I’m getting a little woo woo this week as I embrace wintertime, fully immersed in all things cosy and reading a witchy book to complete the picture. There is a something special about noticing the changing seasons and being present to how each one has its own mood. It’s winter here in Australia and the solstice has just been a few days ago. We are right in the midst of the darkest time of the year, although Australian winters are nothing compared with some in the Northern Hemisphere so it was quite a sunny solstice, if I’m being honest.

Winter solstice is usually on the 21 June in the Southern Hemisphere and the 21 December in the North. It is the shortest day of the year, when the night is at its longest, before the days begin to lengthen as the season turns (very slowly!) toward warmer days. There are many ways this day is acknowledged according to individual beliefs, but the one that resonates with me is the idea that this is a time to go within and enjoy the quiet as life slows down.

Magical Days
This was the first year I have intentionally celebrated winter solstice and it felt so lovely. I kept it simple and just made a table display with some pine branches and dried oranges, and made an orange and clove simmer pot. You can watch my winter solstice video below if you’re interested in my very basic celebration. These activities made the house smell delicious and feel extra cosy all day long, making me feel connected to the season.

I had imagined spending this day reading some witchy fiction, sipping tea and delighting in this cosy day. However, with a house of noisy children and animals it was challenging to find a quiet moment during the day, so I took what I could, managing to read for about five minutes and drink my tea on the run!

Weyward by Emilia Hart
In unexpectedly excellent timing, the book Weyward arrived for me this week at the library, and it could not be more perfect for some witchy reading on this magical day! I wasn’t sure what to expect with Weyward so it has been a wonderful surprise how much I loved this book. The plot follows three brilliant protagonists, Kate, Violet and Altha, who each tell their own story but have a connection to each other that we discover through the story. 

Weyward might appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction set in multiple time periods, along with some magical realism. While witchcraft is a strong theme in the plot, it is demonstrated through the characters’ connection with nature and their knowledge of the natural world (so no broomsticks or pointy hats). It is important to mention a trigger warning – the book contains sexual assault, pregnancy loss and men’s violence against women. I felt that all these topics were woven into the story so they had a purpose, making it possible to engage with the story even though the characters had experiences that were upsetting and deeply unjust. This adversity is handled mindfully and is the motivator for all the characters to take the actions that make the story so engaging. If you like something a little mystical, with powerful women and a lot of grit, then this is a fantastic read.

Being in the Season

If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, then please join me in delighting in this time of slowing down and surrendering to the quieter days of winter. (Unless you have small children, then just do your best to find a couple of quiet minutes where you can. Solidarity!). If this finds you in the Northern Hemisphere, I hope that you are in the sunshine and relishing a season of fun, playfulness and pleasure. Let’s be present and embrace the season and everything it brings.