The winter can be a long and harsh season. When the temperature plummets, plenty of people hide indoors to escape the chill. Unfortunately, depression and low spirits are also common during this time. To keep yourself in the right mindset, it can be fun to engage in spiritual activities that ground you and allow you to remember the joy of life. Consider these simple winter rituals, and find an activity that speaks to what your soul needs at the moment.
Warm Your Spirits With Spirits
When there’s a chill in the air, having something warm to put in your belly can be remarkably comforting. The winter is the perfect time to concoct your own libations using the flavors of the season. Mulling spices are ideal. Mulling spices typically contain cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and other tastes associated with this time of year. Adding these spices to apple cider or wine and heating the concoction over the fire is a relaxing ritual that will easily invigorate your senses. These spices are also known to be soothing to the mind and body, which can help you relax as you warm up.
Light Candles and Reflect
While shutting yourself away indoors can feel like an isolating experience, there is a lot to be discovered when you’re left with your thoughts. Since the winter can be a period of inaction for many people, the time can be used to your advantage by reflecting on your life. Think about decisions you made or experiences that shaped you and consider how all of it has made you feel. Lighting candles can create a soft ambience in your home that helps you think back in a calming manner.
Candles are actually a nice addition to a number of winter rituals for pagans. According to old Irish customs, families would light candles and place them in windows in order to guide loved ones back home safely. Though the glow of the flame might be dim, a candle is a symbol that has helped people feel comforted and protected since it was first invented.
Host a Gathering
Spending time indoors does not mean you need to be alone. While having quiet moments of reflection now and again is important, it is equally as vital to connect with friends and family members. Being around the people you care about has a way of making the winter feel a bit less cold. If you haven’t gone out of the house for much more than work and obligations recently, plan a gathering. Hosting a small party with some of your closest confidants is a wonderful way to beat the blues of the season and feel a sense of community.
Greet the Season
There are moments when you need to keep yourself warm, but there are also times when you must face the cold. A way to really connect with the season on a spiritual level is by stepping outside and feeling the cool air. Take a walk at dusk in a wooded area and watch the dazzling magic that takes over as fiery reds disappear into cool, muted blues. Bring a blanket outside on a clear night and observe the frozen stars twinkling above. Dress appropriately no matter what you do, of course, to avoid catching a cold.
Bake
Turning on the stove is a great way to heat up your home and fill it with the tantalizing scents of baked goods. Not only is the process of baking a methodical, comforting experience, it produces delicious results. Make some treats for your loved ones, or whip up a batch of cookies to indulge in alone. Baking is a quick and simple activity you can take on whenever the mood strikes.
Connecting with the winter through winter rituals and timeless activities can be a wonderful way to use the season to the fullest. Explore some options to see what appeals most, and discover new ways of feeling alive when the world is cold.