The Winter Solstice: A Sacred Seasonal Pause
The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year. Across cultures, it’s a time of deep rest, reflection, and quiet hope as the sun slowly begins its return.
In the natural world, everything slows down. This is our invitation to do the same, and prepare for the return of light.
In traditional systems of healing, winter is a time to turn inward and conserve energy. Slowing down supports your immune system, nervous system, and digestion, all of which work harder in the colder months.
Think warm foods, deep rest, quiet evenings, and gentle herbal rituals. Winter wellness starts with honouring our need to restore.
(Images via Pinterest)
Warming Herbs to Support You This Season
Warming herbs have a long tradition of use during winter. They bring comfort, gently stimulate circulation and digestion, and support immunity. The recipe below utilises these herbs in an easy and comforting winter drink to sip on during the solstice (or any cold day, really):
Cinnamon – Warming, blood-sugar balancing, and gently digestive
Clove – Antimicrobial and warming; helps relieve congestion and pain
Nutmeg – Aromatic and grounding, with a gentle calming effect
Ginger – Circulatory stimulant and digestive ally
Calendula – A warming lymphatic that supports detoxification and immune flow- and a beautiful symbol of the sun’s return after solstice
Winter Solstice Mulled Wine (or Tea!) Recipe
Alcoholic version (Mulled Wine):
1 bottle red wine (or apple cider)
1 cinnamon stick
3–4 whole cloves
1 slice fresh ginger
Pinch of grated nutmeg
3 cardamom pods
A few calendula flowers (fresh or dried)
Optional: orange peel, raw honey or maple syrup to taste
Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, strain, and serve warm.
Alcohol-free version:
Use apple juice or rosehip tea as your base
Add the same warming herbs (especially calendula)
Simmer gently and sip as a restorative herbal infusion
My dear herbalist friend Alexis at Zephyra Apothecary shared the idea of adding calendula to my winter blend, as a reminder that the light always returns. You can check out her beautiful work at www.zephyra-apothecary.com.au
Other Ritual Ideas for the Winter Solstice
Herbal Foot Bath with Warming Herbs
Soak your feet in warm water infused with cinnamon, ginger, calendula, or rosemary. It’s a grounding, circulatory practice that soothes the nervous system and warms the body from the bottom up.
Create a Solstice Altar
Gather seasonal items that represent rest and renewal — evergreen leaves, pinecones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, a candle, and a handwritten intention.
Sunrise or Candlelight Gratitude Walk
Take a quiet walk at sunrise (or sunset) with the intention of honouring the return of the sun. Bring awareness to what you’re grateful for, even in the darkness.
Embody Stillness
Set aside time for complete quiet. No screens, no distractions. Just sit with a cup of warming tea, watch the trees outside, or lie under a blanket with no agenda.
Group Fire Ceremony
Gather with loved ones, light a fire or candle, and share intentions or what you’re letting go of. Speak them aloud or write them down to place into the fire- a communal act of transformation.
