On Monday, December 21, at 5:02am EST we will celebrate the winter solstice – the shortest day and the longest night in the northern hemisphere. This year, the Solstice will also bear witness to one of the most powerful astrological events of the century: the Great Conjunction. 

On this day of the Great Shift, we invite you take part, consciously. Please join us as we tune-in, slow down, and connect in head and heart and imagine healing, harmony, and happiness to be the reality we live in. Enjoy this video, guided meditation, and other rituals from Plenty to help you slow down, reflect, and manifest your deepest dreams for the year to come. 

About the Great Conjunction

The Great Conjunction is the name for a the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn. On the Solstice this year, the two planets will form a rare Christmas star in the night sky, appearing closer to earth than any time since 1226 AD. 

The Great Conjunction has been discussed by sages, mystics, astronomers, and astrologers for decades as one of the key markers of the paradigm shift we are all living through. It is said to be a key indicator for the dawn of the Aquarian Age. You only have to take a moment reflect on the past year to see that the old structures of power, control, hierarchy, and separation are no longer sustainable. Something different is needed. Something better is on offer.

We believe the alignment of the Great Conjunction with the Winter Solstice is a wonderful metaphor for better days ahead. 

What is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the day with the least amount of sunlight all year. After the Winter Solstice, the days begin to grow longer until the Summer Solstice on June 21st when the days start to become shorter again.

Why does it happen?

As the earth rotates around its axis, the earth is actually tilted 23.5 degrees. This tilt makes the sun appear to move in the sky through the year and is the reason we experience seasons throughout the year. 

What does the Solstice mean?

The Solstice is a moment, a passing, a turning point. The word literally means "sun standing" – the day when the sun appears to stop moving in the sky as it turns back in a slow journey towards summer. The winter solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by countless civilizations as a time to reflect, remember, and give thanks.

The winter solstice offers us the gift of experiencing darkness and light, something that resides in each one of us as human beings. When we step into the void of darkness, we can trust we are protected, we are growing, and we are becoming. As we rest in the belly of darkness, the light will come and it will illuminate our ability to see, sense and know the way. 

May you make the most of this special day in whatever way feels best. Enjoy this guided meditation and our favorite winter solstice ritual to help you slow down and tune in.

Winter Solstice Meditation, Rituals, and Reflections

Set Space

Setting your sacred space (internally and externally) is a powerful step to connect with your intentions.

1. Create a peaceful environment with music and privacy. Sit in a comfortable position and light a candle.
2. Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath. Notice how it feels to automatically inhale and exhale. 
3. Invite your higher power - whatever you name it to be - Source, God(s), Universe, Nature, etc. - to be with you.