The Winter Solstice Is 12/21, Here’s The Ritual Tradition You Should Try (Zodiac Edition)

The Winter Solstice (12/21) is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the transition to more daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Symbolically, this is a time for closing old chapters and entering new beginnings. An optimal time for introspection, darkness becomes a period of increasing light. Here is what each Zodiac can do to optimize the energy of this annual turning point, looking at both your Sun and Rising sign.

Aries

As a cardinal fire sign, Aries, you gain energy through boldness and create momentum by action. Celebrate Winter Solstice by strategizing goals and intentions for the year ahead. You do well breaking larger visions into tangible steps, and benefit from including movement in your Winter Solstice routine. Try going for a walk or fun workout before getting crystal clear on what passions you’re ready to pursue in the next 12 months.

Taurus

Sensual Taurus, a warm bath, essential oils, or a cozy playlist can symbolize stability and clear your mind during Winter Solstice. Write out how you would like your life to look and feel a year from now. As a practical earth sign, steps to achieve goals will naturally come. Right now, focus on intention setting and affirm foundational vision and values.

Gemini

Communicative Gemini, you thrive on intellectual pursuits. Journaling can help organize your ever-active mind. Write out reflections from the past year and how you might channel lessons into future events. As a social sign, processing with a loved one or friend can help streamline your thought process and serve as a mirror for more complete understanding. Try inviting a friend or loved one over on the Winter Solstice and engage in reflection together.

Cancer

You’re heavily tied to your sense of home, Cancer, and it’s important to prioritize this space. On the Winter Solstice, create a cozy, sacred environment. Donate or sell items that no longer serve you to prepare for the months ahead. Tend to your emotional well-being by setting affirmations that reinforce self-worth and the identity you wish to step into.

Leo

Expressive Leo, engage in an activity that touches on an existing or aspiring passion this Winter Solstice. Celebrate yourself and your achievements, and become curious about where you want your inner flame to go in the year ahead. Vision boards can be particularly beneficial for you as they affirm your naturally creative self.

Virgo

Ruled by Mercury, you’re driven for purity and order, Virgo. Use the Winter Solstice as a time to prioritize your immediate home environment and self-care routine. By focusing on personal wellness, you prevent martyrdom from infusing into your goals for the year ahead. Create lists and pre-plan your year, setting a structure that will serve you and optimize energy for months to come.

Libra

Prioritizing balance and harmony, self-reflection can help you understand the relationship between your inner and outer worlds, Libra. You have a tendency to struggle with indecision, and writing out areas of discontent can help you understand what elements of life you wish to change. Contrast areas of discontent with intentions you wish to set. Use the Winter Solstice to gain clarity on goals, personal boundaries, and how you wish to show up in relationships of all types.

Scorpio

Deeply tied to transformation and rebirth, the Winter Solstice is a powerful time to transition into what lies ahead, Scorpio. Spend the longest night of the year meditating or taking a cleansing, ritual bath. It can be helpful to write out what needs to be let go of and symbolize the chapter you’re stepping into through a playlist, vision board, or journal entry. As a sign connected to their spiritual side, drawing cards or connecting to archetypes can be particularly beneficial for you.

Sagittarius

Adventurous by nature, you seek opportunities that continuously expand your horizons, Sagittarius. Welcome Winter Solstice with friends or in your community. You feed off of having lived experiences, and these environments serve self-awareness more than reflecting in isolation. For you, the journey is part of the destination.

Capricorn

Winter Solstice marks the start of your season, Capricorn. Celebrate this day by reinforcing long-term goals and evaluating your daily routines. Perhaps there’s a new daily practice, month-long challenge, or evening ritual that will serve you in the season ahead. On this day, don’t forget to acknowledge past achievements and intentions you’ve worked on over the past year.

Aquarius

A forward-thinking air sign, Aquarius, you gain momentum by creating a brighter, more meaningful future. Including others in a Winter Solstice ritual can give you a jump start in manifesting what you wish to embody in the year ahead, as you deeply value humanity and community. Reach out to individuals you wish to include in your community and schedule time to work on causes and passions that turn your innovative vision into reality.

Pisces

Dreamy and inspirational, you have a deep connection to the unconscious domain, Pisces. Spend Winter Solstice engaging in creative practices or a cozy self-care routine. Be mindful of what sounds good and go all-in. Now is not the time to force lofty goals and intentions—let clarity arise and decipher meaning and ambitions in the days and weeks to come.