My Simple Winter Morning Ritual

Winter mornings are my favorite. I love waking up while it’s still dark and the house is quiet. There’s something peaceful about starting the day before everything gets busy, and this is the time I use to reconnect with myself.

Setting Up My Space

I head to my kitchen altar, which is just a small setup with an altar cloth, three candles on an altar plate, my crystal ball, and the tarot deck I’m working with at the moment. I light the candles, and sometimes I’ll light a stick of incense too—just enough to add a little atmosphere.

Before anything else, I always open my east-facing window, even if it’s only a crack. Here in Southern California it doesn’t get too cold, and letting in that first bit of morning air feels like inviting the new day inside.

Tea + Quiet Time

Once the altar is lit and the window is open, I make myself a cup of tea. Nothing fancy—just something warm that helps me ease into the day. I bring it back to my altar, sit down, and take a minute to breathe.

Tarot for Guidance

Some mornings I pull one tarot card. Other days I end up doing a simple spread if the shuffling brings more cards forward. I don’t overthink it; I just see what comes up and notice how it feels. It’s less about predicting anything and more about checking in with myself.

A Small Offering

When I’m done, I make a small offering. It might be a pinch of salt, a little basil, or some rose petals—whatever feels right that day. After the ritual, I take the offering outside and give it to a tree. It’s a simple way to close the practice and reconnect with the earth.

Starting the Day

By the time I finish my tea and blow out the candles, the sky is usually getting lighter. The whole ritual doesn’t take very long, but it makes a huge difference. It helps me slow down, tune in, and start the day with intention instead of rushing right into everything.

It’s not fancy, and it’s definitely not perfect, but it’s mine. And it sets the tone for my whole day.