What’s all the rushing, hustling, shopping about…the addiction of commercialism and materialism that leads to hoarding and debting?

Ah, the holiday season—from Halloween Trick or Treat to Thanksgiving indulgences; Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Tuesday Giving, Christmas and the-day-after Christmas sales. Even as I write this, I feel exhausted and choose to take deep slow inhalations and exhalations to re-center myself.

For some people it’s quite an effort to remember/resurrect the true meaning of the Holy Days, the Season of Advent. It is indeed a deeply transformational time. It is noted that:

Halloween or All Hallows Eve means All Holy Evening. This is followed by All Saints Day and All Souls Day when the portal between the physical and non-physical is open and there is heightened communion with the ancestors. Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is also celebrated by Latinx communities during this time.

In the Northern Hemisphere, we experience more darkness, as the nights become longer.

During ancient times, many cultures held festivities and various rituals honoring the light. For example, Hanukkah, also called the Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates victory over oppression and rededicating their Temple in Jerusalem. With a small amount of oil, the first candle was lit, and remained lit for eight days—a true demonstration of faith and devotion.

The Winter Solstice occurs o/a December 21. It is the longest night or shortest day, also considered the first day of Winter. Many cultures celebrate the Solstice which is associated with the return of the light or rebirth.

Christmas or Christ-Mass traditionally honored the coming of the Messiah. It is said that early church leaders melded the celebration of Jesus’ nativity with pre-existing Pagan midwinter festivals.

Kwanzaa, or First Fruits is an African American tradition that celebrates 7 principles of cultural wholeness. Family and friends gather and each night a candle is lit to recognize the principle of the day, usually followed by discussion and a sumptuous pot-luck meal.

I’m grateful to be aware and reminded of the true meaning of this Holy Season. Is it any wonder that some people feel cognitive dissonance between the mania of commercialism, high levels of stress, physical and mental exhaustion, contrasted with an inward focus of stillness and silence? To be in sync with the natural world in Winter when nature is more dormant and many animals migrate or hibernate, means that this is a potent time for release and rest, reflection and renewal…the time for rebirthing, to be born anew, welcoming the New Year.

• In what way can you create more balance and harmony?
• What must you release emotionally and materially?
• How are you resting and renewing yourself physically, mentally and spiritually?
• Who and what are you birthing or bringing into manifestation?
• How are you choosing to shine your light?
• In what way will you embrace the New Year?

On Another Note:

To be fully tuned into my heart and soul, and more fully aligned with Spirit, I’m essentially off-line until December 21, the Winter Solstice. I look forward to reconnecting with you during the transition from 2018 to the New Year!

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing during this Holy Season.

Peace,
Harriet