Alison Davies offers a way to honour the earth and tap into your innate power this December
There's simplicity in the starkness of winter, an elegance to a snow-kissed landscape that inspires you to look within and find comfort.
All is quiet as the earth restores itself, and so the themes this season match this reflective mood. Protection, strength and self-care, are first and foremost, followed by a wave of creative energy to help you implement ideas you’ve been germinating during the winter months.
Here are some highlights to mark the season:
Full Moon Name: Cold Moon - 15 Dec
In the thick darkness of winter, the Cold Moon rises, a glowing orb casting an eerie light on the earth below. Aptly named after the drop in temperature at this time of year, the Cold Moon is also known as the Long Night’s Moon, because of the lengthy period it appears above the horizon, and the Moon before Yule, the festival celebrating the Winter Solstice.
The Cold Moon illuminates the soul and brings emotions to the surface. If you’ve been avoiding an issue or bottling up your feelings, you could find that everything comes to a head. Likewise, if you’ve been feeling confused and indecisive, the Cold Moon could clear the path and help you find the answers you seek.
TRY THIS Cold Moon Spell for Wellbeing
On the night of the Cold Moon (15 Dec), spend some time in quiet reflection. Burn geranium essential oil to balance the emotions. Find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes and recreate the shape of the moon in your mind. Imagine you are sitting gazing up at it. Let thoughts and feelings come and go, without fixating on them. Simply breathe and let the lunar energy flow over you. If problems arise in your mind, just relax and turn your attention back to the shining circle of the moon. Repeat this practice every evening for at least 5 minutes, for 3 nights to promote health, well-being and inner peace.
Festival Focus: Winter Solstice - 21 Dec
Also known as the pagan festival Yule, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated throughout the world since Ancient times. It marks the longest night and the shortest day, and the return of the sun, as the mother goddess, once again gives birth to the sun king. A fire festival, Yule is linked to fertility and the cycles of life. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia at this time, by feasting and decorating the home with evergreen trees.
The return of the sun was marked by the lighting of the Yule log, which was re-kindled using a piece of oak from the previous year’s log. Left to burn, sometimes for several days, the Yule log was never left to die out completely, but deliberately extinguished so the remains could be kept for the following year.
TRY THIS Yule Spell for Good Fortune
Make your own mini Yule log, as a symbol of abundance. For your decoration, you will need a small oak log, some strong glue, bundles of mistletoe, holly and ivy to decorate, a selection of pine cones and cinnamon sticks.
Make sure one side of the log is flat so that you can set it on a table evenly. Dot the glue along the top of the log and spread out the mistletoe and holly. Once the glue has hardened, position and glue the pine cones and cinnamon sticks in place. Make sure they are evenly distributed along the log. Leave to dry, then position it somewhere central and prominent so that everyone can be reminded of the blessings of the solstice.
Crystal Of The Month: Turquoise
The stone of warriors, shamans and mystics, turquoise is a powerful magical aid, thought to help the wearer connect to the power of the universe. Known for its protective energy, it was used in amulets and talismans in many different cultures. The Native Americans decorated their burial sites with it, while the Ancient Egyptians prized it as a symbol of immortality and wisdom.
Connected to the throat chakra, the energy centre which governs communication and self- expression, turquoise is thought to boost creativity and help those who wear it turn up the charm.
TRY THIS Turquoise Spell for Protection
Turquoise can give you protection and boost your creativity. Place a piece of turquoise on a window ledge beneath the light of the moon and leave it overnight so that the stone is infused with the moon’s mystical energy. In the morning, retrieve the stone and pop it in a black velvet charm bag, along with a pinch of pepper. Keep in your handbag, purse or pocket, as a protective amulet.
Herb Of The Month: Rosemary
Sacred to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, rosemary is associated with romance, and was often woven into wedding wreaths and given as a gift to the bride as a token of love. Faeries are said to love this aromatic herb, and wherever it grows, you’ll find fey enchantment!
A highly magical ingredient, rosemary is used for protection, strength and clarity. It is thought that it only flourishes in the garden of a powerful woman, which goes some way to explain the link between rosemary and witches! Carry a sprig to protect you from the evil influences.
TRY THIS Rosemary Spell for Vitality
Give yourself a power boost with this invigorating hair rinse, which also clears and focuses the mind. You will need about eight large sprigs of rosemary and a jug. Pop the rosemary in the jug and cover with boiling water, then leave to infuse overnight.
In the morning, pluck out the sprigs so you are left with the solution. Pour into a cup and add a drop of apple cider vinegar (about one-tenth of the rosemary solution). Mix well and then pour over your head as a final rinse after you’ve washed your hair. Massage into the scalp for a few minutes until it tingles. Your head should feel clear, and you’ll feel revitalised too. Comb out and style as you would normally.
Bird Of The Month: Robin
With a song in his heart and a spring in his step, the robin is a popular and welcome sight during the winter months. His rosy red breast adds colour and joy to the landscape, and his tenacity and spirit remind us to follow our passions and forge ahead. It may be cold outside but that doesn’t stop the feisty robin from having fun. Laughter is free and the best medicine, and it is part of this bird’s special message. A symbol of hope and renewal, the robin reminds us to smile. Don’t sweat the small stuff; instead focus on the things that make you happy.
TRY THIS Robin Spell to Refresh the Spirit
Pull on those layers and do a bit of robin spotting this month. Feel the nip in the air, and how it brings colour to your cheeks. Breathe in the freeze and let it refresh your spirit. Say hello to every robin you encounter and re-ignite your sense of fun!
Alison Davies is a professional storyteller and runs workshops at universities throughout the UK, showing academics, students and early years practitioners how stories can be used as tools for teaching and learning.
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READ The Mystical Year by Alison Davies (Quadrille)
