Sol's Winter

"Winter sunshine is a fairy wand touching everything with a strange magic. It is like the smile of a friend in time of sorrow." Source

I come from the land of the midnight sun, Norway, in north the sun shines all day and all night for about 8 weeks during summer.

In Svalbard in Norway, (the northernmost inhabited region of Europe,) there is no sunset from approximately 19th of April to 23rd of August. It's said that Sol is emphasizing her powers during this time.

The opposite phenomenon, polar night, occurs in winter, when the sun stays below the horizon throughout the entire day. During the Polar Night, which lasts from November to January, the sun doesn’t rise at all. We call it "mørketiden"- the dark time.

Despite the extreme darkness, research has shown that residents of northern Norway have lower rates of wintertime depression than would be expected given the long winters and high latitude. In order to prevent SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) special lights in streets and houses has been effective. Studies also show that a positive mindset is a reason why northern Norway has a lower rate of SAD.

You can read my previous blogs on Solar magick for more additional information on this topic.

Sol's Activities with no Sun

I grew up learning that as soon as there's any Sunshine in the Winter, you go outside. Put on those layers of wool, winter and wind clothings, and soak up that sun. Go skiing, take a walk, sit close into the walls of your house to keep the wind from reaching you, but most importantly: get the sunlight on you. No one stayed inside on a sunny day during winter, and to this day I follow my grandmother's rules of Sol.

I have learned the positive effects the sun gives me, and I often use the Sun's energy even when it's hiding. When looking at the five elements, earth, air, fire, water and spirit, the Sun resonates with fire. It's an energy of purification, ion, guidance and protection. Sun is fire, and fire is warmth.

:fire: Candles & Lights :fire:

Personally I love candles and different decorative lights. Whether that's tea candles, votive candles, glass candles, pillar candles or various decorative led lights. To maximize the connection to the Sun you can use specific colours like gold, yellow, red, amber and orange.

:fire: Fireplace/Bonfires :fire:

Fire has a strong connection to the Sun, and you can utilize the same energy by lighting your fireplace or creating a bonfire. Use the warmth of the fire to cleanse your mind, body and spirit. You can also use it to add power and strength to yourself.

Be careful and responsible during this activity!

:fire: Shower :fire:

I like cleansing showers more than baths, and I like using really hot water to cleanse(don't burn yourself though!). As you feel the hot water surrounding you, close your eyes and think of the healing and cleansing powers of the Sun.

:fire: Ritual & Visualization :fire:

A ritual doesn't have to be long and complicated. Sure you can create a ritual with many stages honouring the Sun, chanting, dancing etc. But you can also make it simple, make a cup of tea that correspond with the Sun, light an incense and as you drink your hot tea, feel the Sun's energy within you. Or you can light a yellow or orange candle, then visualize the Sun's energy beaming from the candle flame and directly towards you.

:fire: Enchanted objects :fire:

how the magickal uses of the Sun is Health, Happiness, Confidence, Power & Strength, Protection, Courage, Energy & Vitality, Healing, Independence, Love, Truth, Charisma.

Create an enchanted object with the Sun's energy. You can wear it, make a charm bag filled with herbs and crystals that correspond with the Sun and the enchanted object to it.

:fire: Sol Altar :fire:

Typical Solar Crystals is Sunstone, Goldstone, Ruby, Carnelian, Amazonite, Citrine, Tiger's Eye, Golden Topaz, Fire Agate. And Solar Herbs is Chamomile, Sunflower, Cinnamon, Dandelion, Ginger, Rosemary, Saffron, Juniper, Frankincense. The colour is gold, yellow, red, orange, and amber.

Create an altar that focuses on the Sun, use the Sun's correspondences with its colours, herbs, scents, figures and symbols.

:fire: Creativity :fire:

Sun's properties is also a lot about creativity. Be creative and make Sun oil, Sun Water, Sun lotion, draw down the Sun, dance, make a Sun bracelet or Sun necklace out of corresponding crystals and items.