It's not you
It's the Season
Once we flip the calendar to January 1st, the world collectively shifts into “new year, new me” mode. The pressure to set ambitious goals and embark on fresh projects is almost gets heavy. Despite our best intentions, many of these resolutions fizzle out by February.
Why? From a spiritual perspective, the energy of winter may hold the answer.
The Spiritual Energy of Winter
Winter is a time of stillness and introspection. Nature mirrors this: trees are bare, animals hibernate, and Mother Earth herself seems to pause. This season is not about planting seeds or cultivating growth; it’s about rest, restoration, and preparation.
In pagan and spiritual traditions, winter is often seen as the “dark half” of the year—a time to slow down, reflect, and conserve energy. This is something modern witches seem to overlook.
When we align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the seasons, we honor this time for rest. Forcing ourselves to initiate big changes during this time is like trying to bloom in the middle of a snowstorm—it’s not in harmony with the energy around us.
The Cultural Disconnect
Modern society, however, doesn’t honor this natural cycle. The New Year’s resolution tradition insists we should start the year with vigor, discipline, and productivity. The problem is, January is not a season of beginnings—it’s the heart of winter, energetically akin to midnight on the clock.
This disconnect can create frustration and burnout. We’re pushing against the current, striving to manifest results at a time when the energy around us is whispering, “Not yet. Rest.”
The Wisdom of Rest and Reflection
Instead of rushing into action, winter invites us to reflect on the past year and dream about what we’d like to create in the spring. This period of contemplation allows us to set intentions that are more aligned with our deepest needs and desires.
"Every season has its own wonder, its own special place, and its own purpose." – Unknown
The Right Time to Plant Seeds
In many traditions, the season for setting new goals begins in spring, when the earth awakens, and the energy shifts toward growth and renewal. Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, marks the first stirrings of spring. This is a powerful time to begin transitioning from rest to action. Another time to launch into your goals or resolutions is in April with the start of the Astrological year when we enter Aries season.
When we honor the seasonal rhythms, our efforts are more likely to succeed. By planting seeds in spring rather than winter, we’re working with the flow of nature, not against it.
Embracing the Winter Energy
This New Year, consider giving yourself permission to rest. Let go of the societal pressure to leap into productivity and instead, align with the energy of winter. Trust that this period of stillness is not wasted time—it’s the fertile ground from which your future growth will bloom.
In the words of the great mystic Rumi: “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”
So take a deep breath, lean into the quiet, and let the season guide you. Your time to bloom will come—and when it does, it will be glorious.
Here are some spiritually aligned alternatives to traditional New Year’s resolutions.
Restoration Goals: Focus on replenishing your energy through self-care practices, sleep, and nourishing activities.
Inner Work: Dive into journaling, shadow work, or meditation to understand what patterns or beliefs no longer serve you.
Gratitude Practice: Reflect on the blessings of the past year and practice gratitude for the foundation you’re building.
Visioning: Use the quiet of winter to dream about the life you want to build. Create vision boards, write down intentions, or explore where you’d like to grow when the time is right.
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