On the night when the Earth (in the northern hemisphere) takes its
longest breath we typically gather and take a breath of our own. We
look across the darkness and into the Year to come. We think about what
the new year may bring and what we might make of the gift of the new year.

Although we’re not able to gather together for ritual this year, we can
still celebrate the Winter Solstice. Alone or with the people you’re
living with you can welcome the Return of the Sun.

1. Get out into nature.
   • Take a walk through the woods — even more wonderful if your walk
     includes some evergreen growth.
   • Greet the Sun at sunrise.
     
2. Do you practice yoga? Consider a Sun Salutation for your practice
   on Solstice Day.
   
3. Look up at the Night Sky. For the first time since the year 1226
   there will be an observable conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. Find a
   dark spot just before dusk and look toward the horizon in the West
   /Southwest. Both planets will set shortly after sunset. (OK, this is
   not a traditional Winter Solstice celebration, but it should be
   seriously cool!) The best displays will be on 20th, 21st, and 22nd —
   although the show starts on the 16th.
   
4. Celebrate with a Fire Ritual. Light a candle or fire (safely,
   please). On a small piece of paper (very small — think fortune cookie
   fortune small), write out your goal for the next year and the strengths
   you’ll call on to help you accomplish your goal. Combine your energies
   with those of the fire, by burning that paper.
   
5. Feast. Human have celebrated the Winter Solstice for millennia with
   a feast. Enjoy a nice meal — something that you find especially festive
   — by candlelight, of course. Remember to toast the Returning Sun with
   whatever you’re drinking. Sharing a libation with the Earth is also
   appropriate.