Winter Solstice – The Return of the Light ↟

Today, on December 21st around 16:00, the Winter Solstice occur and we acknowledge the return of the light here in Scandinavia. Today marks the shortest and darkest day of the year, the sun has the lowest noon height and the earth’s axis of rotation leans furthest from the sun. The days are from now on slowly turning brighter – hope is again kindled 🕯

Many tries to tie the Winter Solstice with Yule, which is incorrect. The Germanic people in the North have always celebrated the original ‘Jul’ at the first full moon after the Winter Solstice. We have ancient traditions based on our different seasons and the position of the sun and the moon, like the Summer Solstice (Midsummer), The Winter Solstice (Ljóssi) and the first full moon, after the new moon after the Winter Solstice (Jul), which was established long before the Christianization of Scandinavia. Much of the origin of the Old Norse roots still exists today in our current traditions – as our pagan ancestors once celebrated them.

May this Solstice and turning of the wheel bring you enlightenment, wisdom and good fortune in the coming year!