Tis' the Season of Light
The nights are long and dark, yet people everywhere are actively working hard to cheer on the light through this cold, dark season by lighting up their houses and putting up trees.
This year it started way early. I think we all sense a need for more light in our lives right now.
This Friday is the Winter Solstice, not only is it the shortest day of the year, some say it’s the day the “sun stands still.” I love this day!
If we take our cue from the sun, it’s a good time for us to be still and reflect on where we are, what we’ve accomplished, and what aspirations are bubbling up from within.
HINT: This isn't about being hard on yourself for what you didn’t accomplish!
Instead...
Let the stillness and silence of the darkness offer quiet guidance and a time to dream beautiful new dreams. Dream big. Dream fun. Dream with your heart.
ANOTHER HINT: This isn't about practical, gotta do's or need to do dreams.
Shamans see the Solstices’ as holy days. They are days to connect with Spirit and Mother Nature, and honor our connection to both. It’s a time to dream a new world into being. One of love, well-being, fulfillment and joy.
This makes Friday the perfect day to do a simple ritual or two and get connected. Add in the Full Moon the next day the timing is perfect!
Lighting candles is a quick and easy ritual to connect with the Divine and honor this season of light. The local grocery store (on the Hispanic food aisle) has the tall glass seven day candles that are very inexpensive. I like the white ones, but red and green are also great. White is for Spirit. Red is for action, and abundance. Green is for health and day to day abundance (paying your bills). You can do one, one of each, or multiples of each.
Sometimes I find a picture online of a Saint or Angel or idea that I love. I print it out, paste it on the candle and create my own personalized altar. You all know I love altars and this is as simple as it gets.
It’s now ready for your prayers and intentions.
HINT: Add a beautiful flower, plant, cloth or object you love, and your altar just intensified.
As you light each candle say a prayer and call in the bounty of the Universe. Let’s be grateful for all the light…and for the darkness. The darkness is where we learn. It's also where our dreams are cultivated and grow (we believe in them even though they are not yet seen).
Don’t have candles? Use mini-light strands, sit in the stillness and see the beauty of nature all around you. As the sun sits low in the sky and sinks into the horizon know that the magic of the darkness is at work deep within you, getting ready to sprout your dreams into the light. It is your becoming.
Another fun ritual is to write out your dreams on small pieces of paper and plant them in the ground or in your favorite potted plant. This allows you to give them proper attention. It’s an actual place to go and focus your positive intentions as you cultivate your dreams with love.
Don’t have a favorite plant? Get a new one! Make sure that it makes you smile. Or get some bulbs to force. Paperwhites are fun this time of year.
One other powerful ritual is to have a Full Moon fire ceremony. You can do this in your fireplace, outdoor fire pit, or at a community fire. You can take sticks,(or toothpicks if you don’t have sticks), or make your own yule bundle offering (for example: sage, lavender, cinnamon sticks, pine all wrapped in twine).
Fire ceremonies are highly energetic. They connect us to Spirit and deliver messages very quickly.
It’s the time of year for endings, new beginnings and giving. Celebrate all your endeavors and wins…large and small. Give accolades to others too. We all appreciate being acknowledged.
Remember: Every ending brings a new beginning (even if you can’t quite see it yet).
As Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss and the Universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
One small candle can light an entire room. Let your light shine bright. The world needs it.
Shine brightly and boldly! I believe in you.
Happy Solstice,
Lisa
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