Ancient Roman New Year. The God Janus looking to the past and the future.
New Year in ancient times usually occurred around what we call March. The Babylonians saw it as a time to religiously symbolize their victory over the forces of chaos. In ancient Rome, it was the two-headed God Janus that was celebrated. He was in charge of change and beginnings so the Romans exchanged greetings with neighbours as well as giving gifts of figs and honey. And that kiss at midnight is handed down to us from the Romans. How Romantic! The Egyptians celebrated Wepet Renpet which was the day the Nile River began to flood (the star Sirius appeared on the horizon after a 70 day disappearance). Thus, they have rebirth and rejuvenation. 3000 years ago, the Shang Dynasty in China celebrated Lunar New Year which began the planting season. To keep monsters away, they decorated their homes in bright colours and added loud music and fire crackers.
Here is a simple but beautiful candle spell to manifest what you want. Put the lights down low, breathe deep, ground and center, light the candle and incense and say,
As I light this candle, I bid the Old Year farewells,
Peace and tranquility as The New Year bell knells,
With gratitude for milestones passed,
may days be sunny with minimum overcast.
With memories cherished and not forgotten, new ones made every day with the coming of Robin.
As I welcome the New Year in with love, warmth and benedictions, May my house and life be free of past years frictions.
Let the quality of this New Year be assured, and abundance aplenty be secured.
I now dedicate a moment to visioning, what I want will soon be blossoming.
Let this year be a year of excellence, fortune and wealth, may all who abide here have health.
Meditate for a few moments and voice what you want to change or what you want to bring into your house in the coming year. Then say,
And thus do my wishes for this year take on their own life and purpose. So does the year itself take on a glowing life and power; A bright year, a bold year, a golden year, a year of magic! So may this year bring luck, and peace, and prosperity to one and all. So mote it be!
Here is a shorter spell;
To the flame I do release, all that blocks my inner peace I banish now my shame, and revoke those who caused me pain. I turn towards my truth and power, calling them back to me this hour. Blessed be!
So, Happy Belated New Year! May Brighid’s Mantle enfold you and keep you warm.
FYI: Starting in January, I will be teaching Tarot and Raising Your Vibration classes. Check the Cornwall Library Homepage for dates and times. All classes are free. Text or email me at 613 662 1617 and br************@gm***.com if you have questions.
Tarot This month I will do a tarot reading for the Zodiac sign of the month. This month is Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19.)
The industrious and disciplined Capricorn, January 2024 heralds a month of profound self-reflection and ambitious strides. This is a time for introspection, where you’ll find the clarity needed to reassess your long-term objectives. Embrace this period as an opportunity to refine your plans, ensuring they align seamlessly with your innermost desires. The presence of cosmic forces encourages you to be patient and methodical in your approach. Trust the journey. January brings a favorable wind to propel you toward your financial goals. Don’t shy away from taking calculated risks, especially in matters of investment or career advancement. The universe is poised to reward your diligence in the realm of wealth and abundance. In matters of the heart, January 2024 beckons you to deepen your connections and strengthen the bonds you hold dear. Single Capricorns may find themselves drawn to someone intriguing, sparking the flame of a potential new connection. Your emotional intelligence and sensitivity will be your guiding lights in matters of love and relationships, ensuring that January 2024 becomes a chapter of warmth, understanding, and romantic fulfillment for you