During the spring and summer months there is so much momentum and energy being generated that it feels easy and so natural to set intentions and work with the elements. Oftentimes during the winter, there can feel like a void where everything is (literally) frozen to a standstill.
But it doesn’t have to feel like this. There is a beautiful energy at winter that almost brings us into zero point where we can really focus in our intentions and goals. The still beauty allows us to get very quiet within ourselves where things get really clear.
This is a simple and beautiful craft you can make during some solo quiet time, or even with kids. All you need are a few decorative items from nature, an open imagination, as well as a place where you can freeze your ice ornament (outside or your freezer!)
items you will need
some kind of vessel you will freeze your craft in; a cake pan, a Tupperware, a pot, a bowl etc. (I am using a heart-shaped cake pan but you certainly don’t have to be this fancy!)
some decorative items for your ice craft; clippings from evergreens, winter berries, orange slices, birdseed, sticks, pinecones, crystals, dried (or fresh) flowers, herbs, etc
twine that will act as a hanger
paper and pen to write down your intention
gather your items with a nature walk
As I mentioned already, the beauty in winter is abundant! Majestic evergreens cascade their branches through the sparse forests while red berries add dashes of colour here and there. Pinecones and sticks adorn the forest floor, and if you’re lucky enough you may even have a gentle blanket of snow covering everything.
As you walk through the forest, breathe in the crisp wonder, and meditate upon what you are being called to create at this time. Don’t limit yourself; create big! One thing I will say about this intention-setting craft is that there is a slow build with this one. Since it is during winter and we are literally freezing our intentions in ice… you want to think about the energy of your intention building as it rests in the ice. As it starts to melt, the ice will eventually release the intentions out.
Gather any goodies you would like to add to your ice decoration. You can always add little treasures from your home like crystals, flowers, sliced fruits etc.
Making your ice ornament
If the temperatures stay below freezing, your ornament will adorn your outdoor space for quite some time. If you don’t have any outdoor space, I would recommend leaving it in the woods or a forest somewhere. (If you are doing this, please make sure all parts of it are biodegradable and there is nothing toxic to any animals that might come across it once it melts).
If you live in a climate that doesn’t go below freezing, that is absolutely fine! You will still put your ice ornament outside, but it will melt very quickly… perhaps this will quicken the manifestation of your intention??
As long as your intention is within the ice decoration, it will continue to build energy. I like to imagine that as it melts it is sending that intention out, and you leave your decorative bits as offerings to the Earth.
1) Set your intention
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to ground. Come to your intention and feel it resonate within you. When you’re ready, write it down on your paper. It can be a few sentences, or short and sweet with just a word or two. If you’re doing this with kids, you can ask them to help you set this intention. It could be an intention for the family, the community or even our planet.
2) Fill your vessel with water
Just an inch or two of water is all you need!
3) Decorate the water
Place all your treasures into the water. Some of them may float, so just embrace where they settle naturally. As you place each decorative bit in, come back to your intention; as if each bit is infusing the water with your magic. Don’t forget to put your written intention into the mix as well!
4) Add string
If you plan on hanging your ornament, make sure you add in a piece of twine or string so it can be hung in a tree or hook.
5) Freeze
If it’s cold outside, you can just slip this somewhere safe outdoors to freeze. Otherwise, pop it in your freezer until it has set.
6) Pop it out
When it has completely frozen (how beautiful!) it’s time to pop it out of your mold. If it doesn’t come out easily, just run the outside of your vessel under warm water until it releases.
7) Adorn the outdoors
Time to adorn nature with your gift! Allow it to naturally melt or breakdown. If you have warmer temperatures this may happen very quickly which is perfectly fine! Enjoy its beauty while it lasts, and envision the energy of your intention build with each day. As it melts, feel that energy be released into the universe!
I hope you enjoy your little crafty ritual! This one is so simple, you may find yourself returning to it again and again throughout the winter season.
If you’re like me and already thinking about spring(!) here are a few rituals you may want to have a look at to get your excited and inspired!