The Wheel of the Year turns eternally, and the cycles are marked with celebration according to nature and metaphysical properties.   The winter solstice is one of  four key days which mark the shift from season to season. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks for the precious gifts of nature. It is  also a time to align oneself with the power of the nature. There is now another powerful opportunity to restore balance in oneself, ones outer world and in key life projects. 
As we approach the end of an approximately 5,000 year cycle on winter solstice  2012, many wonder what the new age will bring.  Just as this years solstice isnt a moment in time when the seasons change, this is also true for the change in ages.  Many experts believe we are shifting now and the earthquakes fires floods and natural disasters are all signals of the change.  At the beginning of the NEW AGE, we will have experienced most of the shifts.  In many ways it is a shift  from power and competition to harmony and cooperation. Most agree that we have power in our thoughts and  need to shift our focus back to gratitude, joy and positive intentions that benefit not only ourselves, but the rest of humanity and creation.
 One easy way we can begin to consciously shift our beliefs and behaviours is by connecting with the environment, with Mother Nature.  . An easy way to do this is to go outside at the solstice17:47 (or 5.47pm) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 21, 2009 Thats 9:47 am pst.   Using your 5 senses, look around -- see the colours, smell nature  smell the snow or a tree the soil etc.) listen for any natural sounds, feel the wind and a tree and flower, and see if there is anything that is safe to taste. Reflect on whether you are in the habit of noticing your natural surroundings how often you have done this in your life and if you wish how you could incorporate it into your day. When I drove daily I used to notice the trees, landscape, clouds when I was stopped in rush hour traffic and it really decreased annoyance, irritation and road rage.
 If you would like to celebrate solstice in a more metaphysical way, you may wish to attend an equinox ceremony such as the one I am offering this year.   If you don’t live close enough to Port Moody BC Canada, contact a metaphysical store or one that sells crystals, they will likely be able to direct you to one.
 

Preparations for Solstice 
 
Preparing for the equinox is a symbolic act to some and a spiritual experience for others. Each outer step symbolizes a key principle, impacts our inner growth and move us forward on our life path. If you feel so inclined or feel called to prepare physically mentally emotionally and spiritually for the equinox you can draw from the suggested activities below. 
When you begin any ceremony or preparation, It is always important to connect with your highest self, divine energy, however you conceive the Creator of ALL THERE  IS. 
Next express your gratitude for what you have in life (even experiences you might consider not so great). 
The first step in preparing for the equinox is to consciously take a self- inventory. Sit quietly and experience what comes up for you.  If you are uncertain what to do, know there is no right or wrong way to undertake this. 
Approach it playfully. 
You may wish to select some of the questions from the reflections section below to get the juices flowing.
 The 2nd  step is to purify ourselves so we can connect with beings of highest vibrations (such as the angels, gods and goddesses, ascended masters), and receive the messages about the upcoming part of the annual cycle clearly and accurately.   We consciously purify our bodies by fasting (if it feels right and we have no health reasons not to),or cutting back on or stopping sugar, caffeine, junk food etc. for the 3 days prior and after solstice, bathing or showering while we visualize releasing the limiting beliefs  and the cleansing our aura. It is also important to balance our chakras. If we are aware of where we are leaking energy such as to the people we are in relationship with (our family, friends, business associates etc) past experiences that we cannot let go of or other cords or attachments, we can meditate and reverently ask the energy of Archangel Raphael, the angel of healing, to release them. If you prefer, you can seek out the services of an intuitive energy practitioner  (LIKE ME) to work with you.
Purifying yourself allows you to move into your highest possible vibration. The beings of the highest vibration are able to come down in vibration somewhat and In the past shamen and priestesses spent years practicing to be able to raise their vibrations to communicate with them. As Bruce Lipton mentioned we have evolved and do not need a lifetime of practice to raise our vibration. In fact there are many simple (but not effortless) tools that the students who take Stonehaven Alchemy classes learn to increase their vibes.
Another purpose in purifying is to show respect for nature, Mother Earth, the sky, the energy of the 4 directions and ourselves when we participate in the equinox ceremonies.
 The 3rd step is set our intentions for this cycle which takes us to the Spring equinox.  Consider the season, what the earth is doing and what farmers or indigenous people do at this time of year (See Winter Solstice cycles article).  When you set intentions, it is very important to include how you wish to feel, in addition to what action you want to take. If you want help from one of the saints, archangels and other beings of the highest vibration include them in your intention statement. Your intention does not have to be complex and it should not cause you the feeling of stress. I assure you, our purpose in life does not include living in chronic stress.
Your intention could be “I feel trust and calmness (feeling ) as I consciously listen for inner guidance and act on it”.(action)

  An  example for non believers  is “I want to feel open to the possibility that there might be some truth to this Woo-Woo stuff , and I ask the divine universe to help me attract situations which cause me to think, ---maybe.....

You could also set a more tangible intention such as   “In the next 90 days I feel inspired, confident and competent as I follow the steps I have written in my 90 day plan to get a job”
The 4th step is preparing the day of the ritual itself.  Start by getting quiet, connect  to your inner self and the Energy of the Creator. Set an intention such as  
  • walking in gratitude for all Mother Nature’s gifts and perhaps
  • to be open to receive high vibration energy and                                                                                      
  • to connect with and honour nature and
  • to increase our skills and abilities to make a shift during these uncertain times to experiencing love, peace and calmness.  
Our intention when we make this request is that not only will we benefit, but we will provide service from a sacred space and bring the Divine universal energy into how we provide service to our customers, clients or even the people we encounter on the street.
It is extremely important to remember to stop and collect yourself before undertaking any preparation. Do it in a respectful way- giving yourself the time needed. When you are present in your body, with your mind in the Now moment, you will be able to feel when you are guided to do something different or in addition to what I have shared with you. You may wish to symbolize your purification to enable you to receive clear accurate messages and raise your vibrations by taking a shower or bath before the celebration.
You might wish to select a crystal that is significant for you, an offering for Mother Nature and something you would like to be imbued with the energy of the ceremony. The Mayans always ensured they had gifts for the Alucha-- mischievous  nature spirits that delight in creating chaos in your life. I think they must be the ones who hide your keys, your cell phone, and create the small annoyances  in some peoples days.
In summary, to prepare for the solstice:
  1. Be consciously aware of your feelings and thoughts and shift them into higher vibration of love and gratitude when necessary.
  2. Reflect on your activity since fall equinox and make any changes to keep you on track. Celebrate your successes and feel your vibrations getting higher.
  3. Purify your body by bathing and perhaps cutting back on or stopping sugar, caffeine, junk food etc for the 7 days. Release lower vibration energies, cut cords and close energy leaks with the help of the angels or if you prefer (a person with a body in this dimension;-)), contact an intuitive energy practitioner.   Make sure this person:
A) acknowledges they are a vessel for the universal energy to move thru,(ie they don’t claim to be using their own power to heal you) and
B)   has spent time working on their own stuff so they can clearly pass the divine energy to you.
4.  Set your intentions for the time until the Winter Solstice, again considering this cycle of nature. Do not create stress for yourself.
5. Follow any guidance you receive from your inner self that FEELS right.
6. Enjoy the process. If any of it feels tedious or uncomfortable or stressful reflect on why that may be. If it is
       related to beliefs or lessons you may need to learn, you can choose to stick with it or stop what you are
       doing. (It will come around again at a better time.)
7. The day of the ceremony connect with your inner self, bathe as a symbol of preparation be acutely aware of
      nature and her gifts, Be in gratitude (the emotion with the highest vibration. Collect any things you want to
      take to the ritual – gifts for Mother Nature and the aluchas, an item to absorb the energy of the ceremony or
      whatever you are called to bring.
  

   Questions for Reflections during Winter Solstice Cycle

Part of this inventory includes considering what parts of our life and actions were “good harvest” since the fall equinox?  What has "kept well" and sustained you?
  •   What am I endeavoring to manifest now in my life?
  • What part of our projects and personal growth were successful?

  • What parts could be modified in the upcoming part of the cycle? Please do this from a place of loving and unconditional acceptance for yourself. There is no place for judging or browbeating our precious body mind and spirit. Keep in mind that we ALWAYS do the best we can given the knowledge we have and the circumstances at the time.
  • How can I modify my thought patterns, to higher vibrational energy?
  • What old connections could I release now, for my highest good?
  • Where can I turn for the best sources of Inspiration and Solutions?
  • What wisdom is seeking to reveal itself to me at this time?
  • What are the best ways that I can refresh myself, physically and spiritually?
  • How can I show my appreciation to others more effectively?
  • How can I show my appreciation to my Self more effectively?
  • What new idea has seeded itself this winter, and how can I best nurture it to fruition, as the earth nurtures her seeds??
  • What are the imprisoning fears that I feel ready to release? 
     
  • How can I best focus on the my blessings this season?
  •  How can I make the best use of this lifetime? 
                                                                                                modified from winter solstice article google~~Elchai