As the final leaves fall and the hush of winter begins to settle over the land, we enter a potent threshold in the wheel of the year. In Norse cosmology, this time is not merely a descent into cold and darkness, it’s a sacred passage into mystery, memory, and ancestral depth. The winter rites of Northern Europe offer rich metaphysical teachings for modern spiritual seekers, especially those drawn to inclusive, earth-honoring paths.
One of the most evocative motifs of Norse winter lore is the Wild Hunt, a spectral procession of gods, spirits, and the restless dead that rides through the skies during the dark half of the year. Led by Odin, or other regional figures, the Hunt is both feared and revered. It represents the thinning of the veil, the stirring of ancestral energies, and the call to heed omens and dreams.
The Wild Hunt is a phenomenon that I incorporate into my Norse kindred during the wintertime, but it can be a scary thing. As winter approaches, use this time to ward and protect your home. Winter has always been a time of reflection, and sometimes the imagery of the Wild Hunt can stir us to refocus on our shadow work and healing. Rather than viewing the Hunt as always ominous, we can claim it as a symbol of sacred movement, of the energies that stir us from complacency and awaken deeper truths.
Winter rites in Norse traditions are deeply rooted in the hearth. In a time when travel was dangerous and the land lay dormant, tending the hearth was both practical and spiritual. Many of the Norse rituals revolved around the homestead and involved only the family. Communal festivities were held as well, but in the dark part of the year the focus shifted to the home and those immediately involved in its care.
You can embrace the spirit of our northern ancestors by holding rituals with your family or friends at home. For a more solitary practice, you can focus on building seasonal altars, imbuing your cooking with magic, and bringing light into your life with candles. The hearth reminds us that magic need not be grand — it can be quiet, embodied, and woven into daily life.
Early December is an ideal time to honor the Dísir. The Dísir are female spirits in Norse mythology, often described as ancestral guardians who can be benevolent or antagonistic. They are associated with fate, family, and fertility, and played roles similar to the Norns or Valkyries, depending on the context. Worship of the Dísir was common for our Norse ancestors and for many modern Pagans. The Dísir are not limited to biological lineage; they include spiritual foremothers, cultural ancestors, and archetypal guides. You can honor your Dísir with ancestor veneration, storytelling, or asking for their protection.
Even in the darkest months, Norse winter rites remind us of continuity. Evergreens — yew, pine, holly — were revered as symbols of resilience and eternal life. They were used to decorate homes, mark sacred spaces, and invoke protection. As we put up our decorations, you may see the continuity of those traditions in Christmas trees, garland, and wreaths. Try putting your decorations up this year with spiritual intention and see how the magic of the holidays flows through your home.
The festivities that began back in October before Halloween are based on history and tradition from all over the world. And one of the winter traditions we have enjoyed throughout history is divination. We all recognize Halloween as a time when the veil is thin, but the dark nights and cold weather that force us to stay home also offer us the perfect setting to look beyond the veil.
As we head into December, let’s take a moment to reflect on the blessings of winter. Let the wheel of the year remind you that it cannot stay dark forever. The light will return, the seasons will change, and you will be even stronger come spring. Use this down time to reconnect with the roots of who you are and where you come from, so that when spring arrives you are ready to take on the world again.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.