The 21 June will be the shortest day of the year in Australia (yeah!!!), this is called the winter solstice.  
 
This year will be a powerful one as it is backed up by a solar eclipse and a new moon!  
The Winter Solstice is a perfect time to create space and clarity and to water the seeds of change.    
According to Forever Conscious, "The winter solstice celebrates the longest hours of darkness or the rebirth of the sun and is believed to hold a powerful energy for regeneration, renewal and self-reflection."
 
New moon represents the start of a new lunar cycle, it symbolizes new beginnings. It is a fantastic time to use the energy of a new moon to achieve your goals or start on a new project.
 
In astrology, eclipses are like a portal for exponential growth. Specifically, eclipses are a time of rapid change, either from internal or external circumstances.
 
For us Rituals give life meaning, they also honor and acknowledge the unseen web of Life that connects us all.                   
We would love to share with you a ritual inviting you to utilize these astrological times to create changes into your life.
You can use this guided meditation to complement the ritual.
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
 
Winter solstice ritual
We love to do this ritual in our yard as we want to be surrounded by nature and one step requires digging the earth.
 
You will need

• a candle
• Piece of cloth ( for the altar)
• some of your favourite crystals
• meaningful objects such as feathers, stones.. (optional)
• 1 pieces of paper titled ‘letting go’
• 1 piece of paper titled ‘seeds of change’
• a pen
• matches or lighter
• A metal bowl
• A small water container
• A hand shovel (or something to dig a little earth)

 
Set up the altar by placing the crystals, objects and candle on top of your cloth in an appealing display.
Light the candle.
Quieten your mind by focusing on the candle and breathing deeply and steadily for a few minutes.
Once you feel centered, start to reflect on the past year and assess what are the changes you would like to see/make in your life.
Ask yourself

• what it is you want to let go of?
• What no longer serves you?
• What are you ready to be?
• What would you like to invite in your life now?

 
Let these questions find answers in your heart, just be sure to be open and honest.
Whatever resonate deeply for you are the right answers, do not be judgemental, this is a time to assess in a neutral manner, allow the heart to speak to you and try not to engage in an emotional debate.
Write down a few points on each sheet of paper.
 
Once you feel that you have your answer, the next step will be to burn the ‘letting go’ page in your metal bowl.
Before you light the match, create a clear intention for letting go using words that speak to you.
Below are a couple of examples

• I release what does not serve me and give thanks for the lessons it had brought me.
• I let go of attachment, I find peace when I let go

 
Burn the paper in the bowl (please use caution and make sure to follow fire safety precautions) whilst repeating aloud your intention.  
Watch it burn thoroughly before proceeding to your next step.
Feel the uplifting energy that arises from the letting go ritual.
 
You are now ready to invite the seeds of change.
For this you will need find a spot to dig a small hole with your shovel.
Place the paper titled “seeds of change” at the bottom of the hole, bury it.
Again create a clear intention that is meaningful for you using words such as
I intend…. or I invite….
 
Now we are ready to water our seeds of change using our water.
This is a symbolic action combining our intention as we water our buried seeds.
 
Thank yourself for taking the first step toward change.
 
Please feel free to share your experiences or your personal rituals.
 

Become your own healer and boost your immunity with this delicious and simple herbal tea.




Ingredients:

• ginger fresh (grated 3 or 4cm piece) or dried (1 teaspoon)
• 2 Cloves
• 1 flat teaspoon cinnamon
• 5cm lemon or orange peel.
• 1 flat teaspoon Turmeric (optional) 
• serve with Manuka honey (optional) 

 
 Bring 2 cups of water to a bubbling boil.
Add in all the ingredients, bring the heat down to low, and let everything steep for about fifteen minutes with the lid on.
Strain into a cup and drink.
Cinnamon and cloves are warming spices and antibacterial, Ginger is able to fight off bacterial infections and flues, ease nausea and tummy upset, it can also assist the body in warming.
So on any of those super chilly days, a ginger tea can be your new best friend.             
Tell us about you favorite recipes!