Sapling Tarot - Winter Solstice '23
The most wonderful time of the year...
Welcome to another Sapling Tarot Newsletter, I’m so grateful you’re here!
Tonight, at 03:27 GMT marks the Winter Solstice — the longest night of the year. Throughout history and around the world, different cultures have celebrated this astronomical point in the year as it marks a turning point where the days will start getting longer again, and the light will return.
The word “solstice” comes from the idea that the sun looks as though it stands still in the sky before apparently changing direction.
You can watch the sunrise at Stonehenge via the live stream here!
New Year Oracle
The holly card (and the accompanying robin!), are saying it’s time to slow down. Associated with balance and peace, holly represents the need to take the time to do what you need to do to recenter yourself.
In moments of overwhelm, it can feel like we always have to keep on pushing, we have to strive to overcome and get out of the discomfort. This card suggests that it might be better to take a moment, sit back and focus on what really needs to be done.
Listening to your body can be hard for many people, and even if you can do it it can feel lazy or indulgent. I’m here (and the robin is too) to tell you that you deserve to rest, you deserve to take your time when you need to, and you deserve to take things at your own pace.
If you struggle to understand what your body needs there are still things you can do to regulate your nervous system and bring yourself closer to a feeling of peace. This is a great article on finding the “glimmers” at this time of year.
This month’s Oracle comes from The Seed & Sickle Oracle Deck by Fez Inkwright - read more about this deck here.
🌝 Keep an eye out for the Full Cold Moon in Cancer on December 26th 🌝
December Nature Notes
A season of rest and hibernation for many here in the Northern Hemisphere, there are still things you can do to look after your local wildlife at this chilly time.
Leaving out a dish of fresh water gives a welcome opportunity for drinking and bathing for all creatures when the ground is dry or usual spots are frozen over. Try using a few stones to break up the water’s surface so more animals can take full advantage of your little spa (and climb out if they fall in!).
Eating and Drinking at Yule
There are so many feasting traditions around this time of year, each as wonderful and delicious sounding as the last. Depending on your culture and where you are in the world, the sort of food eaten around this time of year can vary massively due to the difficulty of accessing usual foods during the winter.
In Scandinavia, where many Yule traditions originate, the feast is described as the “Julebord” (or Julbord, or Julefrokost) - literally a Christmas table. The meal includes various meats alongside Surkål (sour, spiced cabbage), sprouts and lingonberry jam. Mulled wine, beer and akevitt are all options for festive libations!
(See my Autumn Equinox newsletter for my mulled wine recipe)
Tarot for the Year Ahead
Last year I designed this tarot spread to use at the Yule Leith Witchcraft Market, I’ve pulled it back out this year to complement some of the busier Year Ahead spreads I see floating around.
For 20% off Year Ahead readings use code NEWYEAR in your booking!
I hope you all have a gorgeous evening and remainder of the Winter season, thank you so much for being here, I’ll speak to you again soon.