Return of the Light: New Year's Intention Ritual

Recently, on December 21, we welcomed the New Moon in the sign of Capricorn – earthy, cardinal, grounded, realistic Capricorn. This was a particularly special New Moon as it also fell on the date of the Winter Solstice. On this longest night of the year, we also welcomed the much-needed Return of the Light. “Ah, thank ye gods,” we say. “I’m ready to get some sunshine back in my world again!”

To celebrate the Solstice, I attended a women’s circle gathering. We created this very simple ritual to say goodbye to 2014 and welcome the New Year. In tune with the seasons, we understand that whatever seeds we plant now will most likely come to fruition at the time of the Summer Solstice. When the Sun enters Cancer on June 21, your seeds may not be entirely ready to harvest, but they will surely be close!

You can of course get creative and alter this ritual to suit your mood, your materials, and your timing. Have fun. This is for you!

Return of the Light: Intention Ritual for 2015

Material you will need: candle, pen, paper, scissors, needle, thread, beads or berries, and a quiet hour.

• Get yourself a candle – you can decorate a special votive holder for the occasion (we used green and red paper around a jelly jar and tied sprigs of ivy, holly, pine needles and berries around it with colored ribbon). You can also use one of those awesome $0.99 religious candles with the Virgin de Guadalupe, Mother Mary, Jesus Christ, or a word like “PROSPERITY” printed on it, available at your ethnic food store or a spiritual shoppe. You can also use a big taper, or pillar candle – anything will do but it is best if you use a new one.
• Say a prayer/intention invoking the Divine, or your subconscious if that is easier for you, and light your candle. Sit in quiet meditation of the past year 2014, and let your life unfold around your imagination. See what is there to be discarded. Blow out the candle, symbolizing the snuffing out of the past, releasing back into the darkness to be transformed.
• Release the past in the following manner: Draw a snowflake shape, a heart, a tree, a symbol (even a simple circle will do) – big or small – on a piece of paper. On or in the middle of the symbol, write down anything that you are ready to release from your life. This can be situations, relationships, beliefs, habits, limitations – anything that has served its purpose. Write them down inside the snowflake or circle or symbol.
• With reverence for all that these experiences have taught you, release. Do this by cutting or tearing the paper into small bits, and offering by fire (burn in a safe ceramic bowl, for instance, or put into the hearth), water (dissolve in a stream or bowl), air (blow to the wind over a hill, for instance), or earth (bury in the ground). Let go!
• Now, relight your sacred candle. Go into meditation and revisit your Divine image, higher self, or inner voice/subconscious. Ask to be shown what is needed for 2015, what would serve you best to bring into your life this coming year. Sit quietly for a few moments. Let it emerge. Breathe deeply and hold three to five key intentions clearly in mind. Open your eyes.
• Find a needle and thread. Holding your intentions in mind, string five beads on your thread – one bead for each key intention.  (We used cranberries in our ritual so if you have those around, they make a nice touch, too.) Tie the string off, with an extra loop at the top for hanging. Admire your handiwork!
• You have just created a super-charged 2015 Intention talisman. Hang it somewhere where you can see it regularly – draping from a window, on your wall, near a mirror, even in your car. This has been energized by the Divine, by the Goddess, by your highest Self. Let it serve to remind you of your True North for the coming year.
  

May you and yours be blessed in the year to come.

Thank you for being a part of my life and my work.

You are in my heart, and I am grateful.

Wishing you health, wisdom, and joy in 2015,

Erin Reese

Contact Erin here for 2015 Readings ~ intuitive readings, astrology, tarot, and spiritual counseling.

Winter Solstice ~ Client Appreciation

Click to enlarge!

Full Moon in Gemini: The Busier the Better

If you want something done, ask a busy person.

~ Benjamin Franklin 

Today, December 6, we have a Full Moon in the mutable air sign of Gemini the Twins. Gemini is the consummate talker and multi-tasker, the ultra-communicator, the perennial student. When you come into contact with a typical Gemini Sun, Moon, or Rising Sign, it is highly likely that you’ll be dealing with someone who talks, writes, or networks for a living. They will either make a career of it, or they’ll spend so much time in the communication realm that you will feel moved to suggest they do it professionally.

 

Information is pure food for Gemini – gathering it, synthesizing it, and re-distributing it. During this lunation, and in effect over the next two weeks, we are being asked to do all the talking, number crunching, data analyzing, running around, and community connecting that we can get our fill of. Whether you’re doing it at office holiday parties, telephoning from your car, or reaching out from home via laptop, no matter. Right now, people need people, and they need a lot of connections to make things happen.

If you’re self-employed, in marketing, or entrepreneurial, this is a great period to send out a newsletter promoting your services, or a greeting to amp up your presence with clients. If you’ve got a blog, be sure to post; if not, consider readying one to launch at the start of the new year. If you're a social media user, experiment with new ways to make the most of your online presence.

The Incredible Wonder Woman / Superman

Keep in mind that next month, Mercury the messenger planet turns retrograde, sure to cause snafus when it comes to communication. The exact date is January 21 but the airwaves can get wonky up to ten days prior. Therefore, we would do well to get our applications filed, our year-end paperwork completed, our travel arrangements booked in the month of December. At the very least, do your due diligence and information gathering sooner rather than later.

I know, I know – we are all so busy already with Christmas and shopping and family and finishing up school semesters and, and, and. Well, lucky for us, Gemini is the sign of the Twins and that means four hands instead of two. You’ll be able to rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time to get things done quicker than quicksilver, faster than the speed of Hermes (the Greek equivalent of Mercury, ruler of Gemini). So get your track shoes on, and make sure they have little wings attached to the back.

Take note that it's also a great month to do the footwork and/or execute on a plan for major purchases such as a new computer, new cell phone plan, or new car. Surely you’ll come across a lot of great deals between now and the second week of January, so keep your super-keen ears pricked, mercurial Twin-style, for all those advertisements buzzing through the airwaves.

Change or Stay the Same? The Pluto-Uranus Square Continues

Also during this lunation cycle, peaking on December 14, we have another round of the cardinal Pluto-Uranus square. This play between outer planets, which began June 2012, will complete in March 2015. By that time, you will see that you, your life circumstances, and the world around you look pretty much entirely different than it did three years ago! Surely by now you’re seeing the signs. These two outer planets have sparked tremendously evolutionary change within and without. It essentially boils down to conservative power-hungry forces (Pluto in Capricorn) challenging the need to individuate, rebel, change, and progress (Uranus in Aries). Somehow, we have got to integrate these seemingly incompatible influences. How?

My sense, since this is an "in-progress" square aspect (rather than a more encompassing opposition or conjunction), is that there is a theme of changing within the system, rather than a complete and total meltdown of existing structures. I feel that change-agents and revolutionaries are being called to work more closely with the old-guard to transform it, and to get the credentials and degrees and licenses needed to be respected. We will see a new breed of authority and leadership emerge.

Are we part of the solution or part of the pollution? ~ Michael Franti

This is different than the revolutionary period of Pluto conjunct Uranus in the mid-1960’s, when a vastly different perspective seeped into society on all levels. Now, those progressive values and ideals set into motion 40+ years ago need a facelift. The more we resist this upgrade, the more we may fall behind and risk spending the next two to four decades lamenting about the way things were or complaining about how things should be. So do what you need to do to get on board with the solution, implementing changes your life is asking you to accept, partake of, or spearhead. In short, YOU make it happen!

Wishing you all a fantastic Full Moon illumination,

Erin Reese

P.S. For more personal guidance, click here to see my offerings in Astrology, Tarot, and Spiritual Counseling. Consider offering a reading to a loved one for the holidays – a unique gift, indeed!

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

Astro-Tarot Forecast by Erin Reese ~ December 2014

Dear Friends:

As we come to the close of our year, the darker days offer ample time to self-reflect and to dream of what might come in 2015. Longer sleeps nourish our minds and bodies, and holiday festivities with friends and family warm our hearts. The upcoming Winter Solstice promises a renewed spark with the return of the light. We only have a few weeks left of the darkest, most intense introspective days, so do enjoy them!

Now, let’s see how December 2014 is lining up for you. Be sure to read your Sun, Moon, and Rising Sign for best results!

With love and gratitude,

Erin

P.S. For more personal guidance, click here to see my offerings in Astrology, Tarot, and Spiritual Counseling. Consider offering a reading to a loved one for the holidays – a unique gift, indeed!

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

 

Astro-Tarot Forecast by Erin Reese ~ December 2014

ARIES: Page of Cups

Ram, you need some carefree “you” time! At some point during the month of December, you’ll have a chance to indulge yourself, to give in to your sweetest desires and completely forego any cares or concerns about others’ needs for a while. Take advantage of it. The little kid inside of you is asking for your attention, so let him or her tell you exactly what she needs to be happy. Take a break and enjoy the flow. Celebrate your senses. December Theme for Aries: Pleasure Principle

TAURUS: Ten of Swords

Something in your life is going through its final phases of passing away. You may have to make a sort of a sacrifice so that you can get on with your life and your bigger purpose in the world. Allow this transition to happen. You will then be able to access a dawning of fresh insight and new emotional energy. Whatever old habits, ideas, concepts or life setups you’ve been clinging to, realize that it’s only your ego doing the holding on. Let go of the rope and be free. December Theme for Taurus: Letting Go

GEMINI: Ace of Wands

Passion, sexuality, creative force – this is bound to be an active month for the Twins! A new idea is born. It could be a literal baby or a new plan. The egg is hatched, the seed cracks open and all your Gemini potentiality roars to the surface. Write! Speak! Talk! Communicate, and declare yourself BIG TIME to the world. This is not a time to play small. You will experience a rebirth of spirit during the Solstice so announce your intentions in a ritual with yourself or others. Whatever you plant this Solstice will be fully ablaze by springtime. December Theme for Gemini: Energy Burst

CANCER: Six of Cups

Cancer, this is not a good month for a diet. I repeat, this is not a good month for a diet, or for any other disciplines that might restrict your experience of pleasure and fun. Give in to your cravings sensually (within a wee bit of reason – you don’t want to hit the point of diminishing returns). Dance, dine, go to a spa over a long weekend. Even sadness or nostalgia can feel good in December if you give in to the wave of emotional energy available to you now. Connecting with old friends can feel bountiful, rich. You’re in for a high all month. December Theme for Cancer: Ride the Wave

LEO: Four of Swords

Leo, you always meet obligations with family and loved ones. You’re loyal and usually love socializing. But there will be a point this month that you hit a wall and you feel a need to go to your room. When holidays feel like holy-daze, be the first to walk away and take a time out. Watch for any fever pitch or arguments or dramas rearing their head. Get your own head on straight, and balance out before attempting to work it out with others. Monitor yourself. December Theme for Leo: A Little Retreat

VIRGO: The Moon - XVIII

Sleep, Virgo, sleep.  You’ve always got more than your fair share of work and activity on your plate, and you enjoy the busy-ness of everyday life – mostly. But when the day is done and or you have a few days off, no one is going to judge you for putting on your PJ’s or sweats and hitting the hay. Watch a bunch of movies, read some great books. Most important are the dreams you will receive this month. Make like a bear and hibernate. December theme for Virgo:  Dream a Little Dream

LIBRA: The Hermit - IX

“Oh no! Not the Hermit,” says we-oriented Libra. “I can’t be alone!” Well, dear Libra love, you can, and you need to be solo occasionally. This month beckons you to experience a chunk of solitude. Welcome it! Introspection doesn’t have to be loneliness. It is aloneness and you get to deepen your relationship with Self. Go deeper into your art or writing, use the Tarot or the I Ching to self reflect. Perhaps your lover or friends are off traveling or otherwise not available. Use this time to re-energize. December is a crossroads month for you and you can use this period of self study to examine all the choices before you for 2015. December theme for Libra: Introspection

SCORPIO: Four of Cups

At a few key points this month, Scorp, you’re likely to feel uncertain about the direction life has taken.  Some may even feel utterly confused about where they’re being led. You will need to strip down all the parts of personality and ego barriers that keep you from seeing the truth of your situation so that you can make a clean start in 2015. A reevaluation is necessary for a deeper healing. Let yourself be creative and explore new alternatives. Think outside of the box instead of revisiting the same old, same old solutions. December theme for Scorpio: Make a Clean Start

SAGITTARIUS: King of Cups

Focus, Sag, focus. You may need to sacrifice some of your personal feelings about tasks at hand in order to get the job done. It’s okay to put your game face on sometimes so that you can complete all you need to in work or relationships. There’s a spiritual or greater purpose to your strategy, a method to the madness. You won’t get carried away by fleeting emotions this month, and the results will be good for it. December theme for Sagittarius: Undistracted

CAPRICORN: Wheel of Fortune - X

First of all, this is a very good month for Cappy to have an astrological reading, especially since your own personal New Year is around the corner. Secondly, you are being swept into prominence in some way in your life. A wish, a desire you’ve held dear for a long time is going to manifest this December. Did you remember to ask Father Christmas for that gift? A blessing is en route and if you’re not sure what is about to light up for you, have a chat with your local astrologer. December theme for Capricorn: Recognition

AQUARIUS: Two of Swords

Yoga, Water Bearer, Yoga. You need it! Friend Aquarius, just because it’s bad weather doesn’t mean your body needs to atrophy. Right now, keep your spine flexible, your chi and prana flowing and your brain balanced by joining a yoga studio (most have great introductory offers). Or amp up your home practice. Try tree poses and other balancing acts. You can also practice Tai Chi, basic stretching, conscious movement or dance, Chi Gung and body-based dynamic meditations. Deep breathing is needed for the body-mind connection to work optimally. You’re on a precipice for 2015 and you need grounding and inner privacy, so take them.  December theme for Aquarius: Mind-Body Balance

PISCES: Seven of Swords

Pisces the Fish doesn’t usually opt to use mental strategy in relationships, preferring to rely instead on sensitivity, intuition, and feelings. Yet, some situations this month will require stealth and maneuvering on a mental level. Be aware of who is playing what game and choose your words and actions carefully. Maybe you need to hold back a bit and not put all your cards on the table quite yet. Outsmart your opponent or outsmart yourself. People are being human and they have foibles and faults. Use discretion and you’ll be fine. December theme for Pisces: Discernment 

New Moon in Sagittarius: The Meaning of Life

This November 22, we have a New Moon in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius. It’s time to beat our vision quest drum again, conjuring up that which gives us juice, zest, vigor to keep on keepin' on, in cold times and hard times, sunshine and rain, austerity and wealth.

Sagittarius is the sign of the spirit, and heaven knows we all need a reason to believe in something. What lights our inner fire? It may be a passion, a song, a dance, an archetype living within us that always knows how to put on a knapsack and hit the road to find ourselves again. It may be a simple jaunt to the local café, it may be a road trip or a year getting lost in the jungles. We need our gypsy souls rocked. We need campfires and stargazing, heady debates and poetry slams. We need a little bit 'o raucous and a pinch of hedonism from time to time. We need contemplative comediennes, bawdy storytellers and laughter 'til our sides split. We need the Higher Mindedness of the Archer.

The unexamined life is not worth living. ~ Socrates

As I sit in one of my favorite international coffee houses, Caffe Trieste, writing this forecast, I look around and take in the essence of Sagittarius. There's a plethora of gypsies, writers, foreigners, travelers, artists and musicians taking in their afternoon coffee and pastries. A random mix of Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Zeppelin and my favorite Stones’ Sticky Fingers plays on the sound system. The smell of extra strong espresso wafts through the air, along with calzones and an occasional hint of wine or beer from those getting a head start on happy hour. An abstract, multi-colored wall mural of Italy's unmistakable boot makes a striking backdrop behind a professorial looking man with neat white hair in a ponytail, topped off with a black beret and a taupe cardigan. He’s devouring The New York Times and a croissant with gusto.

All in all, the setting is perfect. I’ve got that Travelin’ Feelin’, mixed in with higher education aspirations. No doubt, we’re settling into Sagittarius’ scene, where philosophers, explorers, educators, gypsies, wanderers and pontificators all writhe together in a wonderful soup cauldron, brewing up some semblance of The Meaning of Life recipe. As much as we need our bellies nourished, our minds need sustenance and our brains need to chew, too.

At this time of the New Moon in Sagittarius, carrying us through Thanksgiving and bolstering our spirit for the season, we can make it a point to reconnect to the philosopher and seeker within, and the part of us that remembers that great Tolkien line, “Not all who wander are lost.” Make an inward or outward journey. Button up your overcoat, throw a copy of Leaves of Grass in your bag and take a little trip. Need to stay close to home? Stoke the fireplace, pour yourself a cuppa and kick back with a few friends to contemplate what it’s all about. Let your spirit fly.

Cheers, Global Family!

Love and thanks,

Erin

Inspired in part by:

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Flying Free by Lynn Braz

Be Here Now by Ram Dass

The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis 

I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

The Adventures of Bindi Girl by Erin Reese

Something Good for a Change by Wavy Gravy

The Electric Acid Kool-Aid Test by Tom Wolfe

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

Autobiography of a Yogi by Parmahansa Yogananda

Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

etc

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Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. Consider giving your loved one an astrology or psychic tarot consultation for a gift. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.