Tradition Roots-

I first found out about summer solstice, autumn equinox, winter solstice, and spring equinox when I was in my rewilding period. I was in my early twenties. My two girls were itty bitty and I decided to homeschool. During those years, I researched educational philosophies that aligned with my value of connection.

Looking back, connection to me didn’t just mean the connection I wanted to hold with my family but also to the earth. I was called to creating my own rhythm and traditions. Winter solstice quickly took hold of me as I read more and more about the Waldorf traditions in the month of December.

The 4 weeks of Advent in December is all about connecting with all that is sacred and remembering our place in it.

Week one is the Mineral Kingdom- where we add stones, seashells, bones. Representing our foundation.

Week two is the Plant Kingdom- where we will add moss, a bundle of evergreen. Representing growth.

Week three is the Animal Kingdom- where we add all our animal figurines. Representing life and movement.

Week four is the Human Kingdom- where we add our human figurines, and an angel. Representing our role in this life. Hearing the call.

This all prepares us for the longest night of the year. Where we honor the light within us, within others, and the strength to carry it even in the darkest days of the year.

Long, long ago, before anyone understood the cycles of the seasons, people believed the sun was dying. The nights grew longer and sun wasn’t as strong as it was in the summer, when it helped grow corn. When the sun did turn and start to some back, and days became longer and warmer, they marked this as a sacred point in the year. On the longest night we hold ceremony in preparation for the rebirth of the sun.

I adapted the Waldorf spiral for winter solstice and combined it with my intuition and ancient knowledge that I was initiated into.

Every year is different. Some of the years I went public, another year it was just our family, and then there’s the intimate years of current circles. What has stayed the same is holding this night in sacred love. Building the spriral of evergreen from a tree we picked on our land. Lighting many candles in mason jars. All leading up to the center where our giant rock is. I call it a touchstone. It’s one of the wishing rocks with a white line through it. Before anyone walks I set the intention and explain what is possible as you walk the spiral.

My children then carry lanterns through the spiral and place them at the touchstone in the middle. They walk first as a opening of space for others and as a demonstration. I have extra seashells and rocks for each person to take with them on the journey to the center of the spiral- if they didn’t bring one with them. Once at the center one may blow their wishes into the rock/seashell or release heavy energy into the rock. Then they place it around our touchstone for Pachamama to mulch and be held as an earth altar.

We have a big bonfire going outside as well, aside from the spiral. We also have a potluck and a secret handmade gift exchange with the children.

As the night ends and people start leaving- in years past as a whole family, we would walk the spiral one last time. Other years- just my husband and I walk it together, often reflecting out loud the blessings that were of that night. Before I tuck in, I would gaze out at the spiral from inside our home, whispering goodnight and sending well wishes to all.

Further Reflections

For 2025 Winter Solstice- We had to cancel. Nature was blowing her winds and I leaned in. We may reschedule but we also may not. Flowing with comes.

I wrote a whole poem from the heart when I woke this morning. You can find that on my socials.

Sometimes the story is- listening. Pausing. Followed by quick aligned action of what is.

XO

8th Annual Winter Solstice Event