Preparing Between Two Cycles
In a previous article, I spoke about the preparatory period of the Wuwuchim "New Fire" ceremony. Today, I invite you to explore another sacred moment: the time between the New Fire and Soyal, the Hopi ceremony of the winter solstice.
Through the window of my studio, my eyes rest on him, my "grandfather oak," as I call him, the majestic guardian of this garden. His branches stretch toward the sky like a silent prayer, while his fallen leaves form a carpet around his roots, an offering to Mother Earth during this season of rest.
Time feels suspended, as if nature itself holds its breath. In this moment of stillness, I feel a deep gratitude for this Earth that sustains us, that carries us, and that, in these days leading to Soyal, invites us to respect it and slow down.
Soyal, the Return of Light
Each year, around December 21, the Hopis celebrate Soyal, a sacred ceremony marking the winter solstice. This rite symbolizes the second phase of Creation, a time to celebrate light, renewal, and unity between humanity, nature, and the sacred.
Ancestral Wisdom Shared by Grandmother Medicine Song
During this period, the Hopis invite us to follow ten sacred actions, a compass to navigate this season with clarity and intention, preparing us for the return of light.
Grandmother Medicine Song granted me the honor of sharing these actions with you, a gift passed down with care and wisdom. She once said, in her soft but resolute voice:
“When you practice these actions, you will attain a sense of inner peace. Your worries will ease, and you will feel a new strength emerge, one that will carry you through even the most difficult moments.”
A Path of Introspection
The ten sacred actions are not merely a list of practices but true keys that open the door to a brighter, more aligned life. They prepare us to welcome the year ahead.
Between the Bear Questions, asked at the beginning of autumn to shape our arrows for the New Fire ceremony (see article), and the ten actions to complete before Soyal, a path emerges. This path of introspection transforms each step into an act of care for the soul, an intention lovingly placed to nurture the dream of the coming year. It invites us to live in greater harmony, both with ourselves and with others.
Practicing the Ten Actions
I share with you the ten actions, inviting you to take a moment to incorporate them into your life. Each action offers an opportunity to honor the Earth, cultivate inner peace, and strengthen harmony with those around you.
1. Use kind words when speaking about or describing someone. Uplift others rather than harm them.
2. Ask the Spirits to listen to you and bring care and love to the world.
3. Walk gently on Mother Earth, avoiding disruptive or noisy behavior.
4. Teach children to respect others and explain why they should do so.
5. See the Earth as your mother, a spiritual being, a living entity that feels and responds.
6. During these 16 days (between the New Fire ceremony and Soyal), do not dig the earth, as Mother Earth accompanies us in this time of peace and preparation.
7. Take the time NOW to talk with your loved ones about the past, present, and future. Strengthen your family ties.
8. Take the time NOW to understand the Divine Laws in your life. Each of you knows them within your own tradition. Discuss them with those close to you. Are you living in harmony with your Divine Laws?
9. Review your behavior over the past year, as well as the attitudes of people in general. What do you observe about yourself and the world?
10. Conduct an honest self-examination and identify areas for improvement. Remember that the Creator and other Helping Spirits, who govern movements here and in the universe, establish their plans based on the Great Game of this earth. Are you contributing to or hindering the outcome of the Great Game?
A Personal Experience
After thoughtfully considering these actions, I sat before the soft glow of a candle and, with my notebook open, retraced the moments of the past year: those when I had aligned with my values and others when I had lacked clarity or kindness. This process, both humbling and moving, allowed me to forgive myself and set deeper, more heartfelt intentions.
I then set down my pen and stepped outside to walk gently on the Earth. I approached my grandfather oak, that majestic tree watching over the garden, and embraced it. Beneath its bare branches stretched toward the sky, I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer to Mother Earth — a prayer for her to continue nourishing and protecting us, to sustain our steps as we journey on our own paths of introspection.
Hopi Winter Solstice Ceremony: Rituals and Meaning of Soyal
The Soyal ceremony takes place in kivas, these underground sanctuaries symbolizing a return to the womb of Mother Earth. It is within these sacred spaces that the Hopi community gathers to restore harmony and call for light through prayers, dances, and collective rituals.
An essential part of these ceremonies is the creation of pahos, or prayer sticks. These sacred objects, adorned with feathers and pine needles, are carefully crafted to bless homes, plants, and animals and to send intentions of prosperity into the universe. Each gesture and offering made in the kivas becomes an act of gratitude to the Earth and a call for renewal and balance for the community and the world.
The Kachinas: Messengers and Bearers of Light
At the heart of the Soyal ceremony, the Kachinas play an essential role. You can read an article about these benevolent spirits, called Katsinam by the Hopis, descend from the San Francisco Peaks in December to bring back the sun and renew life on Earth.
The Hopis see the Kachinas as sacred messengers, carriers of prayers for rain, abundant harvests, and a prosperous, balanced life for all humanity. The Kachinas are not only spiritual guardians but also teachers. Through their dances and messages, they remind the community of the importance of respect, harmony, and the consequences of our choices. Each Kachina embodies a specific aspect of the universe, whether an animal, a cloud, or an ancestral spirit.
During Soyal, their presence is a blessing. They guide the community in the transition to a new cycle, bringing gifts, teachings, and an inner light that illuminates everyone’s path. This profound connection with the Kachinas is also an opportunity for elders to pass down their wisdom and stories, preserving traditions and harmony across generations.
At Soyal, the Kachinas remind us that the light returns not only to the sky but also to our hearts. Their presence is a blessing and a call to inner transformation.
Embracing the Light with Soyal
Soyal, the Hopi winter solstice ceremony, is an invitation to slow down, set clear intentions, and reconnect with the light—both within ourselves and in the world around us. By following the ten sacred actions and honoring this transitional period, we can cultivate inner peace, strengthen our connections with others, and step into a new cycle imbued with harmony and respect.
I encourage you to make these teachings a guide in your daily life. Take the time to explore the Hopi teachings and connect with the ancestral wisdom that reminds us of the importance of balance between humanity, nature, and the sacred.
To deepen this connection, I invite you to book a drum healing session, a powerful practice to anchor yourself in the energy of the Earth and spiritual traditions. Don’t forget to explore the workshops I host at the Yoga With You studio, where we delve into these practices together in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
Discover these opportunities and join our community as we journey toward a life filled with light, serenity, and profound connection to ourselves and nature.
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