Happy Magickal, Mythical, Marvellous, Musing, Manifesting Monday.
Here we are in December! The last month of 2024 (I’m still shaking my head as this year seems to have flown by and a lot has happened).
So welcome to December, the time when all the commercials advise you what to buy, where to go, what you should have and how you should celebrate!
Which I will be honest feels a tad too much, especially with everyone trying to shove a “Black Friday” deal down your throat.
It occurred to me that they really play on that feeling of FOMO (Fear of Missing out).
I actually had a few people email me demanding why wasn’t I doing a Black Friday Sale?????
Mmmmm, how would I put this, I don’t want to. I don’t believe in ramming things down people’s throats or using fear and manipulation to force them to buy now.
Not my thing.
Let alone it is incongruent to what the season is inviting us to do.
Which is turn inwards, reflect, nurture and Deepen.
This is why I personally love this time of year.
The days are getting shorter as we approach Winter Solstice (Yule), yet there is a stillness and a quiet that comes with the early dark.
Our ancestors knew about the importance of the fallow season.
Of letting the land lie fallow, to rest and digest, to compost and recuperate.
I look out over my garden and it is going dormant as winter approaches, but I know that under the surface things are gently incubating.
Now is our chance to look within and enjoy spiritual hibernation, peace and renewal.
The seeds of our future, resting in the rich earth, need this period of stillness, as do we.
This modern holiday seasons can be a hectic time, when the stresses and strains of keeping up with getting everything “done”, keep us locked away from nature and more natural ways of being.
I love to walk at night with the doggos and witness the sparkly lights, like gorgeous stars beaming out in the dark.
They feel soothing and welcoming and remind me that we as animals are part of nature and this is our hibernation, our deepening time.
I believe one of the most important steps as Winter approaches is the process of slowing down, of decluttering, of tying up the loose ends.
It’s about intentionally turning within, reflecting, undergoing some material and emotional decluttering so you can ease into the next phase (or year) with more – well – ease.
And calm.
And inner peace.
And enjoy the pause.
It can be challenging to participate in Cyclical Living in a Capitalist World, to say the least!
It can be challenging to enjoy the pause. As we are conditioned to move on to the next thing as fast as possible.
But there is power, healing and transformation in slowing down and getting comfy in the pause.
Thus, I invite you – if your soul resonates with this feeling.
We will be doing The Omen Days again this year.
Starting with a glorious Solstice gathering.
Last year there were 200 of us who walked this path for 12 days and it was incredible! Deep, Rich and oh so delicious. I will share more about The Omen Days next week.
Also, there will be the Book of Winter Solstice (BOWS), a glorious guide to help you shift out of the hamster wheel and into your being.
And for all of those who have asked, yes there will be a Theme Reading for 2025 (nearer the end of the month).
And last but not least in January we are running Flourish – so that you can step into 2025 in a different way.
So no, I don’t do Black Friday Sales – I do Intentional Work that invites you to go deeper.
On that note, let’s crack on with the reading.
We have some lovely guides this week – The Woodland Creatures and they have some glorious insights for you.
Thus, I invite you to slow it down and take a massive breath out (yes out) through your mouth. As you do, let all the dross, the weight go out with that breath until your lungs are empty. Then take a deep breath in through the nose and allow all the corners of your lungs and belly to swell, inviting in guidance, possibilities, insight and love.
Do this a few more times.
Then when you are ready, pick the card (or cards) that call to you.
Did you remember to pick?
Let’s go have a wee peek shall we?
THE BAT AND HELLEBORE
Intuition
Bats are guardians of the night, representing dreams, visions, and the subconscious.
They show us how to access our mystical side.
Hellebore is an unusual flower.
Blooming in the winter with downturned sepals, it resembles a cup being poured out – a symbol of emotional candor.
Together, the bat and the hellebore tell us to trust our intuition.
Your instincts can be relied upon.
Curl inward like the hellebore, and as the blind bat trusts its hearing, trust in your intuition to guide you.
If you are willing, ask yourself these questions:
How can I learn to trust my gut?
Do I need to analyse a problem, or is the answer more immediate and instinctual?
THE RACCOON AND SYCAMORE
Curiosity
The Raccoon and Sycamore calls us to explore a thrilling new interest, idea, or opportunity.
Raccoons are intelligent creatures, dexterous and eager.
Often likened to bandits due to the mask-like markings around their eyes, they are quite loveable rascals – rarely seeking to cause harm – they are just curious.
Like the raccoon, the sycamore tree is associated with a desire to learn and know.
In the Bible, a man named Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree to get a better view of Jesus as he passes through the town of Jericho.
Jesus rewards the man’s curiosity by visiting his home.
You are well equipped to explore uncharted territories.
Climb high into the tree of your interests, bounding from branch to branch.
Now is an auspicious time to discover new truths about yourself and your abilities, and revel in them!
If you are willing, ask yourself these questions:
What new hobbies or interests do I want to explore?
What makes my soul light up?
What have I wanted to try but been too afraid to?
THE WEASEL AND PINE
Introspection
Weasels can be warriors or spies, moving quickly and often alone.
They make observations from afar and adjust their plans accordingly.
Remember that solitary creatures are nothing to fear, and an introverted nature is nothing to feel ashamed of; knowing oneself and being comfortable alone are desirable skills.
Like the weasel, the pine tree works to be self-sufficient.
One of the fastest growing evergreens, its prickly needles have a waxy coating that helps them retain water, thus ensuring their well being.
You are called to a time of solitude.
The lights are sparkly and there is much to do, but it’s time to take a place that allows for contemplation, reflection and re-evaluation.
Taking that time and going inwards all leads to a deeper self-knowledge which cant be found in distraction.
If you are willing, ask yourself these questions:
When do I like to be alone?
How can I better understand and respect myself?
How do I feel about being alone?
Sending you massive hugs and squeezes. Allow the warm dark to wrap around you and embrace you like a lover. Allow yourself to rest, be quiet and most importantly – nurture yourself. See you next week.
