The December Solstice remind us of nature's eternal cycles of death and rebirth, of expansion and contraction. The solstice invites us to honor these threshold moments – to acknowledge both the gifts of darkness and the power of light's return. It is a time for deep reflection, for recognizing our place within these greater natural rhythms that have guided human consciousness since time immemorial.

When: December 21st, 2024, at 1:20 am PT

What: The Sun enters Capricorn, signaling the seasonal Solstice

How: Shop our Solstice Ritual Essentials here and honor the solstice by reflecting and resetting

Takeaway: This sacred turning of the light invites you to release the old from 2024 and set fresh intentions for 2025

A time for you to reflect and reset

The solstice reminds us how deeply connected we are to Earth's natural cycles. This turning point in the year is also perfect for looking at our own lives. Just as farmers carefully choose which seeds to plant, we can decide what parts of our lives we want to grow in 2025 and what we're ready to let go from 2024. Think of it as cleaning out your inner garden – keeping what helps you grow and composting what no longer serves you.

Whether you're experiencing the shortest day of the year or the longest, the solstice is a powerful pause point. This moment reminds us that every ending leads to a new beginning, just as surely as darkness always gives way to dawn.

Eight rituals to honor the December Solstice from Chani Nicholas

1. Immerse yourself in nature. Visit your favorite park, garden, farm, body of water, or other natural spot. Sync up with the rhythms of the season, and contemplate what these cycles can teach you.
2. Acknowledge all that is culminating in your own life. Recognize the endeavors that have reached a crucial threshold at this time. Consider all that you’ve achieved and the challenges still to come. Celebrate your works in progress, and boost your morale for the final stretch.
3. Release the idea that you need to get it right, and embrace the reality of being in an ongoing process. Refuse to carry unrealistic expectations into the new year. Hold a letting-go ceremony in which you write down every unreasonable standard that you want to bid farewell to, then tear up the list. Recycle the shreds or bury them outside.
4. Set intentions for 2025. Whether you wish to learn a new skill, commit more fully to your aspirations, develop a budding connection, or plumb uncharted depths in an existing relationship, cast your spells. To realize your dreams, it helps to identify what you desire in the first place. If your goals feel daunting, break them down into doable steps, then write them in your calendar or Chani's 2025 Astro Planner.
5. Invite warmth into your home, especially if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. Light candles on your altar. Brighten your room with lamps, baubles, stars, or golden garlands. Get cozy. By doing so, you cheer on the rebirth that’s unfolding in your life and all around you.
6. Adorn your home and/or altar with local foliage, such as cedar boughs, ripe fruits, dried oranges, mistletoe, pine cones, flowers, honeycombs, or anything seasonal in your region. Convert your space into a sanctuary that reflects the time of year. In this way, you can connect to the spirit and beauty of this sacred moment.
7. Gather with friends, family, and chosen kin. Throw an office party, a secret elf exchange, or a festive dinner with your inner circle. Spend time with the people who keep your faith alight.
8. Meditate, or commit to a practice that helps you go deeper within. If you need some ideas, check out the abundance of guided meditations in the CHANI app.