By Lena Stevens
WINTER SOLSTICE 2015
Monday, December 21, 9:50PM US Mountain Time
As we approach the Winter Solstice, a powerful time of transition, it is good to contemplate what it is that is transitioning within you. What do you wish to leave behind? What do you wish to bring into your life or recommit to?
This is the season when completions are supported. As a collective we are geared towards completing the year, looking towards the new year, and sometimes feeling burdened by what we have not accomplished but at the same time inspired by what we can change. The solstice is a powerful time to honor your completions even if you have not yet physically tied up all the loose ends. You can ritualize and symbolize what is done and complete with a simple ceremony.
Make an offering that you can either burn or bury of something written or drawn on a piece of paper folded up. You can add symbolic objects, photos, incense, sage, and decorations. Tie it up or just fold the paper around your offering. Say a prayer where you ask the Spirit of the WEST and Pacha Mama to receive that which you are letting go if and completing on this solstice. Breathe all the energy and emotions connected to your completion into your offering and then bury or burn it, releasing it to spirit. Make sure to include great gratitude for all the lessons, wisdom and growth you acquired over the past year.
Once you do a ritual like this it is important to fill the new space with something fresh and new. You may not know what that is yet, but you can symbolize it with flowers, beauty, love and joy. And for those who do know exactly what you wish to bring in, write it, or draw it and place it on an altar or in a place where you can honor it daily as you move into the new year.
We are moving from a year where Coyote and Raven were the allies. All of us have experienced the great Coyote trickster in some way or another. And Raven has truly attempted to teach us how to enjoy the storms and inclement weather as we strengthen our connections to each other and learn to play instead of war. We are incredibly grateful for these allies and how they have supported us in this year.
The allies for 2016 are the Llama and the Monkey. We are moving into a year of high inspiration, beauty and compassion but with a channel for aggression and dominance. The Llama is a graceful and beautiful animal but with an aggressive behavior when needed for its highly protective nature. The Monkey is very good at dismantling and destroying and can be used as an ally to help you dismantle and destroy those stubborn personality patterns that no longer serve you.
In Shamanism it is always important to honor and acknowledge the allies. They all have their specialty and love to help. Contemplate how Coyote and Raven may have shown up in your life this year and turned some things upside down for you. Even if you cannot see the benefit of their help yet, honor them with gratitude anyway. Welcome Llama and Monkey as your helpers for next year. Begin to establish a relationship with them so you can call upon them when you need protection or to move some energy when feeling stuck.
Happy Solstice and Happy New Year!
