As many know, we celebrated the Winter Solstice on December 21, 2023. The Winter Solstice represents a time of renewal, rebirth, and the return of the light, or the return of longer days. This is a time to pause, to turn inwards, and reflect on who you truly are and what you want the next steps in your journey to be. As you harness the “power of the pause” during this season make sure that you take time to show gratitude for all that you have and for all the versions of you that have gotten you to this present moment, whether that be through meditative practices, journaling, or just simply “being” present with yourself. For those looking to incorporate something a little “extra” into their practices this time of year, here is a simple simmer pot recipe.
Winter Solstice Simmer Pot:
Orange Slices
Cranberries
Cinnamon Sticks
Whole Cloves
As with any simmer pot, you will begin with a pot (large enough to hold your ingredients) and fill it about halfway with water. I personally always sprinkle a little salt in my water as well. Begin by incorporating the ingredients one at a time, remembering to pause and be very specific with your intention. This is a creative expression of your energy and it's your intentions that bring it to life. The orange slices symbolize abundance, positive energy, and are a catalyst for creativity. Orange also represents the energy of the Sun, which is what makes it a great choice for this simmer pot as we honor the “return of the light”, or the return of the Sun in the form of longer days from the point of the Winter Solstice moving forward. Cranberries represent abundance, courage, taking action in your life, as well as healing and protection. Cinnamon is known to carry a high vibration and attracts positive energy while repelling negative energy. It too brings with it an energy of protection and healing, as well as personal and spiritual power. Cloves bring a powerful fiery energy with them as they are utilized for courage, strength, and promote clarity of the mind. They are great for cleansing or purifying your space and they pack a powerful punch when it comes to banishing negative energies.
When stirring your ingredients into your simmer pot, remember that if you are trying to “attract” something you want to stir your ingredients in a clockwise motion and when you want to "rid or banish" something you stir in a counterclockwise motion.
After choosing your ingredients and setting your intentions, turn the stove on a medium heat setting and begin to incorporate each ingredient one at a time. Allow your water to simmer until there is only a small amount left in the pan. This is YOUR creation. Have fun with it and add what you feel called to!
As always, practice fire safety, do not leave your simmer pot unattended.