Though many Celtic pagans celebrate the new year at Samhain, early January still has a distinct feeling, as the hubbub of the winter solstice and Christmas celebrations subsides and we are left with the blank page of the year ahead. Now is a good time to encourage stillness and contemplation within our days if we are able, and to be aware of keeping our energies clear to allow the wisdom of spirit to emerge into our awareness and maintain our focus on our plans ahead. Traditionally for those who acknowledge the 12 days of Christmas there is an opportunity to seek omens each of the twelve days for guidance in the year ahead, but truly the world of spirit always shows us signs and messages if we open up to their potential. Seeking time every day to find stillness and open ourselves to the natural world around us allows us to receive this messages at any time.

Throughout January spend some time, even for just a few minutes, outside. Be in wild nature if you can, but just feeling the earth beneath your feet, or seeing the sky or having the wind on your face is all you need. Breath deeply and let your senses open gently, focusing on nothing in particular…let yourself remember that the earth is alive and sacred, wherever you are, and just connect. Be with it. Be aware of the flight of birds, the shapes of clouds, the sound the wind makes, know that spirit is speaking to us always, and let their meaning and messages come to you in each its own way. Listen. Breathe. Pay attention to your dreams.  

By clearing the way, we allow space for the blessings of spirit to enter our lives, and the deep wisdom of the soul to emerge, so I pay extra attention to clearing and cleansing ceremonies at this time of year. For those who have a Christmas or Yule tree in the house- I bring in a tree each year to honour the spirits of the green world - know that most types of fir and pine needles can be used to make a fine incense or herb bundle which can be burnt to clear any stagnant energies in the home, and can also make teas to ease coughs colds and clear the head.  Always be sensible and know which type of tree you have- being careful to use clean pine needle fronds which haven’t been sprayed with any chemicals etc.    

I like to waft my fir incense around the house in a form of saining- a Gaelic version of Native American ‘smudging’ where we use the smoke of the herbs to clear and bless the home, and I have adapted a traditional Scots Gaelic chant for the purpose.     

"Hail to the sun! Hail to the sun!

The light returns!

Prosperity be upon this dwelling,

On all that ye have heard and seen,

On the bare bright floor flags,

On the shapely standing stone staves,

Hail  to the Sun! Blessed are we!

Bless this house and all that it contains,

From rafter and stone and beam;

from pall to cover,

Be the healing of men therein, 

Hail Sun! Hail Sun! Blessed are we!

Be ye in lasting possession of this house,

Be ye healthy about the hearth;

Many be the ties and stakes in the homestead,

People dwelling on this foundation,

Hail Sun! Hail Sun! Blessed are we! Blessed are we!

Let there be Joy! "

 

©danuforest2018

 

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