What is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year—a moment when the Earth’s tilt places the Northern Hemisphere at its farthest point from the Sun. This specific alignment has been celebrated for centuries as a time to pause, reflect, and honor the natural cycles of life. But this isn’t just about celebrating the return of light—it’s also about recognizing the wisdom of the darkness.

In many traditions, stillness and darkness are seen as sacred. Whether it’s monks meditating in caves, darkness retreats, or even the use of eye masks during psychedelic journeys, the absence of external light allows us to turn inward. It’s in the stillness and the dark that we can hear that wise, inner voice—if we’re willing to listen.

Seasonally, the Winter Solstice mirrors the lunar cycle. Just as the new moon is a time of letting go and planting intentions for the next cycle, the Solstice invites us to do the same on a grander, solar scale. The Winter Solstice is nature’s invitation to slow down, reflect on where you’ve been, release what hasn’t been working, and begin envisioning what’s next.

So, why does this matter? Because when we align ourselves with nature’s rhythms, we tap into something ancient and powerful. 

Ancient Lessons of the Winter Solstice

Across cultures and civilizations, the Winter Solstice has inspired myths and traditions that echo a universal truth: transformation begins in the darkness. From ancient Sumer to the forests of Northern Europe, this turning point in the year has been marked by stories of descent, surrender, and rebirth. These myths remind us that embracing the shadow is a necessary step toward renewal and growth.

Take, for example, the story of Inanna’s Descent into the Underworld. Inanna, the goddess of love, fertility, and war, makes a courageous journey into the realm of her sister, Ereshkigal. Stripped of her power and identity at the seven gates, she confronts her shadow self, ultimately surrendering to the process of transformation. Her rebirth symbolizes the cycles of release and renewal we must all navigate.

This theme of descending into darkness to rise anew appears again and again. In Greek mythology, Persephone’s journey to the Underworld reflects the cycles of life and the return of light, while in Norse traditions, Freyja’s connection to fertility and the mistletoe embodies the balance of death and rebirth. Yule, with its evergreens and the burning of the Yule log, honors the persistence of life even in the darkest times, while traditions like La Befana and Koliada celebrate the promise of transformation and the hope that light will return.

The message is clear: the Winter Solstice is not just a celebration of the Sun’s return but also a sacred pause to honor the shadows within ourselves. These myths teach us that to grow, we must first face what no longer serves us, surrender to the process of change, and trust that rebirth will follow.

Today, these ancient stories remain a guide for our own lives. The Winter Solstice invites us to ask: What am I ready to let go of? What intentions do I want to plant as the light returns? Just like our ancestors, we can honor this season as a time for reflection, transformation, and the beginning of something new.

The Big Red Mushroom That’s (Probably) Already in Your Holiday Décor

Have you ever wondered why green, red, and white are the colors of Christmas and so many other winter celebrations? The answer might surprise you—it’s because of a vibrant red-capped mushroom with snow-white dots called Amanita muscaria. This iconic mushroom, seen everywhere from fairy tales to Mario Brothers, isn’t just a whimsical storybook symbol—it has a rich history tied to winter celebrations and traditions.

Amanita muscaria has been around for centuries, weaving its way into folklore, mythologies, and—yes—that really famous holiday called Christmas. Some historians and mycologists even suggest that this mushroom is the reason Santa Claus wears red and white! Shamanic traditions in Siberia used Amanita muscaria during winter ceremonies, with legends of reindeer eating the mushroom to gain their legendary "flying" abilities (yes, really). While these tales may sound fantastical, they highlight how deeply this mushroom has been woven into seasonal celebrations across cultures.

Now, before you ask—no, Amanita muscaria isn’t a psychedelic mushroom like the ones you’ve probably heard about. While often misunderstood, Amanita works in a completely different way (more on that in a bit). Its effects are more about grounding and calming, making it an unexpected yet perfect companion for Winter Solstice rituals.

So, the next time you spot a little red-and-white mushroom in your holiday décor, remember it’s not just there for aesthetics—it’s part of a much older story about connection, renewal, and even a little magic.

The Science of Amanita: A Natural Way to Reset Your Nervous System

Before diving into the science, let’s get one thing straight: Amanita muscaria can be hallucinogenic. Like many substances, its effects depend on the dose. In large quantities, it can cause profound alterations in perception, but in smaller, carefully measured doses, its effects are calming and grounding. While it might look magical, its effects are firmly rooted in science.

Unlike the psychedelic mushrooms you’ve probably heard about, which primarily affect the serotonergic system, Amanita works on a completely different system in the body: the GABAergic system. This means it interacts with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), one of the body’s most important neurotransmitters for calming and balancing the nervous system.

Think of GABA as your body’s natural chill pill. Here’s how Amanita supports the body and mind:

• Sleep Regulation: GABA plays a crucial role in helping the brain transition into restful states. It calms overactive brain activity, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. People who use Amanita often report deeper, more restorative sleep—a vital process for the body to repair and recharge.
• Nervous System Reset: Amanita facilitates the transition from the sympathetic state (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic state (rest and digest). This shift is critical for balancing the body after periods of stress. By calming the nervous system, Amanita creates the conditions for true restoration, giving the body and mind the space to heal and reset.
• Digestive Support: The parasympathetic nervous system isn’t just about relaxation—it’s also key to digestion. When the body is in a calm state, the digestive system can function optimally. Amanita’s effects on the GABAergic system indirectly support this process, allowing the body to absorb nutrients and maintain balance.
• Anxiety Reduction: While anxiety is often thought of as a mental health issue, it’s deeply connected to the gut and the nervous system. The gut-brain connection plays a major role in how we experience stress and anxiety. Amanita helps reduce anxiety by calming the nervous system and supporting digestive health, addressing anxiety at its root rather than just its symptoms.

These effects explain why Amanita muscaria has been valued for centuries—not just for its role in cultural traditions but also for its ability to promote balance and calm in the body. Whether used in rituals or as a tool for relaxation, Amanita offers a grounded, science-backed way to reset and restore.

Honoring the Winter Solstice: Reflection, Shadow Work, and Transformation

Now that you know the Winter Solstice is a powerful time to pause, reflect, and align with the cycles of nature, here are some ways you can embrace this sacred time and create a springboard for your own personal transformation:

1. Reflect on Your Year

Journaling can help you bring clarity to this process. Begin by asking yourself:

• What wins, challenges, and lessons did this year teach me?
• What am I ready to release?
• What intentions do I want to plant for the coming year?

If you’re unsure where to start, you can download my Winter Solstice Journal for free, or join me for a Winter Solstice Journaling Session where we’ll explore these themes together in a supportive group setting. I want to make this accessible for everyone so it is a pay what you can.

2. Integrate Your Shadow

Transformation doesn’t happen without acknowledging the shadow—the parts of ourselves we often try to hide or ignore. Shadow work isn’t about judgment; it’s about curiosity and compassion. Take time to sit with what comes up as you reflect:

• What beliefs or patterns are holding me back?
• What emotions need to be acknowledged and processed?

Choose activities that help you process these insights. This could be anything from journaling and breathwork to movement, art, or talking with a trusted friend or coach. If it’s legal and accessible where you live, incorporating Amanita tincture or tea into your ritual may deepen this process by calming the nervous system and opening space for reflection.

3. Step Into Your Transformation

Once you’ve reflected and processed, the next step is intentional action. Consider what practices or rituals can help you embody your intentions and step into the person you are becoming. This could include:

• Creating a vision board or writing affirmations.
• Planning small, actionable steps toward your goals.
• Holding a personal ceremony or joining a group event.

If you’re in Los Angeles, I’d love to welcome you to my Winter Solstice Ceremony and Workshop on December 22, where we’ll share Amanita tea, engage in guided breathwork, and explore who we are becoming in the year ahead.