Let’s Celebrate Yule!

You’ve likely heard of “Yuletide carols” or even the festival itself- but what is Yule? While today it is associated with Christmastime, Yule’s roots go much further back and much deeper. A festival dated back to old Norse and Germanic roots, its purpose is to honor the solstice and midwinter season. The festivities mark the longest night of the year and celebrate the return of more sun, longer days. Customs for celebrating Yule and Winter Solstice vary widely, but common yuletide observances includes a hearty feast shared with spirits or living loved ones, singing, dancing, and drinking.

Bringing The Outside In

It is apparent that getting connected with nature’s rhythm is a large part of the reason for the season and a time honored way to celebrate has been bringing the outside in! Some of this tradition is already included in seasonal decor but it serves as a reminder that we are connected and in tune with something bigger than ourselves. Believe it or not- adorning a tree with symbols of the season was originally linked to Yule celebrations. Beyond the notable tree in the house, hanging mistletoe, and evergreen garland, the most notable nod to nature would be the Yule log. The yule log is lit to entice the sun to return after the long period of darkness. Originally families would bring in a whole tree to feed the fire throughout the entirety of the Yule festival (12 nights), the ashes of said tree were to be particularly beneficial to fertilize the crops of the next planting season.

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12 Nights of Yule and 13 Wishes Ritual

Starting on the eve of the winter solstice and ending on New Year’s Day, rooted in Pagan tradition- the 12 nights of Yule have specific themes and traditions pertaining to the day. Following the themes and activities are intended to further the connection to self reflection, introspection, nature, and community.

13 Wishes Ritual is another tradition that begins today to honor the themes of self reflection, introspection, and intentional growth for the year ahead. I initially discussed this ritual in October- to reiterate: Understanding the ritual of Rauhnächte and the 13 Nights comes first with respecting its background in Celtic and Germanic tradition. Believed to have been called the “Smoke Nights” (due to use of incense), Rauhnächte refer to the nights between the winter solstice and the new year. These nights are symbolic as days of transition - from Life to Death and vice versa (new Birth and rebirth)- a time for self reflection, gratitude, and to bridge the new year with the old. Ideally you have been collecting wishes and hopes for the new year since autumn, now is the time for the ritual. Each night between the solstice and the new year, you will burn one of the wishes. You will not look at which wish is getting burned, but you are symbolically letting this wish be taken care of by the higher powers at be (Universe, G-d, whatever your higher calling). A sign of letting go of control as well as showing humility and respect for the world around you. The last night you will be left with one last wish. This wish you open. This wish is the one that is your responsibility to make happen. Use the next year to work toward this last goal for yourself.

Throughout the next year, note any of the wishes that happen to come to you as you are working toward your own aligned goals. This ritual has served many times as my reminder that even though it may not be obvious, more times than not- the Universe is working for me.

For further information on the Days of Yule or Rauhnächte Ritual, please refer to the following resources:

• https://www.babipur.co.uk/blogs/blog/12-days-of-yuletide-celebrations

• https://www.pagangrimoire.com/12-days-of-yule/

• https://www.anjapoehlmann.com/the-magic-of-13-wishes/

• https://www.mother.ly/life/winter-solstice-ritual/

• https://www.school-of-souls.com/blog/the-magic-of-the-rauhnaechte-2024

Please enjoy this winter solstice meditation and honor yourself this season!

Rituals:

Candle Lighting

Light and returning light are a common theme for solstice rituals since this celebration is based on the longest night of the year and returning sun. Lighting a candle (or candles) serves as a reminder of the return of more light and longer days. Symbolic of the power of hope and resilience in overcoming the dark.

1. Set up a small area with an intentional altar

   1. This can be a blank area that is intended only for your candle

   2. Or this can be a space with items collected that are symbolic to YOU for the winter solstice

2. Pick a candle (or candles)

   1. White can represent purity, protection, or new beginnings

   2. Yellow can represent the Sun’s return or joy

   3. Green can represent growth and nature

3. As you light your candle (or candles) speak your intentions and affirmations aloud

4. Use the candle to help visualize the light and warmth they will bring into your life

5. Meditate over the candle and feel as if these wishes, intentions, or affirmations have already happened, how would that make your feel?

   1. Embody the feeling of hope and accomplishment in this time of dark

Go on a Nature Walk or Moonlit Hike

What better way to remember your connection to nature and than season than immersing yourself in it? Rituals do not have to be difficult or exotic, a ritual can be as simple as taking a walk. Take some time in the day or at night to surround yourself with nature and this phase in the season. Even in the dead of a quiet winter, nature can still hold messages for us. What do you notice? If you are walking in the evening, look up! The winter provides some of the clearest night skies, peep the stars and infiniteness of the sky.

This is a simple practice, but effective if even for grabbing a quiet moment amidst the chaos of the end of the year.

Solstice Feast

Prepare a feast honoring the season! Use seasonal, warming foods such as root vegetables, cranberries, nuts, spices, and winter herbs for your loved ones or community. As everyone is enjoying the meal, take turns sharing reflections from the past year and what you are grateful for then sharing what your intentions are for the year ahead. This ritual serves as a reminder that even in the heart of winter, we can find warmth and sustenance in each other’s company.

Journal Prompts:

It seems everyone has been going through it this year- what were some of the difficult things that happened to you this year? Are you proud of the ways you overcame some of the difficulties? How did they shape you?

In what areas of my life have I grown the most this year?

What lessons have I learned?

What do I want to feel in the year ahead?

What qualities, habits, cycles am I ready to grown into in the new year? What am I ready to release and leave in the past year?

Have you ever kept a Dream Journal? A dream journal can encourage deeper understanding of the messages revealed in our dreams, aiding in the introspection and personal growth themes of the solstice season.

Affirmations:

I find strength even on the darkest of nights.

I am warmth and light in this world.

I honor the darkness within and around me as a space of transformation.

I am grateful for the lessons, blessings, and growth I’ve experienced this year.

I am aligned with the natural flow of life, embracing both the stillness and the growth.

I trust that the universe is guiding me toward my highest potential.

Last Thoughts

Winter Solstice and Yule remind us that the darkness is not something to fear, but an opportunity to find rest, renewal, and remind us of our place in nature.

Stupid Simple Advice I got from a therapist

“You have established you are able to label WHAT you are feeling, but HOW does that feel- in your body, let’s start with the reactions that happen when you think about these emotions you have labeled.” Incredibly simple prompt but incredibly profound on the trajectory of my healing and understanding how emotions take place outside of just your head- so why would I only process in there? Connecting my emotions with my physical body marked a whole new trajectory on how I took on my own shit and how I let my body help inform my path to becoming who I want to be. Again, stupid simple- but when was the last time you thought first about your body’s reaction to a trigger instead of your response? And beyond that- let that trigger inform your response? It is a tall but life changing order.

“You Can’t Heal What You Can’t Feel”

This connection is far from new or profound- it has been practiced, written about, explained to patients time and again, so why is this something that needs to be revisited so often?

My personal opinion is that it is an incredibly vulnerable part of the healing process in a society that has traditionally viewed vulnerability as a weakness. The second part, I think it feels good to self-intellectualize and think that will solve the problem. Unfortunately healing does not work that way, you are MEANT to feel your emotions.

The way I best know to illustrate this is a video of an impala after being chased by a jaguar. The impala escapes a dire situation and instead of immediately running off, you see them shake for a little while before getting up and escaping the situation. Emotions are meant to alert the body to feelings of connection, safety, or potential threats, but how do we adjust that for modern society Just as the impala used shaking to regulate themselves after a barrage of emotions, so must we. Just the threats and connections look a tad different.

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6 Steps to Feeling Your Emotions

Step 1: Notice the feeling and create space for yourself

• When you feel something creeping up, give yourself the time and space to feel and work through your emotions

Step 2: Name your emotions

• Processing your emotion starts when you can get passed the initial feelings of discomfort and then be able to name the specific emotion without judgement

Step 3: Allow yourself to feel the full sensation of your emotions in your body

• Give yourself a safe, nonjudgmental space to fully experience your emotions

Step 4: Bring Compassion to yourself

• You are not your emotions

Step 5: Express if needed

• If you feel pulled to an external way to process your emotions- get it out!

• Journal, talk, move your body, or create!

Step 6: Mark the end of your session

• Once you feel the emotion has let up, thank yourself for taking this time

• Drink some water, take a few grounding breaths, stretch- and gently return to your day

Shameless Self Plug- if you feel like you’re carrying too much weight from the outside world, having trouble letting things roll off you, feeling energetically called - try reiki! Click Here to book a session

Disclaimer- THERAPY. Healing is a deeply personal journey and while I am happy to provide the insights that deeply impacted my journey - a trained professional is recommended while sorting through emotions in your healing process.

Rituals and Resources on Feeling on Your Emotions

• Naming Emotions - Feelings Wheel

  • It is easy to get overwhelmed by your emotions, being able to name and pinpoint exactly which emotion is overtaking you helps not only with emotional intelligence/self awareness- it improves self-regulation by starting the emotional processing

  • Why the feelings wheel? By being able to get specific on what you are feeling, it helps you to understand what you are feeling and how to best be supported (by yourself and others)

• Body Scan

  • This is a meditation practice you can use when you are beginning to feel overwhelmed, tense, or drained

    • Or you can use it as a check in at different points in the day

  • When you can be alone for a few minutes:

    • Start at the top of your head and begin to mentally scan down through your body

    • Notice how each body part feels- light or heavy, relaxed or tense, comfortable or uncomfortable

      • This practice is not to change the feelings in those parts- just simply to notice

    • Continue down your body until you reach your toes

    • Use each breath to support your attention- it is find it your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the spot you last remember

• Add an emotional release practice to your wind down routine

  • Dancing - find a song that encompasses your feelings of the day and dance your heart out

  • Journal- get out all the things you couldn’t say or were hard to express throughout your day

  • Meditation or Deep Breathing

Journal Prompts

• If you could assign colors to emotions, what would they be and why?

• As you notice where in your body emotions are taking place, are there any emotions activating similar areas? Why do you think that is?

• What are ways you make yourself feel safe?

• Are negative emotions really negative or threat alerts?

  • How can you reassess the threat to assure yourself if this is something worth your attention?

Affirmations

My feelings are just emotions, they are not truth and they will pass.

I am safe to feel the emotions that come up through my body, they are meant to guide me- not control me.

I forgive myself and others for past hurts that were ruled by emotions.

My heart is spacious enough for all I feel.

Conclusion

Constantly heading towards a society of individualism - living in our heads won’t help that. Not only the benefit of being able to feel your feelings but create community in times of vulnerability, arguably when you need it most.

Think of it as illuminating.

The Cold Moon marks the move towards longer nights and colder days as we draw closer to the winter solstice. Also known as the Long Night Moon, this one will be among the largest and brightest super moons of the year- affecting tides and energetic shifts. Key areas of energy the full moon borrow from the same themes repeated in nature: stillness, introspection, and clarity.

Full moons are times for reevaluation and release, and this one is no different. As any full moon is time is for releasing the past and truly letting it go- this Cold Moon marks the turn to cold air and using introspection to bring clarity in our own evolution. Lunar cycles are a powerful reminder that endings always give way to new beginnings- what are ways you have evolved in 2025?

Following the themes in this full moon around introspection, stillness, and truth vs distraction- we are being asked to be still with our thoughts, go inward and examine the stories we have been telling ourselves, and reflect how those stories are helping or hurting our goals. Using the list of ways we evolved in 2025, what are some of the narratives we used that we want to carry forward in 2026? What are new perspectives we can take on tired or harmful self narratives?

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Allow this super full moon in Gemini to illuminate exactly what makes you come alive and use that to guide your 2026 personal narrative. We live in a time where our attention is constantly being pulled into a million directions, what are distractions and what is lighting you up?

Rituals:

Full Moon Release Ceremony

Release what is no longer serving you for the last time of the year.

• Find a quiet space where you can sit undisturbed

• Write down all that you want to release from 2025

• Light a candle and read the list- acknowledging and thanking each item on the list for the lessons they brought

• (In a fireproof dish/safe area) Burn the paper and envision the smoke as these things leaving your life

Full Moon Intention Ceremony

(Can be done in same space as Release Ceremony or under full moon)

• Reflect on what you would like to be brought into your life - personal growth, goals, relationships

• Write your intentions in the present tense and with optimistic phrasing (I am embracing opportunities to step outside my comfort zone vs I am not ruled by fear)

• Place this list in the moonlight (or under moon water if that is part of your practice)

• Use a visualization practice/meditation to embody the sensation of your intentions becoming reality

• The morning after the full moon, place your intentions somewhere you will frequently see them and revisit the meditation or energy from the meditation

Gratitude Ritual

The Cold Moon is above all illuminating of the self. Using the stillness the winter calls for and the introspection of the season, reflect on the ways you have helped and held yourself this year. 2025 was rough on a lot of us, and still you showed up everyday for yourself.

Using small acts of preferred self care, take some time for yourself under the full moon to appreciate your love for you.

Journal Prompts:

• Go back through any journals or notes or self notes- reflect on what you have learned through the year, what you have witnessed, ways you have evolved, the ways you have felt.

• Are there any patterns that you noticed from the beginning to the end of the year? Are they helping or hurting in who you are becoming?

• Are there any consistent narratives you noticed? Would you like to play with perspectives on the story you tell yourself? How would that shift your goals for 2026?

• As you’ve spent this time with yourself, where would you like to be this time next year? Or this time in 2030? And how will you get there? What harmful self narratives from 2025 are you rewriting to help achieve your 2026 goals?

Affirmations:

• I am ready to let go of what no longer serves me to carry a lighter heart into the new year.

• I care for myself unconditionally.

• I let clarity guide me.

• What I tend in winter, will flourish in summer.

Find wisdom in the quiet. Use this moon to spend time with yourself.

I am in my late thirties (large exhale) and most of my community are moms or family leaders that equate the holidays with fun and chaos. A wonderfully wild time for arranging parties, bringing in childlike magic, gift buying, lots of cooking and lots of eating- but often times we prioritize ourselves last.

I theorize this is because part of the joy of the holiday season is creating magic for our loved ones, but also because some of our favorite self practices are not readily accessible at a moment’s notice, any time, and any place. This holiday season I’d like to encourage you to find small bits of the day for yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup, what are smalls ways you can recharge?

Moments for You - find your zen

The first image that came to my mind are ads from the 90s of women slowly unwrapping a delectable piece of Dove Chocolate with an inspiring message written on the foil. Easy to make fun of at the time- now I realize how necessary a moment like savoring a small bite of grocery store chocolate can be for a momentary reset of a fried nervous system.

Feeling overstimulated? The most efficient way to come back into your body and calm yourself is to drop into your senses. That could be a piece of chocolate, a song, a shower- whatever is your personal best practice to connect back within your body and reset an overwhelmed mental state.

The Return of Dancorcism

In a separate but still somewhat related note- Dancorcism is back and now virtual!

“A joyful expression of the color of one’s soul!”

What is Dancorcism?

“It’s freeing, relaxing, and actually kind of calming. It helps me shake off all the stress and just drop into my body for a minute… It’s like clearing my head, releasing everything I’ve been holding onto, and finding my center again.”

Created by the iconic and inimitable Debbie Attias (Debbie D) in 2012, Dancorcism is the culmination of her experience as a performer with Avenue D, her group that toured the world in the ‘00s, and her current practice as a healer. As a trained by Debbie Dancorcism Teacher Healer- it is my honor to guide you through an hour of dance expression and dance medicine.

Dancing has proven to be an effective tool in battling depression and anxiety, and guaranteed to bring a little whimsy back into your life. Let me guide you through an hour of dance expression and loose choreography to address each energy center. At the end of the session, you are lead through a meditation to digest your Dancorcism experience and ready yourself to reenter the world with your new dose of dance medicine.

“Dancorcism is judgment-free, soulful therapy session disguised as a dance class. You walk in, move however you want and dance your heart out. It genuinely feels like a reset button for your mind and spirit.”

All quotes from attendees of my Dancorcism classes.

Join me the Sunday following Thanksgiving (11/30) on Zoom for a virtual Dancorcism class- fill out form HERE.

Dancorcism classes are being offered virtually so you can join from anywhere- your bedroom or your inlaw’s basement!

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Rituals:

Breathing Techniques

Place a hand on your stomach and on your chest and do your favorite breathing exercise of use one of mine (from easier to more involved):

• Observation Breath: I typically lay down for this one- I lay down and place one hand on my stomach and one hand on my chest, and observe the rise and fall of my breath entering and leaving my body

• 4 Count Box Breath: 4 counts in, 4 counts hold, 4 counts out, 4 counts hold

• Infinity Breath: I use a box breath rhythm to image my breath doing an infinity symbol pattern in coming in and out of my body

This helps to bring me back into my body and awareness of the state of my nerves.

Follow the Rainbow

A color walk is my preferred version of this practice, but it can technically take place in a single space as well.

Color walk-

(Option 1) Find and follow 10 items of the same color- let the chosen color dictate your walking trail.

Ex: If a BLUE door is the first thing that catches my attention when I walk out the door, I will follow the direction of the next 10 blue items that cross my path.

(Option 2) Follow items that are the colors the of the rainbow. Find a red item, then look and go the direction of the next orange item that catches my attention, etc.

This helps to bring me back into my own mind and into my physical space.

Drop Into Your Senses

Typically used for anxiety attacks, I also use this practice when feeling general overwhelm- mentally or physically.

5 things you can see

4 things you can feel

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste (or would like to taste)

This helps to bring my back into my body, back into my physical space, and a moment to notice my nerves.

Journal Prompts:

What are some of your favorite ways to show up for others during the holidays? Which are the events/traditions/people that truly fill your cup?

What are some self regulating habits you are already practicing?

What are some ways you are going to prepare yourself for the holiday chaos?

How can you find brief moments to prioritize self check ins and quick resets?

Affirmations:

I love showing up for myself so I can love showing up for others.

Taking a moment for myself is necessary.

This is a time of magic. I am finding ways to enjoy the magic for myself.

What is a ritual? And what makes the jump from an everyday habit to an intentional daily ritual?

My preferred preferred definition, by Dr. Catherine Bell, describes a ritual as a repeated, structured sequence of actions or behaviors that alters the internal or external state of an individual, group, or environment, regardless of conscious understanding, emotional context, or symbolic meaning.

Rituals were long considered to be thoughtless actions stripped of context, but Dr. Bell’s insights proved that rituals were more a strategy of how to behave and interact in one’s own world.

(Source: http://web.vu.lt/rstc/a.pazeraite/files/2014/09/Catherine-Bell-Ritual-Theory-Ritual-Practice-Oxford-University-Press-USA-2009.pdf)

Some rituals are obvious, being religious rites, family traditions, or cultural norms we instill in our lives to maintain intentional faith, strength, or comfort. Beyond that - we all have little rituals we are imparting throughout our day, whether we recognize them as rituals or not. These intentional moments of awareness are worth noting for the impact they have on us and our day.

How and why do rituals form?

Rituals are often inspired by our own lived experiences- religious traditions, family customs, or community practices. Our daily rituals are a beautiful patchwork of the influences of those most important or comforting aspects in our lives. It is a sense of security and self perseverance that are inspired by the most profound bits and pieces of our lives thus far. What a beautiful thing.

We are naturally a people of ritual. Rituals can bring comfort, faith, safety, inspiration, and even strength to individuals and communities.

What makes a ritual?

Rituals will vary from person to person- even different people practicing the same ritual- but what are the common elements that create a ritual? A ritual is mindfulness in action, if a ritual is anything it is intentional. This is a moment to bring awareness to yourself and what you’d like this moment to bring.

• Intentional Environment: The element to a ritual is creating an intentional environment, a select space or at the very least mindset is the kick off for your body and brain to know a moment of comfort is settling in. This step could be taking grounding breaths, holding your hands together, lighting a candle, or putting on specific music- anything that is an intentional start point for setting the moment and environment for your ritual.

• Intentional Structure: Understanding the start and end of your ritual will help to ground the moment and be specific about its intention. It creates set boundaries of a moment of distinction.

• Intentional Rhythm: The repetition of a ritual is part of how it gains divinity, the repeated moment of intentional incoming sanctity and connection are powerful grounding points in day, week, month, year, or life.

• Intentional Centering or Contemplation: All rituals contain a purpose, be it to bring you closer to a spiritual higher power or even your inner self, a driving purpose for this moment of intention.

  

What are your personal rituals?

You likely already have rituals in your daily life creating comfort and intention. How do you feel when you skip are particular step in your routine? Do you feel off kilter or a little chaotic the rest of the day? This a sure sign that the habit has become a ritual for your day. As you move through your day, take notes of what habits orient you to the presence in that moment or things throughout your day that help you to connect with something intangible.

CYOR - Create Your Own Ritual

• Step 1: Decide what your ritual is about- try to bring the intention or purpose of your ritual into one word or phrase.

  Sitting at the foundation of your ritual is a clear intention, take time to understand what you want this ritual to mean to you.

• Step 2: What actions or processes come to your mind when you think of the intention you’ve just set?

  Rituals do not have to be that deep or profound, what is a way your are already honoring this intention in your daily life? What are ways you’d like to honor this intention? Start there.

• Step 3: How often would you like to honor this ritual?

  Is this something you’d like to repeat on a daily, weekly, or seasonal basis? Understanding the timing and prevalence of your ritual can be just as important as the intention.

• Step 4: How does your ritual begin and end?

  What are ways to shift your mind to an intentional place? What are environmental or mental cues you can use to being the start and end of your ritual?

• Step 5: Incorporate sensory elements.

  Utilizing your senses is a wonderful and efficient way to bring intention and balance to a moment. Are you using specific scents for this ritual? Or maybe a chosen texture or sound.

• Step 6: Close with gratitude.

  Thank yourself, thank the moment, thank the time- gratitude is intentional at its root. Adding more gratitude is rarely a bad thing.

• Step 7: Perform the ritual and shape for your life.

  Your ritual does not have to look the same every time. It is a moment for you, shape and mold this time as it suits your needs, intention, and ritual purpose.

Journal Prompts

What is ritual you already practice that you did not realize was important to your day/life/routine?

What did you notice this had become a ritual? How do you feel when you skip this time?

What is a ritual you are excited to create?

What type of intention are you applying behind it and why does that excite you?

Take time to journal the same question at three different times of your day.

How do your feelings on the same question shift throughout the day? Is it only the timing that is affecting this shift?

Affirmations

I am my own profound source for moments of peace amid chaos in my everyday.

No matter what the outside world contains, I can trust myself.

What is the importance of the Beaver Super Moon?

This full moon falls in Taurus, relevant to the Beaver moon themes of stability, security, persistence, and honing in on what supports our long-term growth. Under a Taurus full moon, you may feel the pull of both the strengths of the earth sign and its ruling planet, Venus. Venus being the planet of stability, beauty, and comfort- it is the time of year to build upon what makes you feel secure and what brings you comfort. Use these darker months to build your own security and comfort.

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Another name for this full moon is the Freezing Moon. As we begin to wrap up the year and enter into the holiday season, we can utilize this phase to focus on family and community. While this was traditionally a time to lean on community to get through the longer and colder winter months, this tradition can still ring true for helping maintain social connection through times it is more appealing to be isolated. We are stronger as a whole than the sum of our parts, how has that been true for you in times when you needed a little extra support? When was the last time you set out food for animals during the colder winter months or volunteered at a food bank? How can you bring that support to your community?

Keep reading for some rituals to honor this time with the beaver moon, journal prompts, and affirmations.

Rituals

Moon Gaze

Spend time outside to notice the changing cycles in nature and how they are reflected internally. I will never not recommend spending time with a full moon, as I think there is a lot that can be observed in spending quiet and intentional time with yourself and nature. Marvel at the light this Beaver Supermoon brings to the night. Make mental notes of all the hints of impending colder months. Make notes of all the signs of warmer from earlier this year. How are these blending to create your moon gazing scene?

Grounding Meditation

I call this a “rooting” meditation under the moon. Sit under the moon and imagine you have roots that are reaching from your core to the center of the earth. Focus on plugging your internal energy into the earth’s internal energy and sharing that connection. When you feel full, imagine a disconnect and all that energy spiraling back into yourself. Sleep with the comfort of having the earth’s support, and awaken with that same strength.

Gratitude

Write a Gratitude List thanking habits that are aiding your long term growth. Be appreciative for the growth in yourself and your commitment to a better you. Do the same with a list releasing habits that once kept you safe but now no longer support your long term success.

Journal Prompts

Do you feel ready for winter?

In what ways? How do you support yourself in winter?

If not, what are some steps you can take to better prepare yourself for a season of introspection and hibernation.

What are areas of my life feel stable?

What actions do I take to ensure stability? What areas of my life can I create more stability and comfort?

What are ways I can bring more grounding and security into my daily routines?

Do these efforts feel like they set me up for long term success?

What are ways I feel supported by my community?

How do I support them? Are there ways I wish I were showing up differently? Are there ways I wish they would show up for me?

Affirmations

I am creating space for my own stability and joy, and release what no longer serves my growth.

I am nurtured by my community and supported by strong relationships.

I notice and honor the change in the season, just as I notice and honor changes in myself.

SPOOKY SEASON IS HERE! Well I guess it has been here, but now we are down to the main event, the big attraction - SAMHAIN! Did you think I was going to say Halloween, or maybe All Hallow’s Eve? Not entirely wrong, but it goes a little deeper. Derived from old Gaelic, Samhain (pronounced sow-in or sow-un) marks the transition into winter and the dark half of the year. This has traditionally been celebrated as a liminal time- the last feast of the harvest, a night when the veil between humans and the Other world is thin, and a season of reflection and renewal.

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What does the veil being thin even mean?

It is believed that at this time the barrier between physical world and spirit world is at its thinnest making connection between two worlds the strongest it will be all year. This special time allows for more interaction between humans and the spirit world, which has been the basis for many of our current Halloween traditions. It is common for not only offerings and tributes left to souls that have passed, but to see specific seasonal protections from spirits as well. Carved pumpkins? Originally carved turnips to ward off evil spirits (also look into the lore of “Stingy Jack”). Why do we dress up during this night? It was a Celtic belief that they would disguise themselves as animals and monsters to avoid being kidnapped by the fairies and forced to “cross over’”.

Why is this time special?

The importance of Samhain lies in themes of death/rebirth, transition, honoring the past, and self introspection. Nature follows the eternal cycle of life > death > rebirth, this time is about embracing the balance between endings and beginnings. A time to look back with gratitude not only on what you have harvested through the year, but your past and roots- what makes you. And a time to be introspective, what have you been sowing this year? Is it something you would like to bring into the next season? This is a wonderful season to take advantage of the liminal time for shadow work, self reflection, appreciation, and introspection.

Keep reading for affirmations, rituals, and journal prompts to honor Samhain.

Affirmations

I honor the cycles of life and death, embracing the wisdom each cycles brings me.

I am surrounded by the love and support of those who have passed and always have access that strength, if I so choose.

Rituals

Seasonal Dumb Supper - A meal enjoyed in remembrance of those no longer with us. This meal is typically prepared with seasonal favorites, a special place setting is left open to invite in ancestors and spirits, and the meal is held in silence to honor past loved ones.

Altar for ancestors - As this is a time when the ancestors can best feel your connection, now is a perfect time for an altar to honor those you came from. Create a special space with pictures, keepsakes, and offerings for loved ones who have passed. Take a moment and think of all the people who had to love each other to create you and thank them.

Bonfire - Being a prominent symbol of Samhain, fires have always been associated with the celebration to symbolize cleansing and protection. In ancient times, families would let their hearth fires die out and then relight them using the flames from a communal bonfire, symbolizing unity and protection for the coming year. For today’s practice, you can use the bonfire to cast away anything you do not want to bring into the new season or the new year. Invite your community to do the same and enjoy the warmth provided as we enter the colder months.

Divination - This ritual may not be for everyone and proceed as you feel comfortable. What better way to take advantage of the thinned veil than divination? While items such as stones, apples, and hazelnuts were used in traditional Samhain divination- today you can use whatever tools you feel most called toward or feel most comfortable. Tools for divination can include: tarot cards, pendulums, runes, tea/coffee reading, or even dream journaling. This is practice can be used however you see fit- need some insights to close out the year? Would like some ancestral guidance on a question that has been gnawing at you? This is a perfect time to ask the Otherworld.

Journal Prompts

Who is an ancestor you never got to meet but always loved to hear stories about? What do you imagine they are like? Why do you want to meet them? What would you like to discuss with them?

Write a letter to a passed love one. What has happened that you want to share? What did you never get to say you always wish you could?

As we enter the darker months, how will you nourish yourself?

Shadow Work: What are some patterns I have noticed in my behavior that were once keeping my safe, but no longer serving me? What is the benefit in holding onto these patterns and behavior? Can I thank those patterns and move on?

Sources

https://www.moonfallmetaphysical.com/s/stories/celtic-samhain?srsltid=AfmBOop435qbTR_imNvRvhqCZjBqf5HlLodzHMH-MQePf8_fW0trSI8a

https://www.centreofexcellence.com/samhain-festival/#3

In astrology, the spirit is typically represented the sun, with the Moon signifying the physical and emotional body. At a time with the Moon is conjuct with the Sun, what does that even mean? When the two are conjuct (joined), we are faced with the dark side of the moon - the strongest time to set a precedent for new beginnings with themes from the aligning zodiac sign.

What themes will be illuminated with the New Moon in Libra?

Libra is the sign centered around relationships, justice, tact, diplomacy, beauty, harmony, and luxury. Ruled by Venus (Aphrodite in Greek mythology), goddess of love and harmony, the Libra new moon invites you to take a moment to find balance in your relationships, justice in your decisions, and reconnct with the love and beauty of your life. And a perfect moment to remember this Libra’s favorite governing quote: As above, so below. As within, so without.

A fun aspect with this new moon is how it correlates with the other astrological goings on. This is a time to examine not only harmony, but true balance in your life. What decisions are you making? Can they become lasting habits? And are they aligning to your most authentic version of yourself?

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Keep reading for some rituals to honor this time with the new moon, journal prompts, and affirmations.

Rituals

What are the contents of your cup?

You know the phrase, can’t pour from an empty cup? When was the last time you took time to do “energy analysis”. For 3-7 days (the more days, the more insights), keep a small notepad with you and note what aspects of your day to day leaves your heart feeling nourished and what leaves it feeling drain. This can be anything from people, specific conversations, tv shows, social media accounts, pets, whatever. At the end of the day, take some time to reflect on any emerging patterns of ways you can redirect the energy being devoted to the draining to the nourishing.

Sun & Moon / Mind & Body Conjunction

Mind racing too fast? Chaotic thoughts entering and exiting all the time? Use your body to bring calm back to your mind. We are in the dark side of the moon, move in new and weird ways to get the gunk out. Use intentional movement from your body to guide your mind back to harmony.

Trust Fall with Yourself

This time allows us to take care of unhealed emotional wounds that are impacting our ability to put trust in ourselves and sometimes others. Try a completely new activity. When you inevitably are not perfect at this activity, use this time to silence your inner critic. Note your missteps and reframe them as opportunities for growth and development. It isn’t failure, it is finding a new way that did not work!

Journal Prompts

What are some relationships you’d like to reexamine with this new moon?

This New moon explores new ways of being in relationships and gaining a new understanding of the ways we participate in relationship dynamics.

What are the relationship dynamics you find the most comfort in? Discomfort? Why?

What are the relationship roles you feel comfortable taking on? The ones that make you feel at ease? Why do you think these roles and dynamic affect you in that way?

What are some areas of my life that could use a rebalance?

Hone in on the libra theme of harmony and justice. What are ways you are betraying yourself in your daily habits and relationships? How would you like to reshape those?

Affirmations

I make decisions with clarity, fairness, and confidence.

I create peace in my mind, body, and spirit.

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Something about the new school year makes me want to set goals, gives me the faith I can accomplish them, and the perceived discipline to break the goals into achievable steps. Also probably the High Holiday celebrations and constant remindings of renewal and rebirth. Why not use this energy to reset the rest of my year and what I hope to bring in for next year- so I do. I was introduced to the 13 nights ritual when discussing this with my reiki master a few years ago as a way to utilize this vigor in personal growth, build trust in myself, and a test myself on how I trust the universe. While I cannot guarantee it works - full disclosure, half the time I forget what I wrote down- this practice has given me a less overwhelming and more achievable path for my year ahead.

Understanding the ritual of Rauhnächte and the 13 Nights comes first with respecting its background in Celtic and Germanic tradition. Believed to have been called the “Smoke Nights” (due to use of incense), Rauhnächte refer to the nights between the winter solstice and the new year. These nights are symbolic as days of transition - from Life to Death and vice versa (new Birth and rebirth)- a time for self reflection, gratitude, and to bridge the new year with the old. The veil is thin- use it!

PS- As the time approaches, I will give more ways to honor the solstice and Rauhnächte. This is a ritual that I get the most use when I begin in autumn as I have the time to reflect and be intentional with myself and my future.

Keep reading to find the 13 Nights Ritual and Journal Prompts for the week.

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13 Nights Ritual

Step 1 - Prepare your space

Create a sacred moment in your home. Light candles, burn incense or use essential oils to set the mood. If you have a favorite pen or notepad, now is the perfect time to use it.

Step 2 - Write down 13 wishes

Take a moment to reflect on what has happened so far 2025 and what you would like to bring into your 2026. From now until winter solstice, December 21, down 13 wishes for your magical 2026 on separate pieces of paper. This can be done all on the night of December 21st or you can do 1-2 a week until solstice. These wishes can be anything from personal growth and career goals to love, health or adventure.

Don’t write them down as “I wish,” “I want,” or “I’d like to,” but rather “I have” or “I am” statements. For example: “I have a fulfilling career.” “I have written a book.” “I am not believing any of my anxious thoughts after 10pm.”

Step 3 - Fold & Release

Fold each piece of paper and store them in a special place, like in a box in your sacred space.

Starting on the first night (the night of December 21st), take one wish and burn it in a fireproof bowl or fireplace. While it burns, imagine that your wish has already come true and life will deliver your wish to you. Repeat this each night until only one wish remains on the final night.

Step 4 - The Last Wish is Yours

The last wish that has been left unburned is the one you have to manifest yourself. It lies in your responsibility. Trust the rest in will taken care of in time. Carry this wish with you into the new year as a reminder of your intentions and as a source of inspiration.

Journal Prompts

What is it about autumn that make people love it or hate it?

What are your feelings on this season? What types of emotions does it evoke for you? Why?

Describe your ideal autumn day.

Include activities that make your feel cozy, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

This moon intensifies the spotlight on your desires, your voice, and your independence. It is time to release what feels heavy and harvest what has been ripening. This supermoon can be used as a turning point to release what has been weighing you down and start paying attention to any truths that can no longer be ignored.

Keep reading for some rituals to honor this time with the harvest moon, journal prompts, and affirmations.

Rituals:

Moon Gaze

This is the brightest moon we have had in a while, take advantage of this moment and spend some time with the moon. You can set an intention, meditate, or let your mind wander- use this time with you and the moon however you best see fit!

Move

That intense eclipse that just happened? It is time to release whatever came up, came out, or came through and transmute those shadows into progress…via dance, or stretch, or movement.

Recommended songs (Spotify playlist)

• Killing Moon - Echo and the Bunnymen

• Lush - Four Tet

• Moonage Daydream - David Bowie

• Just Like Magic - Ariana Grande

• Drunk on the Moon - Tom Waits

Release

Under the moon (or under a roof under the full moon), list what you want to release on a piece of paper then the choice is yours: burn the paper, bury the pieces and or dissolve them.

Gratitude

It is time to celebrate your wins! Be proud of yourself and the battles you’ve won, no matter the size. Trust yourself!

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Journal prompts

Which habits or reactions no longer align with your growth?

We just had a heavy eclipse season, what patterns or habits did you notice that are not helping you or inspiring you to be your best self? Take a mental note of what has been happening for the last month, what parts do you want to leave behind?

Where can I choose courage over comfort?

Are there areas in your life where you crave growth but are overwhelmed by the change? Try to imagine what would happen if it didn’t work out, and now what would happen if it did?

Growth is uncomfortable. Where can you spare some courage to defeat that comfort in exchange for self growth and empowerment?

Affirmations

I release all that no longer serves me.

I break the recurring cycles that no longer align with me.

My energy flows with balance.

I stand in the light of my truth.

Remember that this full moon is in Aries, embody it! This is not the time to second guess yourself or invite drama. Be bold. Be independent. Have courage. Don’t bottle the anger- express it!

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