Free spell for December: Solstice christingle

For this free spell for the month of December we'll love to introduce a creative and witchy way to bring into your home blessings on the longest night of the year, the christingle! A christingle is essentially an upgraded pomander in the sense of it usually having a candle in the middle of it. This tradition originates from many christian denominations for either the celebration of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany- with the candle said to symbolize the birth of christ as the light of the world, however the inclusion of the orange is more of a modern tradition.

If we where to pagan-fy this practice we could instead reinterept the light as the sun itself returning to the land, which would tie nicely with the orange aspect as they are seen as fruits of the sun itself. You'll also want to gather the following to create your solstice christingle:

• A small chime candle (red, green, or yellow will do)

• An orange

• Some foil

• A good amount of cloves (to decorate the orange)

• 3 sprigs of some solstice plant of your choice (holly, juniper, cedar, etc. are good choices but it is advised to never use yew as it is said to invite death into the home!)

• And lastly three small sticks to hold the christingle in place

Constuct your charm on the eve of the solstice by opening a small hole on top of the orange. This will be the spot you'll place your chime and to keep the flame contained you will place your foil inside of the hole, then. go ahead and decorate it with your cloves by studding them around it. You could create patterns with the cloves- or not, and then afterwards you'll stick your sprigs near the top and then place your sticks near the base to hold it upright like a tripod. Go ahead and finish it by placing your chime inside of the hole.

Before you light it on the night of the solstice stand before it with your loved ones or with them in your mind, whomever they are, and reflect on the past few months since the summer solstice. Contemplate on what has entered and left your life during this period, and then focus on what you wish to invite for the upcoming year- you could be as realistic or unrealistic as you want with your manifestations, but remember they could only come true if YOU put in the effort towards it.

Then when the moment feels right go ahead and light the chime with your manifestations in mind. If you work with any solar deities feel free to adapt this craft to honor their presence of rebirth and invite them to come inside the home. Optionally you may also place a wreath of winter greenery around the chrstingle to envelop it with the verdent powers of life, bringing it back into the land and our homes as well.

May you folks have a happy holiday this month and thank you for all for your continued support and feedback!- With LOTS of love, The Pride.