Matariki: A Time to Reflect, Remember & Reconnect
Matariki: A Time to Reflect, Remember & Reconnect
As the crisp air settles in and the nights stretch a little longer, there’s a quiet magic in the atmosphere here in Aotearoa. It’s the kind of magic that asks us to pause, exhale, and look up at the stars — because Matariki is rising.
If you’re new to Matariki or just feeling called to go deeper this year, let me take you through what makes this time so sacred and how you can embrace it in a meaningful, soul-nourishing way.
✨ What is Matariki?
Matariki marks the Māori New Year, and it begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) in the early morning winter sky. In 2025, Matariki will be officially celebrated on Friday 27th June, a public holiday in New Zealand — but its spiritual significance goes far beyond a day off work.
The name Matariki comes from Ngā mata o te ariki Tāwhirimātea, meaning “the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea.” According to legend, Tāwhirimātea cast his eyes into the sky in grief and fury after the separation of his parents (Ranginui and Papatūānuku), creating the stars we now honour.
Matariki is a time of remembrance, celebration, and renewal. It invites us to reflect on those who’ve passed, to celebrate what we have now, and to set intentions for the year ahead.
🌿 Matariki Rituals to Try This Year
If you’re looking to bring a bit more meaning into your winter, here are some simple but powerful Matariki rituals you can try:
1. Write a Letter to a Loved One Who Has Passed
One of the most touching Matariki traditions is writing a note to someone you’ve lost — it could be words of love, something you never got to say, or even a memory. Burn the note safely in a small fire, letting the smoke carry your message to the stars. This is incredibly healing and heart-opening.
2. Gather for a Wholesome Meal
Food is a big part of Matariki. Cook a nourishing meal (or even a potluck with loved ones), using seasonal produce, and share it with family or friends. Take a moment around the table to share what you’re grateful for or a lesson you’ve learned in the past year.
3. Stargaze with Intention
Set your alarm and wake before dawn to see the Matariki cluster rise. Take a hot drink outside, wrap yourself in a blanket, and just watch. You don’t have to do anything except be still, reflect, and maybe whisper an intention for the year ahead into the morning air.
❄️ Matariki Meets Winter Solstice: The Power of Letting Go
This year, Winter Solstice falls on Friday 21st June, just days before Matariki. These two sacred times align so beautifully — both inviting us to rest, reflect, and reset.
Solstice is the longest night of the year, symbolising a turning point from darkness back into light. Traditionally, it’s a time to honour the wisdom that comes with stillness and to prepare for the return of new energy, clarity, and direction.
And what better way to do that than with a good old declutter?
🧺 Soulful Decluttering – The Marie Kondo Way (With a Matariki Twist)
Winter is made for clearing — not just your wardrobe, but your mind, your emotional baggage, and even your relationships.
Start with a simple question:
“Does this still serve me?”
Or in Marie Kondo’s words: “Does this spark joy?”
Here’s how to make your Matariki decluttering more intentional:
- Closet Cleanse: Hold each item in your hands and ask if it still fits who you are becoming. If not, thank it and release it. (Yes, thank it. Marie insists. It works.)
- Emotional Cleanse: Is there someone you need to forgive (including yourself)? Is there a story you’re ready to stop carrying? Journaling, breathwork, or speaking it out loud can be powerful tools.
- Digital Cleanse: Unfollow accounts that drain your energy. Clear out your inbox. Remove the clutter from your online space so it mirrors the calm you’re creating within.
- Energetic Cleanse: Smudge your home with sage, rosemary, or kawakawa. Open windows. Shake out pillows and rugs. Let the air move. Play music that uplifts your spirit.
🌱 Dream Forward
Once you’ve cleared the space, it’s time to fill it with intention. Matariki is about hope — planting seeds for the year ahead.
Write down a few dreams for the next 12 months. They don’t have to be big or even clear. Just feel into what you want more of: peace, joy, health, connection, creativity?
Pin those intentions somewhere you’ll see them. Let them simmer. The magic is in the softness.
