December: Magickal Year
Ancient Origins and Etymology
The name December comes from the Latin word decem, meaning “ten,” as it was originally the tenth month of the early Roman calendar. Even after the calendar reform that made it the twelfth month, the name remained unchanged. December has long been associated with the end of cycles, the return of light, and the celebration of renewal.
In ancient Rome, December was marked by Saturnalia, a festival honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. Saturnalia celebrated the end of the agricultural year with feasting, gift-giving, and a temporary reversal of social roles. Across cultures, December is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of the light’s return, culminating in the Winter Solstice (around December 21st or 22nd), the shortest day of the year, which heralds the gradual lengthening of days.
Planetary Influences and Energy
December is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, abundance, and wisdom, and Saturn, the planet of discipline, structure, and time. This dual influence makes December a month of reflection, gratitude, and planning for the future.
Astrologically, December begins under the sign of Sagittarius (ruled by Jupiter) and transitions into Capricorn (ruled by Saturn). Sagittarius’s expansive and adventurous energy encourages optimism, exploration, and seeking higher truths, making the first part of December ideal for setting intentions and embracing joy. As the month shifts into Capricorn, the energy becomes grounded, disciplined, and focused on building long-term goals, making it a powerful time for reflection and planning for the year ahead. This balance between optimism and practicality makes December a month of celebration and preparation.
Divine Connections
December’s divine energy is deeply connected to Saturn, the Roman god of time, agriculture, and renewal. Saturn’s energy supports reflection, gratitude, and embracing the cycles of life. Offerings to Saturn might include candles, grains, or symbols of the harvest.
Another key deity for December is Holly King, a figure from Celtic mythology who rules over the darker half of the year. The Holly King’s energy reminds us to honor the cycles of nature and celebrate the return of the light.
The Winter Solstice aligns with deities of light and renewal, such as Apollo (Greek god of the sun), Brigid (Celtic goddess of light and inspiration), and Sol Invictus (Roman sun god). These deities inspire hope, renewal, and the celebration of life’s enduring cycles.
Other Deities:
❍ Odin (Norse): Wisdom, guidance, and connection to the Yule season
❍ Freyja (Norse): Love, magic, and fertility
❍ Demeter (Greek): Gratitude, harvest, and renewal
❍ Hestia (Greek): Hearth, home, and family
❍ Amaterasu (Japanese): Sun goddess, renewal, and light
Magical Correspondences
Primary Colors: Gold (abundance, light, renewal); Green (growth, vitality, connection to nature); Red (passion, courage, celebration); White (purity, hope, spiritual connection).
Elements: Fire (passion, light, transformation – Sagittarius energy); Earth (stability, grounding, structure – Capricorn energy).
Numbers: 12 (completion, cycles, divine order); 3 (creativity, growth, connection to the divine); 8 (renewal, balance, infinity).
Directions: South (passion, transformation, fire energy); North (stability, grounding, earth energy).
Tarot Cards: Temperance (balance, harmony, spiritual growth – Sagittarius energy); The Devil (shadow work, discipline, liberation – Capricorn energy); The World (completion, fulfillment, cycles); The Star (hope, renewal, spiritual guidance).
Animals: Deer (gentleness, guidance, renewal); Bear (strength, introspection, hibernation energy); Owl (wisdom, intuition, connection to the unseen); Raven (magic, transformation, mystery); Robin (hope, renewal, return of light).
Natural Allies
December’s natural allies include herbs and crystals that support renewal, abundance, and spiritual connection.
Herbs like holly and mistletoe are sacred to the season, symbolizing protection and renewal. Pine and cedar bring grounding and resilience, while cinnamon and clove enhance warmth and vitality. Seasonal fruits like oranges and apples represent abundance and gratitude.
Crystals like citrine and garnet align perfectly with December’s themes of abundance and renewal. Citrine offers energy and optimism, while garnet enhances strength and grounding. Clear quartz supports clarity and spiritual growth, green aventurine promotes prosperity, and ruby amplifies passion and vitality.
Essential Herbs:
★ Holly: Protection, renewal, and connection to the season.
★ Mistletoe: Fertility, abundance, and spiritual connection.
★ Pine: Resilience, healing, and grounding.
★ Cedar: Protection, purification, and renewal.
★ Cinnamon: Boosts vitality and courage.
★ Clove: Promotes protection and warmth.
★ Oranges: Represent abundance, gratitude, and renewal.
★ Apples: Symbolize wisdom, cycles, and prosperity.
Power Crystals:
☆ Citrine: Enhances energy, abundance, and optimism.
☆ Garnet: Boosts strength, grounding, and passion.
☆ Clear Quartz: Supports clarity, focus, and spiritual growth.
☆ Green Aventurine: Promotes prosperity and renewal.
☆ Ruby: Amplifies vitality, courage, and love.
Magical Works and Rituals
December is a powerful time for gratitude rituals, renewal practices, and celebrations of light. The month’s energy supports honoring the past year, releasing what no longer serves you, and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Gratitude rituals, such as writing thank-you notes to yourself or others, align perfectly with December’s reflective energy. Renewal practices, such as lighting candles or meditating on the return of the light, can help you embrace hope and inspiration. Celebrations of light, such as decorating with candles or Yule logs, honor the Winter Solstice and the cycles of nature.
Optimal Activities:
❍ Gratitude rituals to reflect on the past year and express appreciation
❍ Renewal practices to release old patterns and set intentions for the future
❍ Celebrations of light to honor the Winter Solstice and the return of the sun
❍ Divination practices, such as tarot or rune casting, to gain insight for the year ahead
❍ Cleansing and grounding rituals to prepare for new beginnings
❍ Offering gratitude to deities of light and renewal
❍ Journaling to reflect on personal growth and set goals
Featured Ritual: Winter Solstice Candle Spell
Purpose: To honor the return of the light and set intentions for renewal.
Materials:
★ A gold or white candle (for light and renewal)
★ A piece of paper and pen
★ A small crystal (such as citrine or clear quartz)
★ Seasonal decorations (optional, such as holly or pine)
Instructions:
➪ Begin by lighting the gold or white candle, symbolizing the return of the light. Take a moment to center yourself and focus on your intentions.
➪ Write down a wish or intention for the coming year on the piece of paper. Be clear and specific in your wording.
➪ Hold the crystal in your hand and visualize its energy supporting your intention. Imagine the light of the candle filling you with hope and inspiration.
➪ Place the paper near the candle and recite an affirmation such as, “With the return of the light, I welcome renewal and abundance. My intentions are set, and I am ready to grow.”
➪ Allow the candle to burn for a while, then extinguish it safely. Keep the crystal with you as a reminder of your intention.
Modern Applications
December’s energy can be integrated into daily life through acts of gratitude, reflection, and celebration. Take time to enjoy the season’s beauty, whether through decorating your home with symbols of light and renewal, cooking seasonal meals, or spending time with loved ones. Journaling about your reflections and goals can help you stay grounded and inspired.
For busy practitioners, simple acts like lighting a candle or carrying a crystal can help maintain your connection to December’s themes. Incorporating seasonal foods or herbs into your rituals or meals can also bring a sense of grounding and abundance to your daily routine.
Daily Integration Ideas:
❍ Write affirmations for renewal and place them where you’ll see them daily.
❍ Carry citrine or clear quartz for energy and clarity.
❍ Light a gold or white candle during meditation to focus on renewal and hope.
❍ Spend time in nature to connect with the season’s stillness.
❍ Drink herbal teas like cinnamon or clove for warmth and vitality.
❍ Reflect on your accomplishments and celebrate small victories.
Sacred Space Setup
To create a sacred space aligned with December’s energy, focus on symbols of light, renewal, and gratitude. Use a gold or white altar cloth to represent the return of the sun, and include candles in shades of gold, green, or red. Add seasonal decorations, such as holly, pine, or oranges, to honor the cycles of nature.
Incorporate crystals like citrine and garnet, and place a journal or tools for divination to honor December’s reflective energy. Offerings to Saturn, Brigid, or other deities of light and renewal, such as seasonal fruits or grains, can enhance your altar.
Essential Altar Elements:
★ Gold, green, or red candles
★ Crystals like citrine, garnet, and clear quartz
★ Seasonal decorations, such as holly, pine, or oranges
★ Offerings to Saturn, Brigid, or other deities, such as fruits or grains
★ A journal or tarot deck for reflection and divination
★ Symbols of light, such as lanterns or sun motifs
By embracing December’s sacred energy, you can cultivate gratitude, renewal, and hope in your life, creating a foundation for the year ahead.
