"There's a world behind the world we see that is the same world but more open, more transparent, without blocks. Those who pass through here get power to heal and help. They learn how to behave, and how not to give offense. To touch this world, no matter how briefly is a help in life. People seek it, but the seeking isn't easy. Shapes are fluid here. [But] sometimes those who have the power, or a reason, or are just curious, walk across the borderlines."
~ Gary Snyder, The Practice of the Wild
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Holy Days: The Wheel of the Year
All days are holy, but here are some especially important portals for doing magic for yourself and the world.
Candlemas
also known as Imbolc, Brigid, or Groundhog's Day
Celebrated on February 2
Astrological Candlemas: February 4 & 5, when the Sun is at 15 degrees Aquarius
In the wheel of the year, we are entering the holy time of Candlemas or Imbolc. It is the "quickening" time, when intention and devotion rise up within us to meet the year ahead. Today we know Candlemas as Groundhog's Day, when we wait to see if the Groundhog sees his shadow to let us know how long it will be until Spring appears.
And we may indeed feel the promise of Spring, as crocuses pop up here and there and the days seem visibly longer. This is traditionally a time to renew commitments and connect more deeply with your path – whether spiritual, philosophical or vocational. This is a good time to consider what you are here to serve.
Candlemas is the ancient festival of light, and it can also be a time of purification and cleansing in readiness to breathe life into actions and ideas with the coming of the spring. We have been dreaming up new visions, gathering our resources and strength through the winter, and now we begin to see the ways our dreams could take form in the coming year.
To align with the energy of Candlemas, take some time to connect with your personal mission statement for the year and see if it feels right to commit to that. Don't have a personal mission statement for the year? Well, go ahead and make one.
Sit down with a pen and paper and breathe deeply. You are going to move into a state where you can listen to your inner-voice. Ask yourself, your body, your heart: What do I need to cultivate this year? What wisdom is there for me to find in the year ahead? You may also ask yourself, What is sacred to me, at this time in my life? How can I serve that energy? What is my Deep Self/Higher Self calling for me to be?
Take some time to write about this, remembering to listen to your deep self and write whatever comes without censoring or judging the content. Use this writing to craft a short, simple personal mission statement for 2012. You can use this mission statement as a way to check in with yourself before making decisions. Does this action serve my mission for the year?
♥
Explore the power of your creativity and connect to the vital earth energies. Check out all of Rhea's Workshop Offerings to find out how!
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