December 21st. marks the Winter Solstice and the time of increasing light. And yet, the deepest days of winter are just beginning for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Try these simple enchantments to manifest light, comfort, and a sense of wellbeing throughout the long winter months.
From late December to mid-February my realm descends into a deep freeze. Relentless snowfall rains down from perpetually gray skies. Harsh winds moan through cracks at windows and doors, like lost spirits begging for entrance. The bare branches of trees standing in ice encrusted forests crack like brittle bones.
Even an agnostic witch such as myself, can easily conjure images of winter Goddesses the likes of Cailleach, Morana, Frigga, Skadi and others, spinning their frozen webs across the land.
This is the perfect time for me to weave some counter magick of my own.
KEEPING THE LIGHT
Traditional winter magick focused on light. The yule log was originally a large tree trunk. Carried into the house, one end was placed into the fire, with the rest extending into the room. As the log burned down it was fed further into the flames. In some cultures, a great bonfire was lit outside and the head of each household would bring home one piece of burning wood for their hearth.
Various rituals were observed to bring protection and good luck to all those in the household. Like the yule log, many of these activities focused on fire, including later practices of placing candles in windows, and lighting Christmas trees with burning candles. All of these customs originated with the magick of safekeeping the light and warmth) of the sun, a source of sustained life, thoughout the winter.
How lucky are we modern witches to have the convenience and safety of light at our fingertips, with the simple flip of a switch? Add the magick of an electrical timer and you can cast the spell of longer daylight hours to appease your circadian rhythm and ward off winter blues. Just place a lamp near your bed, fitted with a 40 watt (or lower) bulb. Plug it into a timer set to switch the light on about an hour before natural sunrise. It likely won’t wake you, but your retinas will register the change in the level of light, and your brain will interpret it as daybreak.
Put mirrors to use to reflect light and create enchantment. Try placing candles on a mantle or shelf in front of a mirror. Wrap strings of tiny wired lights around the frame. Place an assortment of crystal candle holders with white candles on a silver tray. Fill a basket with a string of lighted wire nestled among clear glass balls. Add magic intention by tucking a small wish for the coming year into each clear ornament.
Twinkle lights Twinkle bright Reveal my dreams This long winter's night
COMFORT AND JOY
Practice the Scandinavian art of hygge. Pronounced hue-geh, the final vowel sounds more A than E (I have that direct from a Scandinavian witch). No matter how you say it, hygge is the act of cultivating appreciation for simple pleasures. Though not restricted to winter alone, it’s a perfect philosophy for cozying up and enjoying a slower pace through the long dark months ahead.
Manifest the hygge vibe with a basket of soft wool or chenille socks to keep your feet warm on cold winter evenings. Drape fleece throws over your chairs and sofas, so there’s always a blanket to cuddle up in. Cast a spell on these warming textiles to weave wellbeing into your life and keep you covered in good health, prosperity and wisdom.
Keep a stack of good books at hand for reading on lazy afternoons. Include crossword puzzles, word search, sudoko and brain teasers. Clear a space for a jigsaw puzzle or to play board games. Magically enchant these pastimes with the power to enhance clear thinking and keep your mind sharp.
Stock up on hot cocoa mix and marshmallows, or your favorite herbal teas. Enchant sugar or honey to sweeten your winter days as it sweetens your beverage. Try adding cayenne to your hot cocoa to spice up your love life.
Simmer a hearty stew all day long in a low oven or slow cooker. Infuse your stew with herbs for magick—salt, garlic, and pepper for protection, basil for luck, bay leaf for prosperity. Bake bread or rolls to go with the stew. Not a from-scratch kind of witch? Use refrigerated biscuit dough, or a corn muffin mix. Enchant the rising dough with the energy of increasing whatever you wish to bring into your life.
TIME TRAVEL
Witches love divining the future, and these winter months offer plenty of quiet time for honing your skill. Whether it be the Tarot, ancient runes, scrying in a crystal ball, using a pendulum, or another of the many ways to seek insight and guidance, think divining as getting a heads up, rather than seeing your fate carved in stone. Remember that every action you choose today changes the course of tomorrow.
Now is the time to set your course for the year ahead. Indulge in a journal, planner, or calendar system that inspires you. If you can’t find one you like, make one that suits your purpose. I generally end up cutting pages from several, and pasting them into a blank journal as I go. Check out this free sample of printable journal pages from Effy Wild's Darling Human Planner, that includes pages for oracle cards and vision boards.
Don’t forget to cast spells to help create the future you’re planning. On the inside front cover of my journal I draw a sigil for opening the way to manifest my desires. If you like to choose a word or theme for the year ahead, that goes up front too—making a small vision board right in your journal is an effective way to supercharge your word or theme with intention. You might even try enchanting the pens, highlighters, markers, or paints you use, to flow freely with inspired and creative thoughts.
TO SLEEP ~ PERCHANCE TO DREAM
Nothing says long winter's nap to me like an herbal dream pillow. It's easy to make one from a small piece of cotton fabric—fold into a rectangle (right sides together), sew on two sides, turn right side out, fill with rice or flaxseed (for weight) and a combination of aromatic and magical herbs. Sew the open end.
I love lavender for both its scent and calming properties. Dried hops are another good choice, traditionally used for stuffing entire pillows to relieve anxiety, cure insomnia, and promote deep sleep. You can also add chosen scent with a few drops of essential oil.
If you don't want to sew, you can use iron-on fusible seam tape, or fabric glue. Or, treat yourself by purchasing a handcrafted eye pillow like this one. Whether you make your own or purchase one, be sure to activate it with a dreaming spell.
