behaviors. Myrtle (Myrtus communis) and petitgrain (Citrus auranium) help one overcome destructive, obsessive, and addictive habits.
Best Method to Use Essential Oils For Energetic Cleansing
The best method of using essential oils for winter solstice celebrations or cleansing practices is to diffuse an essential oil blend in the ceremonial space or a room that will be occupied by those who wish to cleanse.
Use Just a few drops in an appropriate diffuser should be sufficient. But, don’t overdo it with more and more drops. Very strong and intense scents can be overpowering, annoying, and even irritating. In fact, when you use just a little essential oils, the subtle properties are most effective – less is best.
Essential Oils For the Winter Solstice – Setting and Actualizing Intentions
While many cultures’ past and present mark the winter solstice not only by ridding themselves of negative energy and what no longer serves them but also by setting new intentions for the future.
Follow their lead and take the time between the Winter Solstice and New Year’s to clear, detox, reflect and process what they have let go of and what they intend to bring into the coming year.
Updated December 02, 2022
