Winter Solstice has been known as Saturnalia, Light of Winter, and the Standing Still Sun. It begins in the Northern Hemisphere 2:02 AM, PST

Winter Solstice is thought of as a time of death and rebirth when Nature’s powers and our own souls are renewed. It marks the moment in time when the Old Sun dies (at dusk on the 21st of December) and when the Sun of the New Year is born (at dawn on the 22nd of December), framing the longest night of the year. The birth of the New Sun is thought to revive the Earth’s aura in mystical ways, giving a new lease on life to spirits and souls.

Herbs of Winter Solstice

Bring in herbs to celebrate! From the doorway inward, using herbs for the solstice invites the light inside. Adorn your doorways and mantles with evergreens and dried herbs. Our ancestors brought in an evergreen tree to mystically ensure there would be light all year long. It is said that the evergreen retains its sunlight, staying green all year, to reminds us that life is forever present and renewable.

Herbs for a Yule time celebration include: Cedar, Ash, Bay, Blessed Thistle, Chamomile, Frankincense, Holly, Juniper, Mistletoe, Rosemary and Pine. These herbs can be used throughout the house, in a potpourri see our DIY below), to decorate an altar or anoint and drink in.

Many of our products use these powerful plants. Here are just a few ways you can use them to bring the light in—

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) gives us the gift of a dry, Mediterranean heat in the long dark days of winter. Our Rosemary Lavender Roll-on can be used on the third eye, massaged into your temples and hair, or to anoint your solstice candle.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Chamomile brings the power of the sun and is soothing to our digestive system and spirit. Our Blue Chamomile Hydrosol can be used to spray onto your face and body and taken internally. Chamomile is also one of the main ingredients in our Empress CBD Tea and provides a restful and calming sensation with each cup.

Frankicense (Boswellia carterii) is used for deep healing and inner stillness. Frankincense is a sacred oil for self reflection, prayer, and meditation. It is also believed to strengthen and invigorate the respiratory system. Frankincense has been referred to as “tears of crystallized sunlight.”

We use Frankincense in many of our products. In our Calm Inhaler and Soulshine Candle its sweet, woody aroma has a sedative effect and enhances the mood by diminishing feelings of stress and anxiety. In our topicals, like or Face & Body Serum and Wands it is an anti-inflammatory oil known to soothe inflamed skin by reducing the sensations of redness, swelling, and itching. It also helps to disinfect and tighten the pores, and promote speedy healing of the skin.

A DIY Yule Time Potpourri for Prosperity

Give as a gift or just fill your home with the smell of winter.

Gather these kitchen herbs to make a simmering yule time offering.

3 Cups water
4 Tablespoons cardamom seeds
2 Tablespoons whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
3 Springs of Rosemary
1-2 Bay Leaves
3 Nutmeg berries (or a 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg powder)
1 Teaspoon ginger
1 Small orange (sliced)

Simmer ingredients together on a stovetop on low.
Replenish with water as needed. For a gift idea, put the dry ingredients in a jar and give with hand-written instructions.

We hope you have a wonderful solstice celebration!