All Things Considered

For a Wiccan reverend, celebrating winter solstice is about reflection and light

Snowy trail at the Winter Solstice
A snowy trail at the winter solstice.
Foundry Co/Pixabay

Saturday night will be the longest night of the year — also known as the winter solstice.

This yearly phenomenon isn’t just one of scientific marvel; it’s religious for many, too. For Pagans and Neopagans, the day is marked by Yule, a holiday that’s a time of both reflection and celebration.

Wiccan Rev. Penny Mixhau observes the day by finding ways to celebrate the light.

“Lighting a candle is certainly a way to recognize the rebirth of the sun,” said Mixhau. “Reflecting on the things that we wanted to do in the year gone past, and the things that we would like to bring into our lives.”

Click play on the audio player above to hear Mixhau’s audio postcard for more ideas on observing the winter solstice.