As we move deeper into autumn, we enter a period rich with mystical energy, profound introspection, and transformative potential. This time marks the Season of the Witch, a liminal period between Samhain and the Winter Solstice, where we honor the past year, shed what no longer serves, and prepare for the rebirth of Yule. With the powerful guidance of Snake and Owl medicine, we’re supported in releasing the old, connecting with our inner wisdom, and aligning with the deeper rhythms of the Wheel of the Year as we ready ourselves for 2025’s Year of the Wood Snake.
In this article, we’ll explore how Snake and Owl energies align with the Season of the Witch and the journey toward Yule, creating a powerful tapestry of transformation that prepares us for the grounding, intuitive energy of 2025.
The Season of the Witch: A Sacred Liminal Period
Following the third harvest festival of Samhain, we enter a unique time known as the Season of the Witch. This period spans from October 31 until Winter Solstice (Traditionally Yule) on December 21, marking a sacred space for review, reflection, and preparation. It’s a time to honor the past year’s lessons, clear away what no longer resonates, and begin attuning ourselves to the wisdom we’ll carry into the year ahead. Rather than rushing into new goals, the Season of the Witch invites us to honor the natural cycle of pause, rest, and reflection before stepping forward.
This is the time to delve into the mysteries, explore our shadow selves, and allow old aspects of our lives to fall away, just as trees release their leaves to nourish the earth. It’s a season of magickal renewal, inviting us to honor both the beauty of release and the quiet power of rebirth on the horizon.
The Medicine of Snake and Owl: Transformation, Intuition, and the Divine Feminine
During this time, the energies of Snake and Owl align beautifully with the essence of the Season of the Witch, offering us their distinct wisdom as we journey inward:
- Snake Medicine: Transformation and Renewal: Snake, a symbol of transformation, invites us to shed old layers and embrace rebirth. Much like the process of the Season of the Witch, Snake energy encourages us to release what no longer serves us, allowing for a renewed sense of self as we prepare for Yule. Snake medicine also brings forth a feminine power of healing and resilience, guiding us to embrace the mystery of renewal, just as nature does in the cycle of the year.
- Owl Medicine: Intuition, Insight, and Clarity: Owl, the nocturnal guardian of wisdom, represents the gift of sight in darkness and aligns with the introspective nature of the Season of the Witch. Owl medicine reminds us to listen to our inner voice, trust our intuition, and honor the hidden truths we discover. Owl helps us see through illusions and brings clarity to the shadow work we may encounter during this season, offering protection as we move through the depths of transformation.
Together, Snake and Owl provide powerful medicine for navigating this period of release and rebirth. Their energies encourage us to move forward with courage and insight, embracing the unknown and trusting in the wisdom that emerges from within.
The Journey Toward Yule: A Season of Rest, Rebirth, and Renewal
Yule, beginning on the Winter Solstice, marks the rebirth of the sun and a sacred time of new beginnings. Rather than a single day, many traditionally practiced that Yule represented an extended season that carried through 12 nights, and sometimes all the way to Imbolc in Early February. I teach and practice a hybrid system where Winter Solstice on Dec 21st marks the beginning of Yule, and where Yule is an extended season that carries us through the early part of winter until the Lunar New Year. As we approach Yule, we are invited to pause, reflect, and prepare for the gradual return of light.
In the Wheel of the Year, Yule signifies both the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. It’s a time to celebrate survival, honor our journey, and set intentions for the coming year. Yule offers a bridge between the quiet introspection of the Season of the Witch and the excitement of the sun returning and all that represents (that is, the transformative growth of spring), grounding us in renewal and reminding us of the power of stillness. This time of year encourages us to gather our inner strength, setting the stage for what lies ahead in 2025.
Preparing for 2025: The Year of the Wood Snake and the Yin Influence
As we align with the energy of Yule, we’re also beginning to prepare for 2025’s Year of the Wood Snake in Chinese astrology. The Wood Snake embodies yin, or feminine, energy, bringing forth qualities of intuition, inner wisdom, creativity, and steady growth. This is a year for sustainable transformation, where change is both deep and enduring. The Wood Snake calls for a grounded approach, inviting us to connect with our inner power, listen to our intuition, and create stability in all areas of life.
The Wood Snake year is especially empowering for those who wish to cultivate their intuitive gifts, embrace their feminine energy, and create a life rooted in balance. With the guidance of Snake and Owl medicine, we’re prepared to enter 2025 with clarity, resilience, and a commitment to meaningful transformation.
Ways to Work with These Energies During the Season of the Witch
To embrace the medicine of Snake and Owl, honor the Season of the Witch, and prepare for Yule, consider the following practices:
- Engage in Reflection and Release: Journaling or meditating on what you’re ready to let go of can be a powerful way to align with Snake’s shedding process. Reflect on the patterns, beliefs, or attachments you’re ready to release, allowing space for new growth.
- Develop Intuitive Practices: Owl medicine encourages us to deepen our intuition. Spend time in quiet reflection, listen to your inner guidance, or work with divination tools such as tarot or oracle cards to gain insight into the path ahead.
- Honor the Darkness and Embrace the Unknown: Both Snake and Owl invite us to find comfort in mystery and darkness. Embrace the unknown with curiosity, trusting that clarity will come in time. This is a season for honoring rest and stillness.
- Create Rituals of Renewal for Yule: As Yule approaches, consider creating rituals that symbolize the return of light and new beginnings. Light candles, set intentions, and celebrate the small ways you’re preparing for renewal. This will help you align with the rebirth that Yule and the Wood Snake year bring.
Journal Prompts for Deepening Connection with the Season of the Witch, Snake, and Owl
To further connect with these energies, explore the following prompts:
- What aspects of my life am I ready to release, and how can I honor the process of letting go?
- What truths are emerging within me during this season, and how can I embrace my intuition as a guide?
- How can I use this season to prepare for the grounded, steady growth of the Wood Snake year ahead?
Embracing the Tapestry of Magickal Energy
The Season of the Witch, the medicine of Snake and Owl, and the journey toward Yule create a powerful synergy, offering us the opportunity to align with the natural cycles of transformation. As we prepare for 2025, we can use this season to cultivate inner strength, embrace intuitive wisdom, and release what no longer serves us.
Together, these energies invite us to honor the divine feminine, deepen our spiritual practice, and approach the year ahead with intention and grace. May this season guide you into 2025 with a sense of alignment, renewal, and purpose, grounded in the wisdom of Snake and Owl and the promise of Yule’s rebirth. Embrace the magick of this time, allowing it to light your path forward into the Wood Snake year.
This article was part of a series. If you missed the other articles you can read them here:  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (this is the article you're reading), Part 4Â
What did you learn in this article that you will use in the days ahead to help you prepare for 2025? Let me know in a comment below!