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On the eight day of December, my solstice advent gave to me… The Hanged Man.

The Hanged Man is one of my birth cards. I have grown to love and accept the messages from the images in my decks. For me, this is a card about gaining new perspectives when you sacrifice something else. My life is a delicate balance of foraging ahead with new perspectives and writing them down. I have cultivated a narrow band of focus in what I want to write about and project. This helps me stay focused and keeps the distractions at bay. Sometimes, I work too much and my relationships suffer. Conversely, I often procrastinate and allow distractions to rise up when I need it.

Today the Hanged Man asks me to let go of outdated thoughts and a rigid schedule. I will meet my obligations in the moment and enjoy what moments throw at me. As for the holidays, I am looking forward to staying home and enjoying a quiet solstice with my love.

What sacrifices are you making this year for the holidays? What perspectives will this give back to you? I’d love to know so, please, email me your thoughts.

On the seventh day of December, my solstice advent gave to me… The Fool.

And here we are. Back at the beginning, or is it the end. That’s the fantastic thing about The Fool: they can go where ever they want. They delight in every new thing. The Fool stays in the moment. They are forever in motion, seeking out new adventures where their whim takes them. ‘Tis the season to seek out and search for connection. 

My eyes are finely tuned to the world outside, and it gives me a strange sense of wanderlust in my own home. A small flicker of moment catches my eyes; they dart to the branches or tree trunks. They lock onto the grass. They catch a glimpse of the raven sitting on the mailbox.  I see my squirrel buds twitch their tails as they continue to forage. Sometimes I’m lucky, and a squirrel will rest on the fence, letting me get their picture. As I get better from being sick, I want to do more, explore more as well. 

Today I was being asked to stay in the moment. To do each task with full attention and let me do deep dives in work I was doing. I went from daydreaming to recording a video/podcast for STAARcon to writing and then back to podcasting. In between, I found moments of stillness, where I could once again look at my squirrel buddies and connect with the outer world.

Where do you desire to go while it’s cold? What items do you keep in your backpack? I’d love to know so, please, email me your thoughts.

On the sixth day of December, my solstice advent gave to me… The Devil.

All hail the trickster, the one who tempts us all. In another fitting synchronicity, today is one of Krampus’s festivals. He’s a devilish figure who would come out to frighten children who acted horribly. In some stories, Krampus takes the children away; in others, he leaves them sticks or stones instead of presents. No matter which myth you believe, I smiled when The Devil arrived on my tree today.

Traditionally, this time of year would bring me lots of tempting sweets and treats. I have a huge sweet tooth and would indulge in my favorite pumpkin pie or holiday cookies. We’ve been pretty lucky this year with the treats. No pies to tempt me with, and we ate the one bag of “Tabi cookies” gifted to us by Kendra’s family. Mmmm, Tabi cookies are the best. While I’m feeling better, I’m still going to do my best to lay down and do nothing for one more day. Although, I’m tempted to return to life full blast! Thankfully, I know my body better and that if I return to a life fully lived now, I will have to stay down a few more days.

What are your favorite holiday temptations? Please email and share them with me.

On the fifth day of December, my solstice advent gave to me… The Sun.

We continue the light theme from yesterday with The Sun. The Sun sustains us with its power. After a few days of overcast, we all rush out and enjoy the illumination. The squirrels in my yard scamper around as they continue to collect and eat the acorns they’ve hidden. Dogs proudly carry sticks in their mouth as they walk around the streets. Kids giggle while their parents decorate the house. The Sun is an inspiring force for us all.

I’m continuing to rest today. This means enjoying the small rewards of sleeping on the sofa, watching terrible horror movies while snuggled under a cozy blanket. I am happy, content, and feeling fulfilled despite the health set back. Today has brought many small gifts in the mail, and a large one being put together in our dining room. We got a new sideboard that matches our counters’ height, with space to house our board game and table-top gaming collection. I foresee many nights and weekends spending time going through each game and having some fun conversations.

What abundance does life give you right now? How does the Sun brighten your days? Please email me and let me know.

On the fourth day of December, my solstice advent gave to me… The Hermit.

As we get closer to the winter solstice, the days grow darker and shorter. The Hermit’s lamp, shining ever so brightly, becomes an essential beacon of hope. The light reminds us of our connection to one another. It removes the shadows and the doubts that creep in from the outside. It gives us warmth when we’re cold. The Hermit, who remains a lone figure on most cards, has an important job sharing the light for all to see and help them come home.

I’ve been feeling sick the past few days. It’s a familiar weight in my chest, the sign of a winter cold. Receiving The Hermit today reminds me that I need to place my needs first. It’s time to withdraw for a few days to give my body a chance to heal. So, I’ll retreat from the world, block off the next four days, and give my body all the rest it needs. I’ll see you all in a few days!

Where do you find your light in the dark? What is your source of warmth in the winter months? Please email me and let me know.