Yule Intention Setting: Finding the Light in the Winter Solstice
The word solstice comes from the Latin sōlstitium, which comes from the parts sōl, which means “sun,” and sistere, which means “to stand still.” We have two solstices each year— summer and winter. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice in June coincides with celebrations of Midsummer, Litha, Lughnasadh, and other celebrations of high summer and the longest day of the year. The Winter Solstice, on the other hand, coincides with Yule and the longest night of the year.
Symbolically, the Winter Solstice has long represented the return of light, the coming of the sun, and the end of a long, dark, cold period. It’s for that reason that Yule makes such a wonderful time to set intentions for the coming season. It is the ideal opportunity to leave that which no longer serves you behind in the dark, creating space for the light. Setting intentions can be intimidating, so we’ve put together a short guide to Yule intention setting to help you along.
Create a safe, sacred space. This can just be somewhere that you can relax, uninterrupted for a few minutes. Bring tools into this space that help you feel grounded— It could be crystals, your favourite plants, maybe a few springs of cedar or balsam, or even something symbolic like your hiking boots. If possible, ask your family for a few minutes of quiet and privacy, shut the door, and get comfortable.
Have something to write your intentions down on and with. This could be as simple as a piece of paper and a marker, or as elaborate as your grimoire and favourite pen. Writing down your intentions serves both a practical and symbolic purpose. It is practical because it will help you remember what intentions you set, and symbolic because it creates something physical, concrete, and powerful.
Let in some light. If you’re a fan of candles, they work great. You can also use LED candles for this purpose if that’s something you’re more comfortable with, or crack open the curtains and let in some good old-fashioned sunlight (Or moonlight! Whatever works).
Remember that your intentions are yours and yours alone. What you choose to do with them is totally up to you. You could shout them from the rooftops for all to hear, or keep them close to your heart and personal. Whatever resonates with you is what is right for intention setting.
Some other great ways to strengthen your intention setting can be:
Writing down what you want to leave behind in favour of your new intentions, and burning the list in a fire (always remember to practice fire safety).
Making mulled wine or cider with spices for good luck (like allspice) and prosperity (like cinnamon and cloves) and sharing with your loved ones.
Taking time to meditate and gather with your community! It can be difficult to find time with the holidays, but there is no time limit on your intentions. Remember that working towards your intentions is an ongoing process.
If self-care and movement are part of your intentions this year, we hope to see you in-studio soon here at The Aura House. The Brampton Yoga community is supportive and strong, and exactly the kind of people you want in your corner as you move forward into a new year.
Blog Post written by Maya Price-Baker
