I don’t really consider myself to be particularly witchy, although I love magic and witchy objects. I’ve never been ritualistic really. On New Years Eve sometimes we burn one thing we wish for most, but it’s not a set ritual.
I always feel called to do something on the Solstice in particular. Yesterday was the Winter Solstice. I had a very long day but I already had an idea of what to do to honor the Winter Solstice. I kind of have an altar on my bookshelf. I don’t really call it that but it is my sacred space. I keep my wand that I made and candles on it, and my most treasured crystals. I do have the elements represented because I like that idea (the big seashell isn’t really in the picture).
Last night, I decided I would write down what no longer serves me and that I want to let go of and burn them. I wrote down 4 things, used my small candle to burn them down to ash in my abalone shell. I also used my bell that my Grandmother had given me a long time ago. It makes a nice sound. I rang it till I felt it was enough times just to conclude the ritual and I meditated on those things I burned.
I’ve always liked this ritual. I’ve done it a few times over the years of just burning the things I don’t want anymore or burning a wish. I’ve never done it in this formal setting before but felt like it was needed. Currently, I am working on some very hard things in my life (physically and mentally) and I needed that tangible release of those things. I wrote down I release before each thing I wanted to let go of.
My mother’s mother did a similar thing that I discovered once while in the river. I found a piece of paper under the water. I asked her what it was and she said it was a prayer she had put in the river to let it dissolve. I really liked that idea of either using water or fire for it.
I found having something I could touch and then let it go physically is a very healing act. I plan on saving this ritual and using when needed. An idea for letting go if you needed one.
