As the quiet winter slows to a stop, let’s allow ourselves to rest in the darkness of deep belonging. On the longest night we teeter on the axis between shadow and glimmer, death and rebirth. The weak sun snuffs out, leaving a wisp of smoke against the velvety sky. In the dark night the wheel turns, easing us gently forward, as the new crescent moon rises leading us through the crack of light into the dawn.

At this time of year we draw on the familiarity of traditions to soothe and enchant our children -and inner children. Evergreens sparkle with strings of lights, feasting, gratitude and gifts. We can delight our senses with warm winter spices – warming ginger in the form of decorated gingerbread; distinctive cinnamon (with antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-viral properties); cloves (antimicrobial and antioxidant); peppery allspice in the form of leaves and berries; mellow vanilla, calming cardamom and aromatic nutmeg. In Victorian times spices were expensive and highly prized, so were only used at Christmas, creating the association that we have today in our seasonal food and drink. These flavours from afar symbolise wealth, and we can bring them to our table for abundance and sumptuous flavours, along with lemon and orange zest. Interestingly spices can also aid in the preservation of food, useful in the days before cold storage. Many of them are also great for warding off winter illnesses along with giving us a boost and helping to aid a speedy recovery from colds and flu.

There’s a natural urge to round off the year with feasting and social occasions. So when the days are at their shortest, light a fire and gather with friends to tell stories, share treats and raise a song. Connect in with the turning of the year and the promise of the returning of the light. 

When you need a quiet moment of solitude, go outside on a clear night (yes there will be one!) and look up at the stars in all their magnitude.  Give yourself a moment of quiet transition to recalibrate. With Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus all coming into important alignments, there may be some changes ahead by the spring.

More about spices and a link to tasty christmas treats:

https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/spicing-up-christmas

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-cinnamon-buns

And here are some lovely ways to honour the winter solstice, plus an album to set the scene:

https://thesmallestlight.co.uk/how-to-celebrate-winter-solstice/

https://www.shazam.com/en-gb/album/271039469/vigil-keeping

I am an artist, musician and orchardist living on the Gower Peninsula. I am writing this blog to share with others the power and joy we can feel as we immerse ourselves in nature recovery.  By returning to our mother earth, I believe this will lead us forward into a more sustainable way of living.  Self care and community care are vital to develop our resilience and then from a more grounded base we can create the world we want to see, starting with small and possible actions. 

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All photos and text are the copyright of Witchhazel Wildwood unless otherwise stated.