Solstice/New Years Ritual: Recapitulation

While traveling over the holidays with my husband, I read this wonderful article by Sally Kempton in Yoga Journal magazine, and I was inspired.  With the aid of a roaring fire, I convinced my husband to help me modify this ritual to celebrate the old, the new, and the unknown.

1. To start, build a fire with your partner.  Include the rest of the family if you wish, but make sure you share this ritual with someone you love deeply.  Let the fire burn for a bit, adding fuel and just enjoying the warmth of the blaze.

2. Take a sheet of paper and something to write with, and make sure everyone who is with you is similarly equipped. 

3. Write a list of all the moments in the past year that brought you joy.  You can be as vague or specific as you want.

4. Share the list with your partner: read your own entries out loud and listen as he reads his.  Don't discuss or judge, simply be a listening ear.

5. Offer this list to the fire.  You might say something as you burn it, like, "Thank you for the joys of this year."

6. Grab another sheet of paper.  This time, write down all the moments you regret or that caused you discomfort  in the past year.

7. Share the list, and remember not to pass judgement on yourself or your partner.

8. Offer this list to the fire.  You might say, "I accept the negative pieces of this year, and I let them go."

9. Now it's time for a third list (and this is my favorite part of this ritual): write down all the things you wish for in the coming year.  Be wild, creative, and ambitious; there's no limit on wishing.

10. Share this list, and offer it to the fire.  You might say, "I can't wait to see what the coming year holds."

Now, linger in front of the fire.  Share some wine or a sweet treat, or simply watch the flames in silence.

 

A new year is coming, and we all have the chance for new, amazing things.  Let go of the past, and step forward with an open heart and a sense of hope.  There's nothing that's truly impossible!

'Twas the Night Before Solstice

'Twas the night before Solstice
and all through the town
the people were smiling,
there wasn't a frown.

The branches were laid
'cross the mantle with care
to honor the revels which
would soon occur there.

The children were shrieking
with fiendish deligh
buzzing with sugar
to stay up all night.

One cat at her food dish
and one on my lap,
all cozy and snug
for a long winter's nap.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
but the twinkle of stars--
the night was so clear!

And the stars filled my vision
with so much good cheer
that I flung open my arms
to bring in the New Year.

The darkness is fading
and daylight grows near
and the world has a message
we all need to hear--

Oh, children, and teachers, and mothers, and lovers,
oh, fathers, and daughters, and sisters, and brothers
with love in your hearts and light in your eyes
you can transform all the tears and the sighs!

Go into this year
with a spring in your step
and remember, each of you,
this dream we have kept--

For peace to reach over
the whole lovely earth
and for all souls to know
the feeling of mirth.

This is my wish on this magical night--
may your Solstice be merry
and your Christmas quite bright!

~Jen McConnel, 2012

News!

Signing the contract!

I've been waiting and waiting to share some really good news with you, and I've finally received the okay:

I am now a Red Wheel/Weiser author!

*Wow.  I got tingles just typing that!*

To make a long story short, fortuosity has linked me up with an amazing editor at an amazing house, and The Busy Girl’s Book of Simple Spells: Goddess Magic for Wealth, Health, Happiness, and Love will be out sometime late in 2013/early 2014!

I am completely over the moon, and I can't wait to share this book with y'all!  I'll keep you posted as the release draws near, but for now, I just wanted to shout to the universe a big, fuzzy thank you.

What an amazing Solstice gift.  

What are you thankful for today?