Reflecting on the Wheel of the Year: Why Yule is the Perfect Time to do it

The winter solstice marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next - and Yule is the perfect time to reflect on the Wheel of the Year and our place in it. Celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the start of a new cycle, Yule is a time to pause, reflect, and renew our sense of hope and renewal.

Yule, a winter solstice celebration, marks the winter's shortest day, and longest night and brings us a sense of hope for the return of the sun. On this day, the earth's axis points away from the sun and the sun's height reaches its highest degree. Slowly but surely, the days start to get progressively longer.

In celebration of this most exciting change of the season, the overall theme of Yule is rebirth and renewal. There's a light or solar aspect that must be attended to and emphasized, though the aspect of giving to others is also significant. It is a time when flickering candles, kindling of a fire, twinkle lights, and the lighting of the tree represent this slow return of light.

In my spiritual practice, yule celebrates life in all its forms, including remembering our ancestors who have come before us. With every gift exchanged and ornament hung on the tree, we're reminded that life goes full circle; death leads to new beginnings just as much as birth does. It is a perfect time for reflection, connecting with those we love, and spending sacred time in nature as we reflect on the past year.

During this time, the Wheel of Fortune in the Rider Waite tarot deck, adorns my alter. This allows me to acknowledge the ups and downs of life that we have faced throughout the year. It reminds me of the greatest lessons and opportunities that the year has provided me, allowing me to reflect on the upcoming year. It allows me to review the underlying patterns and shadow work I have done to break the karmic lessons throughout my lifetime and experiences. It allows me to review how I can learn from the choices that I have made. What did and did not work, and what patterns seem to be repeating in my life. There is always a greater lesson(s) being presented each year, and during this time, I journal and reflect to set new intentions for the new year ahead.

One of the greatest blessings that the winter solstice brings is that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. One of the most important things is setting intentions for how you want your new year to be--whether it's with your personal goals or your spiritual practices or both! I encourage everyone to take some time to stop everything else and to reflect on your wheel of the year and set your intentions for 2023.

All artwork is original to the Lotus Connection RI -created By Erica.