As a nature lover, connecting with the seasons is one of the most profound ways to flow with the natural energy of life. We live in a world that is incredibly disconnected from nature and the results of that are proving to be more and more damaging. Chronic illness, over-consumption and rising mental health challenges are just a few of the symptoms of this disconnection.
That’s because we ARE nature. We are NOT machines. The further we get from our natural world, pace and connection… the bigger problems we will soon be facing.
Taking the time to intentionally align with the seasons of nature is a beautiful practice of self-love, quiet activism, and natural healing.
As you can see, this guide is supporting the season of Yule. Some recognize it as the Winter Solstice. Yule is following the Wheel of the Year (~Dec 19-Feb 1). This is a calendar that many Europeans, Pagans and Nature Lovers use. It’s comprised of eight different seasons through the year about every six weeks or so.
How to Use this Winter Solstice/Yule Guide:
As your Earth Advocacy Wellness Coach, I wanted a seasonal guide to help you re-align. When you’re aligned… you level up… and so does your impact.
This guide is to help you come back to what you LOVE. Nature.
It will help you bring in nature connection, spiritual threads and practical ways to lead you back to reconnection. With that, feel free to utilize this exactly how your intuition is asking you to.
Perhaps you read over it all and focus on the part that’s popping out at you.
Or maybe you work through the pieces over the six weeks of the season.
There’s no wrong way to do it… this is the magic of partnering with the Earth to guide you. There’s not a manual. It’s beyond the realm of templates and processes.
Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? With that, I think it’s time to dive in.
Yule: ~December 19-February 1
Yule is the season of the first half of winter. It signifies the start of the winter and is often associated with Winter Solstice, which is an astrological calendar event. There are many different cultures, religions and traditions that bring yule into their practices. One thing to note… winter solstice/yule is the energy of the START of winter. So, while we may say it’s the first day of winter… it may not quite feel like it outside yet.
Energy of the Season
Starting to slow down
Going inward
Quiet
More sleep
Introversion
Yin
Peace
Receiving
Being
Feminine
Connection to divine/spirit
Check-in: Are you starting to embody this energy right now?
Plant Spirit of Yule -Pine
Pine
Plant Spirit Message (Channeled by yours truly).
Preservation. I am the spirit of the winter season. High in vitamin C (the needles) also, how can you tap into this aromatically? Simmer pine on the stove or go out and smell right from the source! The image of the sap of a tree came through as well. The sap of a pine tree is incredibly medicinal and healing… and it’s also the blood of the tree. It serves to protect the tree from infection. To help scab over wounds. The essence of the trunk is really coming up. Often overlooked, but a critical base of the entire tree. Are you forgetting about the health of your own trunk/core and who you are?
There are over 100 species of pines - which one speaks to you?
Some qualities of pine medicine:
Analgesic (pain reliever), anticatarrhal (decreases mucous & inflammation in mucous membranes), antioxidant (bark), antiseptic, antispasmodic (reduces muscle spasms), antiviral, demulcent (moistening), diuretic (kidney support), expectorant (expels mucous from lungs), rubefacient (draws impurities up and out of skin), stimulant (awakens), tonic (tones and heals the body).
As with any herb, there are many, many benefits. A few to highlight of pine:
Improves circulation and oxygen flow.
Great for blood (hello sap reference!). Dissolving blood clots.
Used for bronchitis, pneumonia, coughs, croup, fever, larygitis, rheumatoid arthritis and more.
There are different ways to work with it:
Bath - for nerve pain
Steam - for respiratory
Topically - for eczema, psorisis, skin stuff
Flower essence - for guilt, self-blame, or feeling of never feeling successful.
Spiritually - increases intuition/psychic abilities.
How you can start working with pine…
Sit with a pine… physically or spiritually. Introduce yourself. Start a relationship. Offer and offering. Don’t be surprised if the plant spirit is shy… it takes time for them to warm up and for us to sharpen our intuitive antennas.
Once there, ask. How can you work with it? You will receive an answer. No answer is also an answer.
Need additional help honing in your plant spirit skills? Schedule an herbal consult with me and I’d be happy to mentor you.
An important piece is to send the plant spirit back if you called it in. Also, to engage in a reciprocal relationship. What are you offering back to them? Gratitude of course - maybe there’s something else that calls to you as well.
Animal Spirit of Yule - Snowy Owl
There is nothing quite as majestic as a snowy owl. When connecting with their spirit - was highly linked to the sound of silence and the sound of winter. Known for their piercing yellow eyes and powerful talons, snowy owls are exceptional hunters, preying on lemmings, rodents, and birds. Unlike many owl species, they are diurnal, active during the day, especially in the long Arctic summer. These majestic birds migrate south in winter.
They are diurnal. Unlike most other owls who are nocturnal.
They are heavier than most owls because of the number of feathers they have to keep warm. These feathers are made up of individual hollow fibers that trap light and keep them warm. They’re able to retain the body heat from the previous night and use it as warmth during the day.
Spiritual symbolism: As a symbol of resilience, snowy owls thrive in some of the harshest climates on Earth, reminding us of the beauty and adaptability of life.
Journal Prompts for Yule
The power of writing. Make yourself a warm beverage and dim the lighting. Grab your journal and enjoy this time of reflection.
How does the quiet of winter speak to you? What does the stillness invite in your life?
Winter is a time of rest and restoration in nature. What does your body and soul need during this season of renewal?
What’s the story you tell yourself about resting and not doing? Not consuming? Receiving rather than giving?
Intuitive Message for Yule
This is an intuitive (psychic) message that I channeled for you this yule season.
Right away when I was inviting in the benevolent winter spirits to come forward, I saw the winter fairies. “Remember us” they said. Do you have a connection to the fairy realm? Play, get curious, embark your sense of wonder. What does a winter fairy world look like? Pay attention to the micro world. The details. Can you take this time to mend broken things that need to be fixed around the home, or tidying up the cobwebs and dust that’s gathered in your mind? Also seeing them playing in winter sports. Cross country skiing, hiking in the snow, being outside. They are saying, don’t be afraid to venture out in the cold and darkness… in fact, there may be magic there for you. The message to you, peace. Peace be with you. Peace of mind, peace of body, peace of spirit. Are you at peace. What’s interrupting your peace? How can you tap into the winter fairy spirits to help you find a bit more peace this season of the yule?
Nature Connection Practices for Yule
Take a Winter Walk
Bundle up, leave your phone at home and go outside. Notice. ~ Who's out and about? ~ What are the trees doing? ~ Can you sense the plants resting? ~ What's happening beneath your feet? ~ Stop for a min & gaze at the sky.
Make a Winter Tea
Evergreen Winter Tea
Ingredients:
1 tsp fresh pine needles (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp dried juniper berries (lightly crushed)
1 tsp dried orange peel (or a slice of fresh orange)
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
Bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
Add the pine needles, juniper berries, orange peel, and cinnamon.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then steep for an additional 5 minutes.
Strain and sweeten with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
This tea is grounding, refreshing, and reminiscent of a walk through a winter forest!
*Make sure to thank the planties for their medicine. <3
Write a Poem About Winter
Tap into the essence of winter. What are some of your favorite memories of winter?
Engage your senses.
What does winter sound like? Smell like? Taste like? Look like? Feel like?
Step outside to remember... then hurry back inside to write down your words.
Take a Nap
In fact, take multiple naps! As many naps as you can! Embody the energy of the hibernating bear!
Watch Nature From Your Window
Find a spot next to a window that you can return to daily. Spend five minutes simply observing nature in winter. How is the Mama handling this season? Return daily for a week (or more)! Prepare to fall in love.
Meditation for Yule
Take a moment to honor the stillness and renewal of this sacred season with my guided meditation, available on the free Insight Timer app.
Designed to help you embrace the longest night and welcome the returning light, this meditation offers a peaceful space to reflect, release, and align with the cycles of nature. Perfect for your Yule celebrations or a quiet winter evening.
If it doesn’t work: Download Insight Timer app on your phone, search Taylor Short, and look for my Winter Solstice Meditation.
Closing Thoughts
As the Wheel of the Year turns toward Yule, may this season bring you warmth, renewal, and a deep sense of connection to the Earth and yourself. Embracing nature’s rhythms during this sacred time can offer profound healing and clarity, reminding you of your role as a caretaker of both the planet and your inner world.
If you’re feeling called to deepen your connection with the earth and discover ways to nurture your well-being while standing as an advocate for nature, I’d love to support you on this journey. As an Earth Advocacy Wellness Coach, I offer guidance to help you align with nature’s cycles, craft sustainable practices, and thrive as a sensitive soul in today’s fast-paced world.
Let’s explore how we can work together to root your path in resilience, purpose, and harmony. Visit my page here to learn more about my services or book a free Discovery Call. Together, we can co-create a life that honors both your inner light and the earth we call home.
Yule Love to YOU!
Taylor
About the Author:
Taylor Short, of Harmonious Return, is an herbalist, writer, educator, and Earth Advocacy Wellness Coach passionate about helping nature lovers reconnect with the planet and themselves. Through her coaching, workshops, and handcrafted remedies, Taylor empowers others to live in harmony with the earth, fostering resilience, wellness, and sustainable living. Learn more about her work and upcoming offerings at Harmonious Return.