The Wheel of the Year is divided into two equal halves: the Light Half of the Year and the Dark Half of the Year. It is the time from the Spring Equinox (March 21) to the Fall Equinox (September 21) that we experience the Dark Half of the Year. This is a time when death is witnessed in its many beautiful manifestations; from the shedding of leaves from the tree branches above our heads to the hibernation and migration of numerous species of our animal friends. This time of stillness, of rest is required so that the vital energy that sustains life is able to recycle and be stored so that it might be reborn once again come Spring and the Light Time of the Year. My personal practice reflects what is occurring within my environment, which is a clear manifestation of what is happening with the Seasonal Tides of the Earth herself.
During the Dark Half of the Year my practice includes:
- Reflection, Evaluation, and Adjustment (if need be) of my relationships, spiritual goals, and business / career goals, if I determine that something is unbalanced then I make the changes that I believe are necessary. This process usually includes getting a Reading usually from a fellow Reader though sometimes I will do one for myself as well.
- Cleansing my altar, sacred spaces, etherical body, and home are integral activities I practice, though I do cleansings throughout the year they have a specific focus during the Dark Time. During my reflections, if I have come to determine that I am in a relationship that is draining or that a goal I had set for myself no longer is aligned with my True Will, I will do a Ritualistic Cleansing, or cast a Banishing Spell, or Cord Cutting Rite.
- Releasing those things, people, and circumstances in my life that are no longer aligned with my True Will or Highest Good is an important activity for this time of year.
- Meditation and Trance Work are activities that occupy much of my practice during the Dark Time of the Year. My meditations are not guided, but are instead time set aside for communing with Spirit and allowing messages to filter through. Much of them are focused on self-improvement and reminders of my geas (or life’s purpose).
- Contemplation is something I consistently spend time on, but as with cleansing there is a particular focus during the Dark Time. I actively consider the goals I reflected upon and dissect the “how” and “why” of them. I allow the messages I obtained through my meditations to guide me through my visualizations that will ultimately enable me to become inspired so that I am able to manifest that which I desire come the Light Time of the Year.
- Resting is something I embrace at this time as well. Taking time to “do” nothing and simply be. I stand within the stillness and witness the decay and Death. This allows me to understand the cycle of life and brings me back to Reflection, Evaluation, and Adjustment.
RSS Feed
