happy winter solstice

Moon rising in the Organ Mountains, New Mexico

I am molting in this long night
what is dry and old is falling
what is cracked and lifeless is gone/shedding
because I am in bloom
I emerge from these leavings
refreshed and vibrant
I emerge renewed 

Spell by Alia Walston

I don’t know about you all, but I am feeling a lot of feelings today. I ask myself how can I let go? How can I continue to rise through my challenges? We are molded by the hard times, yes, but how can we also learn through gentleness? AKA when can we get a break?
This year has been a big one. Expansive, yes - it felt like being cracked open, over and over and over again. Not knowing what might come out of that exposure, but reaching for the light anyway. Trusting that the dark holds love for me too when I retreat into it. 

Today is the winter solstice, our longest night of the year. We honor the darkness, while hastening the arrival of the sun by lighting candles and fires. May there be peace that you find in the stillness. May there be renewal that you find in the light. 

Here is a simple spread for tarot or oracle cards - we will pick just 3. 
1. What am I leaving behind in the darkness?
2. What am I welcoming into the light?
3. How can I claim my Divine Authority?

Question number 3 comes to me upon reflection of our upcoming Emperor year in 2020 - bowing to the Divine Masculine and trusting our ability to work with its energy, while doing no harm. How can we step past our fears of authority and responsibility to embody the power of this card?

Take the best care of yourselves, loves. Feel free to leave a comment below with any winter ritual plans you may have!