Wild Hope
“ the earth has music for those who listen.”
Welcome to the Longest Night of the Year (Winter Solstice) in what feels like the longest year ever, along with the lining up of Jupiter and Saturn forming the Christmas Star in tonight's sky.
There are multiple layers of spiritual meaning, astrological significance, and intention-setting possibilities for today. My hope is that we will slow down and listen - to ourselves and to creation - as both are speaking ways of hope in the midst of tremendous change.
Photo Credit: Dave Hoefler
I am so thankful for these elements of hope and contemplation that have arrived in what has been an exhausting season for most of us. Here are a few ideas on how to mark the occasion:
1. Take a walk in nature around 5:00pm
Enter into the longest night of the year with some intentions to acknowledge that which is dark in us, or that which needs light. Welcome the growing light into these places and observe Saturn and Jupiter in the lower SW corner of the horizon as a beacon of light.
2. Light a candle
Use this simple practice to help recall, name and release any negative or challenging circumstances that are in your journey. Take note of any creative, comforting or boundary-rich ideas to take forward with you as you let these difficult realities go.
3. Pick your “word” for 2021
Contemplate your new word for 2021. Haven’t picked a word for the year before? May I suggest taking sometime for yourself, clear your heart and mind (I like to take a walk or start a fire in the backyard) and let words flow freely on a page. Then see if one or two words stand out and set your heart to a posture of receiving a word for 2021.
My hope is that you will find bright spots of meaning this Christmas season and may you be filled with wild, outrageous hope.
