The Light Returns
As the day after the winter solstice, today marks the first full day on the Sun’s slow but steady journey back to full strength. It is the first day in six months when daylight grows instead of shrinks. Consider welcoming back the Sun by adorning your space with light, candles, and emblems of the Sun.
Day of Reflections
The Sun’s long journey begins with this first day of growth. It is a dark and cold time of the year, and getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult - especially for anyone who sat a solstice vigil yesterday! Respect the energies by taking it slow today.
You might honor the change of a new Sun cycle (and the end of the Gregorian year that is approaching) by looking back at your own path that led you to where you are today. Consider looking over the last six months of the darker cycle or all of 2025 via journaling, spellwork, or meditation.
Acknowledging Ancestors
As part of your reflections, you might consider honoring your ancestors. These may be relatives who share your name or blood, important teachers of the past, historic witches who helped shape your practice, religious figures, or other treasured presences who have moved on to distant places.
Consider making or tidying up an ancestor altar, hosting a silent supper, making offerings, reaching out with rituals or spells, or simply taking a moment to honor your ancestors and thank them for helping you get to where you are today.
Want to celebrate? Here are a few spells and other ways to honor the energies of the day.
Guided Candle Meditations
Make Rolled Beeswax Candles by Carolina Honey Bees
Making a Witch’s Journal: Reflecting Mirrors
Journaling Prompts for Reflective Shadow Work
How to Make an Ancestor Candle
TWELVE NIGHTS OF YULE COUNTDOWN:
0. Intro and History of the Twelve Nights
1. Mother’s Night and The Longest Night (Dec 20)
2. The Winter Solstice and The Wild Hunt (Dec 21)
3. Day of Light & Reflections, Sacred to Ancestors (Dec 22)
4. Day of Family, Sacred to All-Father Odin (Dec 23)
5. Day of Gifts & Miracles, Jolabokaflod, Night of Animals Talking (Dec 24)
6. Day of Hearth & Home, Sol Invictus, Rauhnächte Begins, Sacred to Frigg (Dec 25)
7. Day of Cleansing (Dec 26)
8. Day of Snow, Sacred to Deities of Winter, Skadi & Ullr (Dec 27)
9. Day of Preparation (Dec 28)
10. Day of Community (Dec 29)
11. Day of Mischief, Sacred to Tricksters (Dec 30)
12. Oath Night, Twelfth Night, Day of Wassailing, Gregorian New Year’s Eve (Dec 31)