Sitting on the edge of the New Year we humans grow sentimental, often finding ourselves sitting in the darkness of Winter (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere) contimplating the lessons and blessings the passing year has brought us, and even further back through the river of time to remember the moments that have defined us. It is a time when we rush nilly-whilly around connecting with our family and friends, share simple holiday niceities with our neighbors, and pull out our memory boxes of ornaments, recipes, and photos of loved ones past and present. It is also a time of soul level examination!
The dark of Winter holds many blessings; particularly when it comes to taking a good look at ourselves, checking in with what worked and what didn't. In the darkness we sit, with lights dim (candles & twinkle lights) and review our deepest selves. Most of us do this in small bursts; as thoughts and memories flitter into our mind, but the process becomes an act of Magic when we do so intentionally!
Winter is my favorite season, it wasn't always, but the busier my life became the more I relished in the slow pace of winter with all its Hygge; wood stoves, hot coffee, and cozy sweaters, that add to my desire to do deep soul exploration. I make a point of setting aside days in which there is no running around, no visiting, no shopping, holiday baking, or to-do's. These days I write, do readings for myself, speak with my spirits, review the passing year, and make plans for the future.
THE YEAR IN REFLECTION-
One of the most important things we can do as we approach the end of the year is to reflect on all that we have accomplished; both the obstacles we have overcome, and the goals we have acheived. It's important to remember that our goals need not be spectacular to others, instead the most important goals are the ones we accomplish for self-growth. By looking at the hardships we overcame we see how resiliant and capable we really are, & by recognizing the goals we have acheived we see our personal strength and how much we have grown. I like to use copy/printer paper for this, making lists of both. When I am finished I sit with my list and evaluate ways in which I want to stay course & make changes in order to better my life.
2024 was a challenging year for many, as an 8 in numerology it was all about victory through dedication, hard work, and cleaning out the closets that keep us from following our soul path. I often found myself describing it as an uphill climb or swimming through pudding. Nothing went easy, there were no short-cuts, we had to put the hard work in, but in reflection I believe many of us will see that we also acheived big things on a personal level; tackling the things we needed to do but often avoid, and that we feel more in alignment with a personal sense of purpose.
WHAT IS PERSONAL PURPOSE? Unfortunately we live in a world of Instagram perfect, and glamourized sharing; in which we are constantly exposed to the fabulous stuff (often enhanced to perfection) that people choose to share on social media. This glossy version of reality can make most people feel like they are slackers, somehow failing at the game of life, when in fact you're likely doing just fine! Life is not a game of acheivements, its a journey of the soul in which we are here to learn to love, live, and find joy in the world. Personal purpose doesn't have to come in the form of a corner office, large salery, garganuan house, and exotic expereinces. It can come in the form of deep relationships, simple pleasures, and mindfulness. Sometimes life's purpose is simply about finding happiness where we are at.
In reviewing my own year I found that I did a lot! The funny thing is during the year, the process was one in which I was always working on multiple things and had little time to look at what I was checking off the list. While some of the things I did this year were external and shared with many (turning in my 4th book to the publisher, hosting fancy balls, and traveling to Ireland), my biggest acheivements were far more personal and challenging, involving me having to do things I don't generally like to do. Those are the acheivements I feel most proud of.
SETTING GOALS-
Many of us are familiar with the concept of setting goals with magical intention, doing so when we make New Year's Resolutions. I prefer to do this work between the Winter Solstice (December 21st & New Year's Day). I start my project with paper and pen, making note of all the things I want to do, become, and acheive in the coming year. I try to keep my list practical focusing on what is realistic (no loosing 50 lbs or becoming a millionaire over night kind of stuff). I take my time and really thing about my needs in apposed to my wants, when finished with my list I move onto the ritualistic bits.
PERSONAL RITUAL- Setting the New Year
When creating a personal ritual the key word is 'personal', which means you will want to add the bits and peices that make it feel good to you. 'Setting the New Year' is a designed to bring our intentions; body, mind, & soul, into a uniformed focus.
TIMING- This ritual should be done when you have time to dedicate at least 4 hours to yourself, as reflecting and planning are part of the magic. I personally recommend a whole day, but work with what you can.
YOU WILL NEED- A candle, paper/pen, incense, an envelope, art supplies-colored pens, pencils, a tray or jar for burning paper safely, a talisman you can wear (necklace, ring, bracelet), may be something you already own, trance or mediations music-optional, crystals, statues of deities, and magical bits to make your space feel good.
Begin with choosing a place that you can be undisturbed for the duration of your working . You want to feel like you can go deep into your work. Make yourself a cozy spot, where you can hang out for a good long while. Feel free to bring in snacks and hot beverages if you like, this is a Hygge ritual.
Light your candle, and incense, imagine that you are surrounding the room with white light of protection.
Call in your spiritual allies- spirit guides, beloved dead, deities, & elementals, asking them to stand witness to your magic and support you throughout the coming year.
Sitting comfortably with a straight back, close your eyes and take a few deep breathes, when you feel centered open your eyes and pick up the paper and pen and begin to share your notable experiences of the passing year. Take your time, really review all that has transpired giving due respect to all of your acheivements and obstacles overcome. Make note of the things that are still in process noting that they will likely want to be added to this years manifestation list.
When you have completed your list of the passing year speak your acheivements outloud with pride 'I am (your name) and last year I overcame these obstacles and acheived these goals. I am proud of myself and the work I did'.
Now light the paper and watch it burn. When it has burned to ash, rub your finger in the ashes and annoint your heart, third-eye, and crown.
Now is the time of planning. Back to the white paper, start by making a list of all the things you wish to acheive. Take time to really think about them and ask yourself if you think your desires are in your best interest.
When your list is complete read each manifestation outloud- 'I am (your name) and this year I will do these things'. Then seal your list inside the envelope and decorate it with your art supplies. I recommend using sacred symbols as part of how you decorate your envelope.
Pick up your talisman and run it over the flame of the candle and then over the decorated envelope. As you do so say 'I charge this talisman with the task of reminding me of my magical working, let it keep me centered and in alignment with my goals. Let it be the physical reminder of my magic. (I recommend wearing your talisman as often as you can). You may also call upon particular spiritual allies to help you with this as well, its helpful if their attributes are similar to your goasl.
Write about your experience in your book of shadows, thank your spiritual allies and blow out your candle, and open your circle of protection (you can do this by imagining the circle evaporating).
Place your spell/envelope on your altar, OPEN YOUR ENVELOPE AT THE END OF 2025 to see how you did!
spreading love-salicrow
WHEEL OF THE YEAR READING- Now-February 1st!
Take a look at the year ahead w/Salicrow, Psychic Medium. The Wheel of the Yer Reading is designed to check in at 8 points of the year connected to the Celtic Calendar, which follows the cycles of nature. The Wheel of the Year spread is meant to work as a map of the year, showing you the oppertunities and obstacles that await you in 2025.
2025 is a 9 in Numerology (2+0+2+5=9). 9 is a number that marks the end of a cycle. A 9-year is a time of releasing the old and making way for the new. It is a powerful time of transition in which we are asked ot surrender what no longer serves us. 9 marks a time of spiritual enlightenment in which we recognize the need for our ambition to be in alignment with our soul's purpose. It is a time in which things will happen quickly, and we will need to use our intution to make the best decisions regarding obstacles and oppertunities. It is also a time in which we have the tools and skills we need to accomplish are goals.