“Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in Winter. It’s quiet but the roots are down there riotous.”
– Rumi
Nature is a pharmacy of natural remedies. It may seem counter to our modern sensibilities of running at top speed that the wet, dark slow cold is Winter’s cure. But conserving our life force brings a more robust Spring. Wintertide supports extended periods of rest and rebuilding your reserves. Imagine the hawthorne submerging its energy into its roots; the gestating acorn dreaming of becoming the mighty oak; the bear huddling in its cave, breathing an imperceptible but rhythmic breath. It is a time when your physical strength and psyche are succored by your ancestors’ wisdom. For those of us in the northern hemisphere the weather may be cold this time of year, but for all of us worldwide, we can put to good use these five forbearers’ customs that bring in good cheer.
Create A Circle Of Harmony. Celtic custom: Our entry protects us from the outside so what we place on our door is important. A wreath blesses, unites and insures harmony. A circle is a key feature of a wreath, it suggests inclusion and encloses that which is sacred and our homes are our sacred space. Winter Solstice and Christmas evergreen wreaths cast a field of vitality that protects us during the cold winter months. Look forward to escaping to a holiday instead of setting an appointment with a doctor.
Bring Life To The Dark. Viking custom: Pine, spruce and firs represented eternal life because they remained green throughout the year. Boughs were hung above doorways and over windows as a reminder of the bountiful crop ahead and to ward off ghosts, witches, evil spirits and illness. Evergreens adorned homes on the Winter Solstice, primarily in the belief that the sun, made sick by winter, would be restored to good health at the solstice being both the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Foot note: 25 -30 million real Christmas trees are sold and discarded in the United States every year. When an acre of trees are cut down, the daily oxygen needed for 18 people is destroyed. If you put up a live tree consider one of the following: rent a living tree that is delivered to your doorstep in a pot. Or plant a tree in your yard and on Christmas you can gather around the tree and celebrate with hot cider and songs. (resource from Raeanne Rubenstein)
Decorate With A Splash of Red! Chinese custom: Outside or at the inside of the front door, don’t forget a splash of red. It means happiness and auspiciousness. Its radiance is a heart/mind protector and it dispels negative Ch’i. And who will know but you that you are keeping your home safe and out of harm’s way.
Cleanse With Citrus. Chinese custom: Purchase nine oranges (or lemons). Cut nine round circles from the zest for a total of 81 circles. Break them down with your fingers onto a plate. Take the plate and walk to the front door, then begin clockwise or counterclockwise walking the interior perimeter of your home casting the peels using the “planting seeds mudra”. This space clearing cleanses your home of unwanted energy. Where lemons calm, lighten and refresh, oranges are auspicious and bring good fortune. Leave them one day, three or nine days. And if you are looking to tame your cat, the peels will keep your fur baby at bay. I am again offering the Chinese Lunar New Year Ceremonies where you can purchase the complete version of this ceremony (see below).
Hyggelig Your Holidays. Norwegian custom: Hygge is a Norwegian word for “well-being”. It is believed to have made the cold and dark winters more tolerable. Hygge (get cozy) is about spending quality time with no agenda. It’s about warmth, humor and being connected. It’s about spending time alone and with family. Remember if you get out your to-do list, it will vanish. Next time you are with friends, throw into the conversation “this is hyggelig,” and see if you don’t get a smile. (source PBS Newshour)
Ritual celebrations help us link to the past. It strengthens our ties and builds our Ch’i. Celebrations are necessary for society and for the individual–for they are about cultural identity, life transitions and personal discovery. The Chinese believe they form a spiritual protection against unseen forces. Creating stability leads to success and prosperity.
My mission is to help you strengthen your Ch’i. I have put together “Three Lucky Feng Shui Secret Traditions Packet”+ Two Bonus Cures and the Three Secret Reinforcements (body, mind, speech) to amplify your intentions. $27 + nine red envelopes. Please remit with your payment + nine red envelopes by January 19, 2017 to receive “Three Lucky Feng Shui Secret Traditions Packet”+ Two Bonus Cures ceremonies to you before Chinese Lunar New Year”s Eve.
Wishing you supreme abundance and infinite joy for now and the coming year!
Welcome the light with Recipes For Living Coloring Journal. Turn your writing into an ecstatic journaling experience plus give yourself permission to color and dream. Each chapter ends with a mindfulness “recipe” to help you integrate the practice.
Have you decided this will be your season? “Boldness has genius”…start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.
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