Why Resolutions in January Shouldn’t Be A Thing (And What Witches Can Do Instead)

For many witches, January is not a time for renewal, rebirth, new beginnings, or resolutions. It’s the heart of winter, a time for rest, reprieve, inner sight, and reflection.

​Winter is the season of the Crone, whose wisdom is not found in what she outwardly does or performs — or new creations — but found deep within, as a slow kindling, a stillness, a turning back to the wild and ancient wisdom. The Crone figure is not busy trying to change herself or worried about “doing better” in the year to come, but she’s present in the stillness, knowing it too has a powerful purpose.

Many neopagans, Wiccans, and witches think of October 31st, or Samhain, as the “Witch’s New Year” and the spring equinox as the time for rebirth and renewal. Consider how nature herself turns inwards during the winter season. Mother Earth, at least in the northern hemisphere, does not force out new creations, but keeps her gifts inside — until the spring. Animals hibernate, rest, and slow down, unbothered by the strum of time outside their den walls.

So, too, should we not feel the societal pressure to completely start over come January. And if you think about it, there’s a real reason why many so-called New Year’s resolutions don’t really work out in the end, because it’s just not the time. Instead, we can use this precious time to slow down, reflect on the last year, and begin planting new seeds for spring.

Instead of being hard on yourself for already giving up your New Year’s resolution before the end of the month, try these five winter tips to round out the season.

Do a Root Chakra candle spell
The first chakra, the root chakra, is associated with security, grounding, stability, and overall health. Enchantments’ Root Chakra candle is hand-carved with hand-blended magical oils from our apothecary and can help with cleansing, healing, strengthening, and balancing the root chakra. Take a sea salt bath before lighting the candle and burn it over the course of a week until it’s fully out.

Embrace the Crone figure
One such Crone figure is the Baga Yaga, a fierce, humorous, wild, and wise woman. We love Madame Pamita’s Baga Yaga book, which unveils the secrets of the Crone while helping readers absorb her sacred lessons, as well as history.

Catch up on your magical reading
Holiday parties are over and the festivities of the season have largely come to an end, making it a great time to hunker down to read, learn, and study the subjects we love the most. Books from publishers such as Llewellyn and Weiser have had an immense impact in the mind, body, spirit realm and we encourage you to pursue our shelves in-person at the shop.

Do a house cleansing
For a winter house cleansing ritual, try Winter Woods ($15 for a half ounce of oil or $10 for a full ounce of incense). It’s good to use as a house blessing to bring in the good vibes, welcome in good spirits, and also works as a celebratory incense for the winter season.

Practice divination using pendulums
Pendulums are a great tools for divination and helping to answer questions about your future, whether it’s which next steps to take, love matters, or help with job searches. Get a pendulum that speaks to you and before beginning your divination, call upon your ancestors and Spirit Guides for protection and assistance in only providing answers that are aligned with your highest purpose.