With the end of the Yule holidays, we have entered astronomical winter, a long season that will last until Ostara, the Spring Equinox.
Yes, the day is beginning to increase, we know this, but we can only notice it visibly to Imbolc, when the light will win back a good one and a half to two hours from the darkness.
In the meantime, the night is still long, dreams are deep, and the world around is snowy and cold.
Winter is traditionally a home time, a time of family unity, a kind, because it is much more difficult to survive alone in a frozen world, nature sleeps like a dead sleep, the earth will not give birth to fruits, sunlight does not give strength.
And there are few things to do outside, and if they arise, you want to finish as soon as possible – and back, to the warm circle of the hearth, to the fire, under the roof, to the walls protecting from the icy wind.
Winter magic is magic done in secret, behind closed doors, under the cover of cold night, in the dim light of winter moons.
This magic is protective and protective, closer to Imbolc – cleansing and healing, aimed at restoring and filling with forces, of which there will be very few left by spring.
In winter, for a witch, the main task is for the house to be a true fortress, sheltering from the dark forces that roam outside, and for the home to be warm, cozy and satisfying.
Seeing off the Wolf Moon, we remove all New Year and Yule paraphernalia from our homes, close the portals where we sent our desires and dreams during the Yule time of celebration. It’s time, it’s time to take apart the Christmas trees, remove the garlands, hide the red-cheeked Santa Clauses in a box.
As winter decorations, you can leave snowflakes pasted on windows or suspended from the ceiling – they symbolize the beauty of winter, so they are still appropriate. But solar symbols, like red or golden candles, it’s time to remove them.
We also disassemble the altars, giving them a winter asceticism. A white veil, white candles, transparent stones (gradually the altar will be transformed into Imbolk, Brigittin, the virgin-tender altar of the goddess-bride).
You can leave fresh needles, which still symbolize the undying nature, but without decorations and sparkles.
Watching snowfalls. We collect fresh snow and bring it into the house, drown it (or wait until it melts) in order to use it for cleansing ablutions (of ourselves, the altar, the dwelling).
On the snow brought into the house, you can throw off your doubts, blocks and obstacles that interfere with the implementation of any goals and meditate, looking at the melting, how all these difficulties dissolve along with the snow.
We walk through the cheerful frost and practice breathing practices. It is especially good if this walk takes place in a park or forest. Winter air is especially clean, and in a coniferous forest it is also healing.
Able to cool the senses and the head (if someone needs it, of course).
We inhale and imagine how the frosty air extinguishes the fire of painful unrequited love or cools anger, rage or other destructive emotions.
From winter entertainment, you can also arrange a whole ritual. For example, while making a snowman.
Having rolled a small snowball, we call it some important project for us or a goal that needs to be developed, increased (increase in income, growth in popularity, attractiveness, and so on), and we begin to roll the ball in the snow, watching how it grows, and visualizing, how your life will change after the fulfillment of the wish.
In the process, by the way, it is possible to concentrate and catch a couple of practical ideas on how to implement plans not only with the help of magic, but also with practical actions.
We practice the magic of dreams and deep meditations.
Winter is a great time to study dreams, their symbols and meanings, keep a diary and keep track of your dreams and how they played out in life, gradually compiling your own dream book.
We check the house for a fortress, update and improve amulets and protective talismans, put runic locks.
We warm with the warmth of candles, prepare hearty dinners and study culinary witchcraft. Trying bannock recipes to bake the most delicious bread in Imbolc.
Of course, the list can be added endlessly, because in fact, for all its severity, winter is a very inspiring time.
How is your winter going?
Good season everyone, be blessed!
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