When the Winter Solstice approaches, the Earth nears its longest night and shortest day of the year.

After this climactic event, the light will begin to return once more. The ancients used candles and bonfires to entice the sun to return, and this ritual is still practiced today.

Many mystical traditions view the world as a metaphor, reflecting back to us the cycles and structures that exist within ourselves. With that in mind, this is the perfect time to imitate the natural world, clear out the old, and make room for a spring renewal… to release any negative feelings from your mind and heart space, and call positive energy in.

While we love to do this ritual around the Winter Solstice, it can be performed any time you feel you need to center yourself in gratitude and positivity.

What You Need

• A natural candle (preferably beeswax)
• Matches or a lighter

Directions

Step 1: Place your candle in a relaxing, quiet environment. Be sure it is on a safe and even surface for burning, with no fire hazards nearby. You can choose to use one or more candles, whatever feels right.

Tip: Using a natural beeswax candle ensures that no toxins are released into the air and thus into your body. You want a clean burn!

Step 2: Quiet your mind and set an intention for your practice. What do you want to bring into your life or give gratitude for? What do you want to release? Focus on these positive thoughts in your mind.

Step 3: Take a breath in through your nose, and release it slowly through your mouth. Repeat this four times. As you breathe in, focus on positive thoughts. As you breathe out, imagine pushing out any negative thoughts that arise. If your mind begins to drift, gently bring it back to your breath.

Take as long as you need. When you feel complete, you can let the candle continue to burn to completion, or blow it out to use it again. You may revisit this practice daily until the candle has been reduced to nothing. Follow whatever feels right to you.

The more time we spend connecting with our hearts in silence, and aligning with the cycles and rhythms of nature, the lighter our hearts will feel. In this darkest moment of the year, the bright flame of the candle reminds us of the light that will be coming soon.

Wishing you an enchanting and transformative Solstice!

Stay curious,

Nick Polizzi
Host of Proven: Healing Breakthroughs Backed By Science
& Founder of The Sacred Science

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