Embracing the Longest Night: Celebrating Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere
As the sun dips to its lowest arc in the sky and the night stretches to its fullest length, we in the Southern Hemisphere arrive at Midwinter—the Winter Solstice, typically falling around June 20th to 22nd. This sacred turning point in the Earth’s seasonal cycle marks not just the longest night of the year, but the quiet rebirth of the light.
Celebrated in cultures across the globe, the Winter Solstice is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with both inner stillness and ancient rhythms. For those of us in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or South America, honouring this moment invites us to fully embrace the gifts of winter: introspection, rest, resilience, and hope.
In the dark heart of winter, life appears still. Trees stand bare, animals hibernate, and the land sleeps under a cold, quiet sky. But beneath this stillness, a shift begins. The sun’s light returns, ever so slowly, growing stronger with each passing day.
The Solstice reminds us that even in darkness, transformation is stirring. It is a time of renewal, rebirth, and trust in the cycle of life.
While modern life may push us to keep moving, winter asks us to slow down. To rest. To dream. To go inward and reconnect with the soul’s quiet voice.
The Winter Solstice offers a powerful reminder: the dark is not empty—it is sacred. It is the womb of creation, the cave of wisdom, the place where seeds sleep before they rise again.
Trust in the turning. Honor the stillness. Light your inner flame.
Yule Correspondence
Other Names: Jul (“wheel”, Old Norse), Yuletide(Teutonic), Midwinter, Festival of Sol, Solar/Secular/Pagan New Year
Deities: Great Mother, Befana (strega), Holda (teutonic), Isis(egyptian), Triple Goddess, Tonazin(mexican), Lucina(roman), St. Lucy (swedish),Bona Dea (roman), Mother Earth, Eve(Hebrew), Ops(roman Holy Mother), the Snow Queen, Hertha (German), Frey (Norse), Sun Child, Saturn(rome), Cronos (Greek), Horus/Ra(egyptian), Mithras(persian), Balder(Norse), Santa Claus/Odin(teutonic), Holly King, Sol Invicta, Janus(God of Beginnings), Marduk (Babylonian)Old Man Winter
Colours: gold, silver, red, green, white
Symbols: candles, evergreens, holly, mistletoe, poinsettia,mistletoe, lights, gifts, Yule log, Yule tree. spinning wheels, wreaths, bells
Foods: nuts, apple, pear, caraway cakes soaked with cider, pork, orange, hibiscus or ginger tea, roasted turkey, nuts, fruitcake, dried fruit, cookies
Drinks: eggnog, mulled wine
Things to do at Samhain
- Light a Solstice Fire (or Candle). Fire has long symbolized the returning sun. Light a bonfire outdoors if you can, or gather indoors with candles or a hearth fire. As you do, reflect on what you are leaving behind—and what new light you hope to nurture.
- Reflect and Journal. The Winter Solstice is perfect for inner work.
- Prepare a Seasonal Feast. Cook a warming, nourishing meal using winter produce: pumpkins, root vegetables, dark greens, and spices like cinnamon or cloves. Invite loved ones to share in the feast and toast to the return of the light.
- Create a Solstice Ritual. Set aside sacred time. Turn off lights. Sit in darkness and silence for a few minutes, then light a single candle. Speak an intention for the year ahead, or write it down and place it on your altar. You can also honour ancestors or the spirits of the land.
- Stargaze or Welcome the Sunrise. On Solstice Eve, bundle up and spend time under the stars—the veil of night is longest and often clearest. Or rise early the next morning to greet the returning sun, welcoming it with gratitude and hope.
- Decorate with Natural Symbols. Use evergreen branches, pinecones, winter berries, and candles to bring life and meaning into your home. These symbols of resilience and renewal have been used in Solstice traditions for centuries.
What we’re doing
On Solstice eve our council is holding their second annual Solstice in the Square so we are planning on getting dressed up and spreading some pagan goodness. I’m hoping to have a basket of goodies to give out. I took part in a winter solstice headdress workshop so will be wearing that as well.
The 21st would have been my Mum’s birthday. During the day I’ll be spending time with my craft besties so will be taking Yule biscuits and some cake to share. Afterwards our family will have a special meal to honour Mum and celebrate all she meant to us. Then we’ll light some candles on our Yule log. I’ll do some journaling and depending on the weather may do some stargazing for awhile. If not I’ll sit by the fire and enjoy a warm beverage.
In closing I leave you with a Winter Solstice blessing –
May the long night bring you peace. May your dreams be deep, your rest be full, and your spirit be warmed by the fire within.
Blessed Midwinter. Blessed Solstice. The light will return.