Not all of our members are able to take part in our public ceremonies. That is why we have created a suggestion for how you can easily hold your own simple ceremony. Either indoors or outdoors at your own fire pit.
Indoor ceremony
Preparations
• Find a place where you can be undisturbed, preferably outside or by a window where you can see the sky.
• Bring a candle (or several), preferably in a lantern, and matches/a lighter.
• Gather some symbols from nature (twigs, stones, cones) to make a small altar.
• If you have a drum or rattle, this can be used. If not, you can use your hands to clap or make sound.
- Opening the ceremony
Begin by finding calm. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the here and now.
Stand facing north and say:
"I greet the darkness, the silence, and the wisdom that dwells in the long night. I give thanks for the lessons the year has given me."
Then turn to face south and say:
"I greet the light that returns, the spark of hope and new beginnings."
- Light the candle
Light your candle and say:
"With this light I welcome the sun back. May it shine in my heart and show me the way forward."
Take a few minutes to gaze at the flame. Think about what you wish to let go of from the old year, and what you wish to invite into the new.
- Let go and set intentions
Take one of the symbols from nature you have gathered (e.g. a twig or stone).
Hold it in your hand and say aloud or quietly to yourself:
"I let go of what no longer serves me. I let it return to nature."
Gently place the symbol back on the earth or in a bowl.
Take another symbol and hold it while saying:
"I invite this into my life: [say what you wish, e.g. joy, strength, love]."
Place the symbol on the altar as a reminder.
- Drumming or sound
If you have a drum, play a simple rhythm while thinking of the light and energy you wish to bring in.
If you have no drum, you can clap, sing a simple tone, or use your voice to make a powerful sound.
- Closing
When you feel finished, give thanks for the light and the darkness. Say:
"I thank the sun, the earth, and all the elements for their support. May this circle be closed."
Gently blow out the candle, or let it burn for a while as a reminder of the sun rising again.
Outdoor ceremony
Preparations Find a safe place to make a fire. Bring birch wood, birch bark, and matches. Bring symbols from nature (twigs, stones, leaves) to represent what you wish to let go of and to invite in. If you wish, you can bring a drum, rattle, or a bell. Dress warmly and comfortably so you can be present without disturbance from the cold.
See how you can build the ceremonial fire
- Opening the ceremony
When the fire is ready to be lit, stand in silence around it. Take a few deep breaths to connect with the nature around you. Feel the earth beneath you, the air around you, and the darkness that envelops the landscape.
Say aloud or within yourself:
"I greet the darkness that has been part of the year's cycle. I give thanks for the silence, the wisdom, and the lessons the night has given."
- Light the fire
When you are ready, light the fire with an intention:
"As this fire is lit, I light my own light. I welcome the sun back, and I open myself to new possibilities."
Watch the flames grow and feel the warmth that symbolises the sun slowly rising back over the horizon.
- Let go of the old
Take a twig or a leaf that represents what you wish to let go of from the year that has passed. Hold it in your hands and say:
"I let go of [what you wish to let go of, e.g. fear, doubt, grief]."
Gently place the twig into the flames and watch it turn to ash, as a symbolic cleansing.
- Set intentions for the new year
Take another symbol from nature that represents what you wish to invite into your life (e.g. a cone for growth, a stone for strength). Hold it in your hands and say:
"I invite [what you wish, e.g. joy, love, balance] into my life."
Place the symbol by the fire as part of nature's cycle, or take it home as a reminder of your intention.
- Celebrate the light
Use the drum, rattle, bell, or your voice to make a rhythm or sound that celebrates the return of the sun. You can dance around the fire, sing a song, or simply be in silence and listen to the sounds around you.
- Closing
When you feel finished, give thanks to nature and the elements that have been present.
Say:
"I thank the sun, the moon, the earth, and all the forces that support me. May the light bring clarity, warmth, and new hope."
Let the fire burn out under supervision, or extinguish it safely.
Tip: If you are with others, each participant can share their thoughts aloud or in silence as they let go or set intentions. This can make the ceremony even more powerful and unifying. Happy winter solstice!
Membership of Sjamanistisk Forbund is free
