The 11 Days of Solstice

In the days leading up to Solstice it's good to set some time aside to look both forward and backward.  This is time to go within, to embrace the darkness and shadow. ​ Use this fun poem couple with advice to guide the days leading up to solstice. 

December 11th
The first day of solstice my own hands gave to me: a way to hold myself in love. 
Sit quietly, under the covers if you like, and place your hands lovingly on your heart as you think back to all that you have achieved in the past year as well as what has not come to fruition, and loving let it all go. 

December 12th
The second day of solstice my own eyes gave to me: a chance to really see.
Though it's not time to commit to a plan for the new year yet, take some time to today to just start dreaming of what 2020 might look like for you. Write in a journal if you prefer. 

December 13th
The third day of solstice my own feet gave to me: a chance to walk around free.
Go for a walk outside, even if it's short. Revel in the process of letting go. Imagine the version of you that you will leave behind in 2019 as well as the radiant version of yourself that will come into being in 2020. 

December 14th
The fourth day of solstice my own hands gave to me: Soup or stew or pie or cookies.
Take some time today or this weekend to make some food from scratch. Whether it's comfort food or something health and heartwarming for the week ahead, cooking in the winter is always so cozy, and a great way to turn inward and make it easy to come home early. 

December 15th
The fifth day of solstice my heart chakra gave to me: fine golden wings.
Lay on your back, perhaps wit ha bolster or foam roller or pillow under your spine or chest. Open your heart chakra. Allow yourself to give and receive and relax. This is where your wings will sprout when the time is right.

December 16th
The sixth day of solstice my own arms gave to me: a feeling of fluidity.
Love your body during these cool or cold winter days and nights. Let your arms hang at some point today; roll them in circles; give yourself a hug. Winter can make us feel frozen and stiff. Take some time to remember that this will all melt come spring. 

December 17th
The seventh day of solstice my own ears gave to me: The gift of musicality.
Take some time to listen to music that lifts you up. Whether you like holiday tunes or something else entirely, take a few minutes to listen to it today. 

December 18th
The eighth day of solstice my own nose gave to me: The gift of aromatherapy! 
Another simple sense based ritual: Turn on a diffuser, use a roller of essential oils, make some spiced cider, or just put an orange peel and cinnamon stick on a pot of water and boil it for the aroma! The scents of this time of year are divine! Enjoy them! 

December 19th
The ninth day of solstice my own mouth gave to me: My choice of sexy or yummy! 
Yes, solstice is a time to go inward, but it's also a time to celebrate and have fun. It's a chance to bring the forest into our living rooms for goddess's sake! So kiss someone under the mistletoe, or eat a treat, or put that magical mouth to use somehow, and make sure you enjoy it :) 

December 20th
The tenth day of solstice my sacral chakra gave to me: The chance to sit still and be.
Take some time to sit and meditate today. Whether it's one minute or one hour, just be still with yourself. See what comes up and if you get any insights for this time of transition, or even just an idea of how you want to celebrate tomorrow. 

December 21st  *SOLSTICE*
The eleventh day of solstice my own soul gave to me: The secret to a new me.
​This is the time to let it all go dark. Celebrate solo or with loved ones with a simple ritual. Light a candle. Falling on a Saturday, you can clear the way for a group celebration if you like, or just more time for your small or solo solstice. Acknowledge that darkness always comes before light. Give yourself permission to accept all the feelings for what has or has not come pass. Solstice can be emotional and sometimes lonely just as often as it can be a time of celebration or connection. Whatever yours is, is perfect, and it's the time before new seeds will be planted when the coldness finally melts away.