HOW THIS WINTER SOLSTICE WILL AFFECT YOU NEXT YEAR
The most recent New Moon a few days ago on December 12. In Daoist and Chinese lunar traditions, this moon cycle is considered the Winter Moon or 11th Moon of the lunar year. The Winter Solstice or Dongzhi is celebrated as a festival of observing Yin at her greatest, and it is this honouring of her height that the Yang can re-emerge. In Daoist thought, this acknowledgement and sitting with Yin is vital for Spring, in order for the gifts of the subsequent year, to arrive and come to fruition. This year's return to and observance of the Great Yin is crucially important on two main levels.
MAGICK, CREATIVITY + CONTINUOUS TRANSFORMATION
The more I delve into magickal studies (Daoist-centered in my case), the clearer it becomes that my essence is meant to continually transform. This constant state of flux should be evident in both my spiritual practice and the art I create; otherwise, I risk becoming generic and empty, merely a passing trend. I end up repeating formulas that promise external but shallow approval while compromising my values and authentic voice, a pattern I observe in others as well.
WHAT ARE SIGILS?
Traditionally speaking, sigils are a form of magick that holds the energy that is accessed through a specific intent and ritual. Sigils are often created by combining letters, symbols, shapes into an abstract design that is charged with energy of the desire. Common purposes include protection, peace in a home, recovery and healing, success on a project, and so forth.
MIST IN DAOISM
In Daoism (Taoism), mist (and fog) is often used as a metaphor for the Unknown, the Hidden, or Mystery. Mist as a symbol of the hidden forces of nature, the secrets of life, and the elusive nature of the Dao (Tao) itself.
COVEN VALUES
The HOMING COVEN launched earlier this month. The flow has felt natural, tender, and the momentum is very real. We chat and choose as a circle; during the live-stream, the boards to ensure folks tuning in via the recordings are still very much considered and held; the various channels that are developing on Homing Coven's Discord have also been both lighthearted and practical, giving glimpses of the power of co-resourcing.
AN ANIMIST’S FORECAST: 2 KEY THEMES FOR THE REST OF 2022
August was a midpoint for the lunar new year, igniting a major portal for the remaining months chaperoned by the Water Tiger. In many ways, the first 6 months of this lunar year was like a washing machine, where energies, circumstances, intentions, and reference points are jumbled, chaotic, and unclear.