We tend to think of using magic for specific things and moments, applied in certain rituals. But magic is part of our every day life, just as are the seasons. And sometimes we need magic just make our way through the seasons.
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year is all about the days getting shorter until we reach the Winter Solstice. Our days are punctuated with experiences like looking out the window thinking it must be at least 5pm – but it’s actually only 2:30pm. Here in New England, not only are the days shorter, but the temps are dropping as well. For many, this time of year is a battle with SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. Often amplified by a variety of emotional and physical stresses brought on by the holiday season and social expectations. Our bodies want to hibernate, just like the trees, plants, and the rest of the animals who have much better sense than humans.
It’s time to pull out the winter clothes and linens, clear out the garden, and pull down the storm windows. We may add extra lights, up our vitamin dosage, or make use of additional self-care techniques to help out our minds and bodies. So why not add a little magic to the winter prep to help ease our way?
All of this was on our collective minds when my virtual Sigil Witchery workshop took place on November 11th(sponsored by the Fellowship of the Ancient White Stag ASW as a benefit for the New Alexandrian Library) A big part of the workshop is collectively crafting a sigil together. This exercise really helps folks understand the process. A good majority of those sigils show up right here on this blog. (Just search #sigil and you’ll find them!)
In this particular workshop, we crafted what we dubbed “The Winter Prep Sigil.”
Built Into This Sigil:
- combatting SAD
- gratitude/acknowledgment of the past year
- reflection/turning inward
- rest & recovery
- safety & security
- staying healthy and making good choices to support health
- family/relationships/support
Design Notes
Once I sat down to finalize the sigil design in ink (with a much more steady hand than drawing on my laptop screen with a pen can provide), I made some slight changes. I decided to add additional lines to emphasize light and support. The end effect of the sigil is a sun contained within a secure house, reaching out into the world. A little birdhouse in your soul if you would.
How To Use This Sigil
This is a shared magic sigil. You are welcome to use this sigil however you see fit that is in alignment with the intent of the sigil. You can use it in addition to the earlier sigil, in combination, or on its own.
Here are just some ideas for use:
– place on your altar or any other where you may interact with it daily (your phone screen, the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, front door, perhaps) – use through to Imbolc or longer if needed, as it takes a while for us to truly feel the light has returned.
– place on white or yellow candles to help bring a little extra oomph
– anoint the sigil on your skin with a winter-related anointing oil (I love “comfort and joy” from The Veiled Crow – they also make it as an incense, room spray, bath scrub, etc) or use it in a room spray.
– incorporate into a light-based ritual (Solstice, Advent/Epiphany, Imbolc, etc)
– if you have a fireplace, add the sigil to the kindling (in paper, or draw/carve onto logs if you don’t mind a bit more work)
The Winter Prep Sigil by Laura Tempest Zakroff is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
To find out more about this method of crafting sigils, checking out Sigil Witchery.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In