RELEASE AND RENEW! RITUALS TO ENTER THE NEW YEAR
As we move into the darkest phase of the year, we can gather inspiration from stories of the light. From the candle lighting services of Kwanza and Chanukah, to the fires of the Winter Solstice, and the twinkling lights on Christmas trees, illumination ceremonies are shared around the world. In fact, the earliest Christmas trees were decorated with lit candles and tinsel made of real silver. These rituals reflect what the ancients knew, that as the days begin to grow longer after the winter solstice, it is time to prepare us for the return of the lights promise. The tarot card for 2005 is the Star. According to Angeles Arrien (The Tarot Handbook),this is the universal principle of self-esteem and confidence. This deep confidence allows us to fully radiate and be expressive of who we are. When we trust our inner guidance and direction, we see things more clearly and become more spontaneous, like flowing water with our feelings.
In major religions, the star symbolizes the guiding light, like the star of Bethlehem and the Star of David. In astrology, the Star is Aquarius, the water-bearer symbol of the innovative and creative mind. The star reminds us that each of us is a gateway through which the absolute can manifest, an opening for light. We all look for ways to do good in the world. Yet, we cannot fulfill our intended mission until we recognize and cultivate the light within. It is time to stop the negative internal voices that sap our energy each time they emerge to tell us that we are not smart enough, not talented enough, too old, too weak, or too poor. These are the voices of darkness, we can identify them because they feed on fear and conspire to keeps us disconnected and stuck. They turn off our inner light as quickly as a blown fuse pitches a room or building or a nation into darkness. Its time to reclaim control of your own power grid and face down such inner light saboteurs. Time to say thank you for sharing, but I am moving on. As we learn to honor our essence as divine beings of light, others begin to acknowledge our true nature. We are able to shine our light out to the world in ways large and small and join with others who also dare to shine forth to end the darkness. This is how we change our world.
As the year ends, its time to take a serious inventory of everything that you own so that your possessions don’t start to possess you. What still serves your life and what needs to be released? Out with the old, to make way for the new. When I lived in Italy, I remember being amazed that they actually threw things out the window on New Years Eve. No, I do not suggest you do that! However, my mother always advised that whenever you get something new, you should give something away. Make this a permanent life ritual. It’s amazing how much stuff one can accumulate in a NYC apartment. Imagine if we lived in houses with basements and attics! This year I gave away my piano (haven’t played it in ten years) and recycled hundreds of audiotapes and CDs.
Year’s end is also a perfect time to conduct a mindful life review. Several weeks before New Years Eve, try going into retreat mode and examining each part of your life: acknowledge your accomplishments, see where you departed from your mission, evaluate what works, what doesn’t, think about what needs to be changed. Then you will be truly prepared to plan for the upcoming year.
Oracles — from tarot cards to rune stones to pendulum cards — are wonderful consultation tools for your life review. Maxi Cohen introduced me to THE ART OF THE PENDULUM kit which contains a pendulum, a how-to booklet including an interesting history and theories on why it works, and twelve cards combining beautiful nature photography and text. Properly used, a pendulum can offer extremely accurate counsel. It can be used to solve any yes/no or multiple-choice question. As a reflection of your subconscious mind, it can visibly demonstrate whats in your highest interest. Be prepared for some unexpected revelations. Once your oracular rituals have been completed, you are ready to welcome the coming year by setting a clear intention.
Every January, I host a Vision Workshop where like-minded souls come together to revision their lives and encourage each other to live their dreams. As we surround ourselves with images that inspire us, we find that our lives begin to take on new clarity.
RITUALS FOR THE NEW YEAR
To create a conscious foundation for good luck in the New Year, try some of the time-honored rituals for new beginnings from cultures around the world. The Bulgarian master Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov, one of my first spiritual teachers, instructed that the first 12 days of January represent the whole year. January 1st stands for the month of January, January 2nd stands for February and so on. By practicing loving kindness, openness, and generosity while giving thoughtful attention to the significance of each day, you will consecrate the coming year.
To affirm prosperity in the New Year and good luck, some cultures throw money into the house the first time that they cross the doorstep after the New Year has begun. If you are staying home, go to your front door at 12:01 and throw coins into the front door. Leave them there for 48 hours and then give them away to charity.
Looking for a new love? Invite the New Year in wearing passionate red underwear. As Victoria Moran suggests in her fabulous new book, Younger By the Day: 365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body (Harper San Francisco), instead of making New Year’s Resolutions, embrace your New Years Possibilities. Commit yourself to being the best you can be. Learn to be compassionate to yourself and others. Lighten up and have fun! Forgive! Life is too short to harbor resentment. Enter this year with a pledge of allegiance to your own inner light. As you bring light to areas that have been in darkness you melt away the resistance that keeps you from being creative, intuitive and compassionate. Be a star this year and shine!