For me, the year ends at Samhain, the new year begins at Winter Solstice (what happens in between those dates is the subject of a whole ‘nother post). The secular new year is pretty meaningless to me, philosophically, but the energy of the zeitgeist can always be worked with magically, and for many years now I have usually spent New Year’s Eve in quiet and meditation, channeling the celebratory energy that is zipping around into my own working to implement shifts I had decided to make during the dark weeks of the year.
It’s a time that is still close enough to the Solstice to resonate to that energy, and the increasing light is noticeable now. The word “Joy” is tossed around -- on cards and ornaments and wrapping paper -- a lot during the season of the Solstice, and I like working with that energy, too. Joy is a foundation of my personal spiritual path, and I feel it is our birthright. Sadly, it is one we often have difficulty claiming.
My thoughts last evening were particularly bittersweet. I see so much change and upheaval coming, and with an astrological event involving expansion, luck, and change peaking in a few days*, I sent out strong intentions for change in our world that constantly spins to the better outcome, and for clouds to have silver linings.
I also set some intentions to carry with me into the time of the growing Light. I will:
- Listen even more carefully to the voices of the Earth.
- Deepen my relationships with my spiritual allies, both physical and non-physical
- Stay in gratitude for the beauty of life on this amazing Earth, for the gift of love, and for the indomitable human spirit.
- Nurture the cycle of life on our planet
Where better to do these things than in my garden? So my garden will be, as it so often is, the primary focus of my spiritual work this year. It teaches me focus and discipline, flexibility and an expanded awareness of other worlds. It keeps me grounded in the beloved Earth, and connects me with the Sun and stars. It speaks, so I can learn to listen, it opens my heart to beauty, and to the Love that is the Source of all.
I will post this, and then go into the garden. There are still some tomato cages that need to be put away, beds to be cleared of plant debris, and plans to be made. The snow is all gone here, and temps are in the 50s.
Happy New Year!
*The final conjunction of this Jupiter-Uranus cycle at 27 Pisces. Uranus continues on to square Pluto for a few years. That, and my own psychic insights, are why I see change and upheaval coming.
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