WINTER SOLSTICE: A WITCH’S SABBAT

21 JUNE 2026 at 18:24 AEST 

There is something so very romantic, mysterious and mystical about the Winter Solstice. We seem to be compelled to the beauty of the night, and this is indeed the longest night of the year.  

Darkness encapsulates the unknown.

What does it hold?

What will I find in the hidden realm?

The night inspires imagination, conjures the invisible world within our reach. How thrilling to touch, to walk in the beauty of the darkness.  

Night is the place of ghost stories, dreams, bright-eyed creatures and rest. Night is realm of the Goddess Nyx, she drives a chariot pulled by two horses, Shadow and Shade. She is exquisite. She is also foreboding. Another Goddess of the night is Hecate. She rules the realms of spirits, of crossroads, witchcraft and the moon. Asteria was her mother, she is the Goddess of falling stars and night-time divination. 

The actual myth of the Winter Solstice however speaks of the Sun God, his death and rebirth. During the longest night the Sun diminishes to be reborn with the dawn’s rising. Many gods of light are associated with the myth, Balder, Attis, Mithras and Horus, their tales, from diverse cultures, are compelling. They remind us- with every ending comes a beginning. 

In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice falls in December. Many traditions have been born from the night. The burning of candles to assist the Sun were lit throughout Europe. The Roman Festival of Light, Saturnalia occurred at this time and in Scotland the solstice was called Wish Night. These midwinter festivals came to be known as Yule, celebrating the return of the sun. The old pagan symbols became the Christmas motifs and traditions we know today: the pine tree, gift-giving, the wreath, bells and candles. Christmas too celebrates the birth of Light. 

Experience the wonder of the night. Light a candle for the Sun. At dawn begin to dream… 

With love,

Danae Moon

The SpellBox Witch: Author of Becoming the Witch  

A spell:

On the winter solstice burn a candle to help the sun through the darkness and know that the wheel turns from darkness to light.