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The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. It’s a powerful moment of transition, a time when we pause to reflect on the year behind us and open ourselves to the potential of what’s to come.
This year has been especially challenging for many of us. Here in Western North Carolina, we faced the devastation of Hurricane Helene—loss, grief, and the pain of seeing so much change in an instant. But through that storm, we also found strength, resilience, and community. We are rebuilding together, supporting each other, and coming out stronger than before.
As we embrace the Winter Solstice, it’s a sacred time to acknowledge all that has been lost, and just as importantly, all that has been gained.
I invite you to take a few minutes tonight for a simple, heartfelt ritual – one that will help clear the energy of this past year and prepare you for a positive transformation in 2025. You don’t need any elaborate supplies, just yourself, a quiet space, and an open heart.
Winter Solstice Reflection & Renewal Ritual
1. Find a Quiet Space
Sit comfortably in a space where you won’t be interrupted. If you have one, light a candle to symbolize the return of the light.
2. Reflect on the Year
Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Reflect on everything that past year has brought—the joys, the challenges, the losses. Acknowledge it all, especially the moments of grief and hardship. But also recognize your strength, your resilience, and the love that surrounded you during those times.
3. Release What No Longer Serves You
With each exhale, imagine releasing any lingering pain, fear, or heaviness from this year. Visualize those emotions dissipating into the air, leaving your body lighter, freer.
4. Embrace Gratitude and Growth
Now, focus on what you’ve gained—the community that lifted you up, the lessons you learned, the inner strength that emerged. Spend a moment in gratitude for the resilience you’ve discovered within yourself.
5. Set an Intention for 2025
With your eyes still closed, think about the upcoming year. What do you hope to welcome into your life? What intentions do you want to set for abundance, healing, or personal growth? Speak these intentions softly, either aloud or in your mind.
6. Hold a Crystal (Optional)
If you have a crystal nearby, hold it in your hand during your reflection. Each crystal offers unique support for this ritual, and will continue to help guide and support you in the coming year. (See below for a list of supportive crystals.)
7. Close with Gratitude
When you feel ready, take a final deep breath and exhale slowly. Express gratitude for this moment of reflection and for the year ahead. Blow out your candle and carry your intention forward into the new year.
This small but meaningful ritual is a way to close out this year and step into the next with hope and clarity. As you clear space for new blessings, these crystals will help guide and support you throughout the coming year, aligning your energy for healing, abundance, and transformation.
Crystals for the Winter Solstice
Clear Quartz
Amplifies your intentions and aspirations.
Amethyst
Provides peace and clarity as you connect with your inner wisdom.
Lapis Lazuli
Enhances communication and helps you speak your truth.
Citrine
Attracts abundance and positivity, especially for the new year.
Garnet
Boosts energy and motivation to overcome challenges.
Moonstone
Deepens your connection with your intuition and feminine energy.
Labradorite
Helps you embrace personal transformation and magic.
Hello.
Thank you for this post. I will do the ritual tonight. What is the time of the Winter Solstice? I am in Nebraska, so Central Standard Time.
I have a question, please. What is a growth edge?
Thank you -
Lisa Q