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Happy Holydays and Blessed Solstice!

The transition of light is always meaningful, no matter what tradition you celebrate.

I am celebrating the return to light in the northern hemisphere by reflecting on how much I’ve grown in the last year, by identifying what no longer serves me, and by setting powerful and sweet intentions for the new year.

I love all of four seasons I get to experience living in northern Michigan but the dark days can sometimes bring me down. I’ve learned to care for myself by drinking lots of water, upping my daily intake of Vitamin D, getting outside in the sunshine (whenever possible) and have a full-spectrum light in my creative workspace.

One of the things I love most about the cold, dark winter is my cave woman creation time. When the hustle of social gatherings and to-do lists mellow into a beautiful calm…this is where the magic lives for me.

I invite you to experience my favorite Sacred Ritual honoring the return of the light. Now is the time for deep reflection about what you want to manifest and grow in your precious life as well as what you plan to release and leave behind.

Sacred Return to Light Ritual

sacred ritual

What You Need to Begin Your Sacred Ceremony:

  • Candle
  • Notebook & pen
  • Your favorite Incense or smudge
  • A quiet and comfortable space where you will be uninterrupted for 30 minutes or longer.
  • Relaxing and supportive music.

Once you settle in, light your candle, smudge your body or burn your incense. Take a deep cleansing breath and exhale. Drop your shoulders, soften your face and then respond to the following prompts:

  • What did you do really well this year?
  • In what area of your life did you grow the most?
  • What is the most important thing you learned about yourself?
  • What are you ready to let go of that no longer serves you well?
  • What more can you release to rejuvenate your energy during the darker days of the year?
  • What intentions will you set for yourself in the new year?
  • How will you invite more pleasure into your life?


When you are finished writing your responses, enjoy this gorgeous poem by Marian Green from The Path Through The Labyrinth.

From beneath me arises the energy of the Earth,
my home and my foundation.
From above me pours down the power of the Sun
and the enchanting light of the Moon.
To my right hand comes the strength to control and
direct the arts of magic.
To my left-hand flows the skill to divine and to heal,
the source of blessing.
Before me arises the Perfected One I strive to become,
my magical True Self.
Behind me falls the one I was, and with it
all my discarded faults.
Around me circles the eternal stars,
lamps of wisdom in
the deeps of space.
Within me grows the Flame of Light,
the jewel of experience and arcane knowledge.
On me and my world may blessings be…

 



Now read your answers, give thanks and blow out your candle. When you‘re ready, jot down (on a separate piece of paper) what you want to let go of, along with your intentions for the new year. Then bless and burn your responses in a fireplace, campfire, or burn barrel sending your intentions upward to complete your sacred ceremony.

You are a love. You are a goddess. You are a precious soul. I am honored that you choose to be part of the Transformation Goddess Circle of Wisdom.

Wishing you peace, joy, and so much love.

About Shann Vander Leek

Shann Vander Leek

Shann is a Transformational Leader, Award-Winning Podcaster, Best-Selling Author, Voice Over Talent, Podcast Coach, and Producer. She lives in the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan with her beloved husband and mouthy old cat. This Goddess Shines!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Rachel Dec 20, 2016, 8:00 am

    I love those questions, so powerful and really set the stage to have a magnificent year.

    • Shann Dec 24, 2014, 8:59 am

      Thank you Rachel! I’m glad you found this post supportive. Merry Merry!

  • Andrea Dec 20, 2016, 8:01 am

    Thanks for sharing your questions. I really enjoy the “retreat” we create around the solstice and use it in a similar manner.

    • Shann Dec 24, 2014, 8:59 am

      Andrea,
      My pleasure. Big love to you as you celebrate the return to light. XO

  • Teresa Morrow Dec 20, 2016, 8:03 am

    Shann,

    Thank you this powerful invitation to a sacred ritual with light. And thank you for sharing the beautiful poem…gorgeous!

  • Laurie Seymour Dec 20, 2016, 8:03 am

    So beautiful to read this, Shann. The light shines through each word…

  • Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) Dec 24, 2016, 8:04 am

    That’s a beautiful ritual, Shann. Thanks so much for sharing it!

    xoxox
    Sue

  • Chara Dec 24, 2016, 8:04 am

    You make this sound inviting, Shann.