On the shortest day and longest night of the year, twenty four of us gathered at the harvest table to celebrate turning the year once more. The greenhouse on the land at The Kinlands was the perfect setting to host this seasonal gathering. While the greenhouse glowed with warmth from within, the harvest fields beyond lay bare and the animals quietly dozed in the barns. All that space on the horizon, left blank by Autumn’s hand, rendered our gaze ample room to drink up the dark starry sky. And that we did, in addition to copious amounts of hot herbal tea and warm company to keep winter’s chill at bay.

Seasonal living supports us in many practical ways throughout daily life. Connecting to nature seasonally can also support us from a spiritual perspective. Rooted in ancient sacred paganism and the modern Wiccan tradition, The Wheel of the Year offers a sacred calendar and rituals that align with nature.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year - the climax of the darkest period. It marks the rebirth of the sun and the return of warmth. A new solar cycle begins. This year, connect to nature by celebrating the Winter Solstice with these illuminating rituals.