Ways to Honour Domestic Spirits on the Winter Solstice and the Yin Season

Most spirits who live with us are beneficent. How do we honour them?

The Winter is a lean season. The spirits need attending to just like any other relationship we have. The hearth is a place where the seen and unseen gather.

Here are some ways to be in respectful relations with the spirit beings whom you share your home with (this could be the same as, or different than living with ghosts).

Express Gratitude Through Maintenance and Decor

• Fix anything in disrepair around the home, as a way to show care and respect.

• Declutter a neglected area to invite fresh energy.

• Sweep away stagnant energy with intention.

• Burn herbs like mugwort or rosemary to spiritually cleanse the space.

• Use a floor wash with Pine or other conifer oils.

• Use natural elements like holly, mistletoe, or ivy to invite blessings.

• Create a wreath or garlands as a symbol of cyclical renewal - speak with these plants directly.

Update Your Altar

• Include items like candles, evergreen branches, pinecones, citrus fruit, or other symbols of winter. Present them as offerings.

Light Candles or a Hearth Fire

• Light a fire in the hearth or candles to symbolise warmth and light in the darkest night.

• Dedicate the light to the domestic spirits as a gesture of gratitude.

Invite The Domestic Spirits to a Special Meal

• Cook a meal with seasonal ingredients and set aside a portion as an offering; set a special plate at the table.

• Or if your space better suits it, place the offering near/on your altar, hearth, or another sacred space in your home.

Say A Blessing Or Prayer

• Speak words of gratitude for the spirits’ protection and presence.

• Ask for their continued guidance and support in the coming year.

Create / Leave A Gift for the Spirits

• Craft or dedicate a small object, like a charm or amulet, as a gift for the spirits.

• Place it in a discreet corner of your home to strengthen your connection.

Gather in Ritual with Others to Honour the Spirits of the Home (and the Season)

• Spirits live in community, and desire to live in community with us.

• On Solstice itself, or other occasions, such as the Lunar New Year, be with other humans who also honour the Unseen.

Following the spirits,

Mimi
Animist spirit intermediary and educator in occult studies