It's into Winter we go

credit: Washington Revels

At 10:03am EST on December 21st Winter Solstice 2025 brought with it so much joy, beauty and possibility.  Firstly for those who may not know, the Winter Solstice is essentially the longest night and shortest day of the year.  On a more soulful level it represents the coming of the Winter Season and all the gifts that it will bring to us.  It also stands as another line of demarcation for us in our lunar year as we are leaving the Autumn and ushering in a new time of hibernation, snow (in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere), and stillness unlike any other time during the year. The often dreaded and barren season of winter has so much to offer if we know where and how to look to see the gifts it virtually lays at our feet.

We once again get a chance to change, redo, atone, change paths, and veer towards where we are truly supposed to be.  Choose wisely your works this solstice for all dreams and desires will be with you for this entire season, whether you may want them to or not.

Be sure in your own way to celebrate the coming of Winter,  whether it is alone or with someone or some group, do not let another natural spiritual occurrence pass you by without stopping to acknowledge, give gratitude and draw the gifts it has for you.  Below I provide a few elements to have around, be moved to bring this new season in the way you need to for only you truly know how to make that happen.  Notice these elements are awfully familiar, might be just an inkling of what we do for the Christian Christmas holiday celebration, LOL!

Below are some of the domains to focus on during this Winter Solstice, feel free to expand, contract or contort any of these to fit what you desire or need.

Winter Solstice Elements

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Wreaths (live)

Candles

Wood Logs

Bells

Evergreen Trees

Winter Totem - Weasel

Meaning - Stealth

credit: Authentic Voice

Be a keen observer

Hidden resources are to be seen and known

Use my gifts for the good of All

Give assistance in quiet and discreet ways

Winter Concept - Silence

credit: Newfield Blog

Connect to Ancestors

Deepen spiritual Renewal & Love

Strengthen Family Bonds & Rituals

Accept Joy & Fun

Attune to Nature's Cycles

---Andrea

Deep within Me!

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Day's details
At approximately 5:44am EST in the Northern Hemisphere on Wed. Dec. 21st we will experience the Solstice and enter Winter.  The Solstice is the longest night and shortest day and is a good time to do work related to retrospection, ancestors, family rituals, joy, and understanding nature's rhythms.

Decoration designed
Many of our standard Christmas season symbols are really that of the solstice and should also be lauded on this day. So hang your wreaths, put up your evergreen trees, light your candles, hang your lights for all to see, ring your bells, place your holly around the house and when you sit to light that warming and soothing fire, know that all of these are Solstice motifs and you're invoking the power of Sister Winter for your greatest and best good.

Delving to depths
This Solstice I am acknowledging the connection I have and searching inside to find new depths and boons for me and the universe. Just when I think I know where I am or what I think, I will pause, take a breath, and take one more last look. For in that brief moment I know I will find exactly what was waiting for me all the time. Patience, compassion, ease and confidence will be words I recite to myself over and over again. Yes, holidays, families, and lots of free time can often be a concoction for disaster, but this year, I will settle in and know that many gifts will be bestowed upon me and most of them will not be purchased.


Decide your destiny
Below are symbols, concepts, and words for you to use as a starting point on your own wintery journey.  Take all the time you need over the next few days, see what resonates with you. Whatever you try not to see, probably will be the very thing you MUST give light to during the Solstice. Happy Solstice, see all of you on the other side of all of this goodness!

Winter Totem - Moose

Meaning - Find New Life from my Depths

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Divine Feminine Connection

Water & Rhythms

Shapeshifting

Seek Herbal Alternatives

Maneuverability & Intuition

Winter Concept - Open to Sacred Energy

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Know my Contradictions

Make use of my Spiritual Territory

Embrace my Depth Perception

Trust my Knowing

Release my Past


Winter Affirmation

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On Winter's dawn I'm grateful to be all that I can be,

In a quiet time I know messages, magic, and love are overflowing,

Most importantly Sister Winter I am open to the sacred that is manifesting.

--Andrea

Relishing the Retrogrades

Dates defined

The planet mercury will go into a retrograde period December 19th and stay with us until January 8, 2017.  These dates are just an approximation and some of us have begun to feel the effects as early as December 12th. So to help us all be a bit more proactive this post includes retrograde dates for 2017 as well.

Some guidance
The retrogrades in the coming year are three times the opportunity to show ourselves, ya know what, we can do this.  Even as that God of Communication does his usual trickery, we can move forward, albeit at a totally different speed.  Remember retrogrades can be felt up to seven days before its onset and sometimes seven days after it goes direct.

Slowing it down
A retrograde is when the planet is supposed to move and what we see moving are different actions.  When this happens, all forms of communication are off kilter.  To say the least. snail mail, email, cell phone, home phone, speaking to others, speaking to yourself, and don't even think of signing a contract or wonder why negotiations are not going well...So if things seemed to be going oh so right, sit back, relax and let things ride over the next few weeks. Don't take things or people personally (especially yourself).  Most importantly remain open to the communication you have with yourself.  This relationship has the potential to grow at leaps and bounds during the retrograde.

  

Heed these things

Word to the wise, do not negotiate or sign anything, be it contract, big deals or heck even a napkin deal.  Why you ask, well because more than likely there will be miscommunication or misunderstanding.  And for all of us thinking about buying a new, "supadupa" tech gadget, please don't or if you must to get a holiday sale price, keep all receipts.  The return process or malfunction is basically inevitable.  

A possible gift
I personally see Mercury as that ever creative trickster that is out to have fun at my expense, but is never intentionally mean spirited. I also wonder sometimes if mercury wasn't in retrograde would I take the time I need for myself. So a retrograde so close to a holiday could be a challenge for us, but you know in advance so just prepare, sit back enjoy your folks, and LAUGH at all costs. Let me know how it goes.

Below some tips on how to survive this period. Forewarned is forearmed!

Mercury Retrograde Tips

Have more patience

Take more time to work internally on myself 

Revisit old, solid relationships 

Focus on things that will not waver 

---Andrea

Real release

Last, not too late
The moon has moved into her full state. Today, the last day of the full moon period, let us reflect on what we can gain from this period. We are half way through this lunar cycle and we must chart where we are and where we are headed.

Moon hype
Myths and lore exist about the full moon but few indicate the power and climatic energy available at this time. In general a full moon is that time during the cycle when we check in or it can also be that time when we can reflect on intentions that were set during the new moon.

True focus
For me full moon time is a great place to get a snapshot of where I am, not where I think I am. At this time we can look for success in matters related to love, attraction, abundance, courage, and inner awakenings. These are not the only places to work during the full moon, but it is a starting point.

Issue be gone
During this time I suggest we embrace the concept of releasing that which has been the biggest challenge for us. Whether it be a personal flaw, a difficult relationship (of any kind), financial trouble, or blocked creativity, at this very moment we can drop that mic and walk away. And this time a walk away is not giving up, but rather giving in to the higher divine powers that can handle any and everything. Just think no more heartache, sleepless nights or stress. All of this talk of releasing that which plagues us is the complete opposite of how most of us are socialized, but I know with effort we all can embrace it. Let go in order to move on.

Full Moon Concept - Mantras

Credit: yogalime.com

I say yes to Healing

I have the Power to surpass Struggle

Cleansing is Healing

The Divine Mother wishes me healing

Candle Power

At the Full Moon there is an awesome amount of power available an a way to cement that power and your works is by burning candles.  Find yellow candles that are safe and burn them as long and as much as you like. Fire is a tool of creation and stands in the direction of the South.  Ignite your soul towards its power this Full Moon.

Yellow

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Joy of Spirit

Mental Clarity

Personal Agility

Smooth Transitions

--Andrea

A shot of Fire

www.emaze.com

A marked difference
Feeling a bit different these days? You should cause we have sauntered into the Sagittarius lunar cycle and the energy shift has been noticeable.  And at this exact moment the moon has begun to grow (wax) towards its full self.  Waxing moon time is ripe for endeavors related to short term projects or immediate changes to circumstances. I suggest we all have our game plans ready to activate during this time with small, measurable accomplishments.

See beyond sight
A key part of this plan must be Sagittarius, the Sun Sign that dominates this lunar cycle. Often misunderstood or misused, Sagittarius (Centaur/The Archer) wields great power and judgement. But do not forget the fire like energy, dynamism, fun, and optimism that can arise at this time. This sign, related to the holiday season in the western world is here, at this time, for a reason. Be the archer, devise your goal, then go shoot for it.

The Gift Bringer
All of this information needs to be put together like a personal puzzle that helps us navigate to the next level of evolution. Next piece (and maybe most important piece) is to recognize the ruling planet of Sagittarius, Jupiter. Known as the Father or King this benevolent planet amplifies and challenges at the same time. This WILL NOT be that time of the year when you can just slide by on doing the least. No, no, no. Jupiter will require us to be our highest selves. In return we can expect financial prosperity, the ability to clear negativity from our paths, and expansions of our courage levels.

My first step
My journey this lunar cycle is about understanding and proceeding with the knowledge that all gifts from my ancestors await me, but I must take the step. I must release any fear, ego, or doubt brought on by society, family, or old wounds. My time is NOW and it will not be this time forever. By embracing the laser focus Sagittarius/Jupiter provide my archer shots will be spot on and much more than I can ever imagine, but I must take that first step towards everything.

Plan, then plan
Utilize your inner archer and figure what needs to be done.  Set up for yourself short term and long term goals.  Below are mere ideas or sparks what comes from this is totally up to you. Decide now what issue or situation, then use the tips below to guide the development and progress of that issue or situation. See your target, aim, and shoot for it.

Work in a Sagittarius Lunar Cycle

Determination

Profit Bringer

Revelation

Optimism

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Concept - Cross My Threshold

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A threshold awaits me

Actively move to my next phase

I must accept the gifts that await me

I must Know, I must See, I must Be, I must Do

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Herbs/Essences

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Cedarwood - Fire Element - Financial Prosperity

Nutmeg - Fire Element - Strength

Obeah - Fire Element - Break Negativity

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Stone - Sapphire

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Clarity

Protection

Dispelling Negativity

Concentration

Sagittarius Lunar Cycle Affirmation

In a shifting world I bravely answer yes to Sagittarius' gifts,

These gifts await me just beyond this threshold,

I accept all and step into my new, true power, 

knowing I and the world will be better for it.

---Andrea

Inside the Silence

credit: guymarc-aurele.ca

The dust is settling
As the leaves fall and the grey clouds come we must welcome, with open arms, Sister Winter. Although she's been here for a week I'm sure we are still getting used to her idiosyncratic ways.  I hope we all can stand and absorb all the blessings she can bestow upon us, IF we are ready.

Medicine that is unsaid
While winter is here I hope we are able to take advantage of the true medicine that can come from sitting in our own silences and hearing the messages spirit(s) have for us.  Let the barren branches of the trees make way for light and sight.  What has been thought of as a time of year for colds and sedentary lifestyles can be replaced by movement and activity. 

To accept and forgive
For me this winter is about self-forgiveness and acceptance of the transmutation that has already begun.  Since I can be one of my hardest critics I often forget how profound my impact is on my community, near and far.  Well this winter I stop all of that kind of thinking because my guides have given me such supportive care and compassion on this part of the journey, so who wants to challenge that.  Certainly not me.  I am working on self-forgiveness and acceptance from the inside out and the outside in.  My aim is high, but whatever heights I reach with this will be another step closer and for that I am willing to take the risk.

Choose your ways
I am sharing with you symbols, concepts and benchmarks for you to begin your winter journey.  And take your time, you have many more weeks to get to wherever you are going.  Along the way be honest and when you need help, ask for it. Being in need is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of true understanding of one's place.  Happy Journeying!!!

Winter Animal Totem - Snake

Focus - Dive Into The Snake's Mouth

Know I possess Fire Energy

Amalgamate the Female and Male

All life's poisons can be altered

 Winter Concept - Transmutation

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Enter the West Lodge

Silence

Death/Rebirth

Forgiveness

Winter Mantra

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In this chill I am clear and have clarity

*** Try saying the mantra to yourself 108 times at each sitting the mala above can be useful and meditative.




--Andrea

 

The secret to change

Dawn of a full moon
Not sure you feel it but we in the midst of the Gemini Full Moon and like the duplicitous sign of Gemini there are high and low points for us.  The moon became full yesterday morning EST and now we have heightened power at our disposal. We will see the best results if we formalize our works during this full moon, so incense, a candle, writing materials, guidance cards, crystals, and even herbs are all in order.  The more ritualized your efforts the better.

Power of two
A Gemini Full Moon is quite a treat and coming at this time of the year is just fortuitous, an early holiday gift.  Gemini, the sign that represents new-ness, employment opportunities, and mental health, is ruled by my personal ruling planet Mercury.  Now, hold up. For those of us whose lives were rocked by that last retrograde know that this full moon energy is the other side of the coin.

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Headed for a detour
Mercury gifts us constantly with the ability to journey, communicate, dance through our lives and see trickery ahead, but one of the most precious gifts is change.  This is that amazing time in our lives when we face a choice and we (and only we) can make the decision about doing something differently.  Dearest Mercury opens the way for us to accept, embrace and embark on that CHANGE.  Change is not easy. Change can be uncomfortable. Change is often the unknown.   But mostly, change is the best things that are yet to happen to us.  Say yes, know change is needed and make that change.

 Be-ing change
For me, my task during this Gemini Full Moon has been about and will be about just being.  I stand here in my power, wield it responsibly, and know that my medicine is for me first and foremost.  My change is about knowing all things around me that I adore, admire, and accept are all connected to me.  I challenge myself to erase the lines of separation and know deep down inside that I have access to ALL.

Only change changes
What do you need to change? Are you resisting certain changes? Do you need to review some lessons in order to truly change? Please ask away.  The more open you are to hearing the questions during this period the more potent and magical the outcomes.  Below are steps that can put you on that path, but stray from this, these are just tips, not rule.

Full Moon Goddess - Ishtar

Concept - Boundaries

 

credit: landofgoddesses.wordpress.com

Give of myself vs. Giving up myself

Stepping back is acceptable

Respecting my boundaries teaches others boundaries

Candle Power

During this Full Moon time it is powerful to burn candles to cement that which you are working towards.  Below is information on the candle color that can be associated with the properties of Mercury, the ruler of Gemini.  Find safe candles, burn them as long and as much as you like.  Fire is creation tool, use it to ignite yourself towards your goals this Full Moon. 

 

Yellow

credit: fengshui.about.com

Mind Power

Change Manifestation

Mental Clarity

Personal Flexibility

--Andrea

To die on a Winter's Day

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Worth the wait
A little over a week ago we officially entered into Winter.  Although I had been trying to post before now I am glad I waited. I hope the thoughts I am about to lay out resonate and heals us all.  Winter - a time like no other during the year, here is why.

 Dying is life
Are you ready for your death? Not being the morbid or macabre one, just asking you, me and all of us: are we open to one of the greatest gifts Winter has for us, REBIRTH?  But in order for that to truly transpire during this often cold and cooler season we must be ready to DIE.  Die the part or parts of ourselves that are no longer useful.  Die those parts that we have outgrown but still hold on to regrettably.  Die the final pieces of that other iteration of ourselves that is just no longer serving us.  And why in Winter you ask?

What will you choose
Well, Winter is that amazing time of the year when many parts of the Earth are freezing, cooling, and chilling and it is during these almost tundra conditions we are given the opportunity to die off the unwanted without infection or contamination to the rest of who we are.  It's as if the universe has said, here is your time to GET RIGHT.  Now what would we look like we if refused.  So first we must take stock of what needs to go.  Then we must have patience and understanding to endure the death of our unwanted self.  And let me caution us all, this may not be easy, comfortable, or understood by others, but that is okay.  The Winter's Death could be painless and seamless, especially if we are open and looking forward to it.  So as the limbs on trees, patches of ground, and fits of cold in the air all show signs of retracting into themselves for a later debut, so shall we.  I am accepting my Winter's Death, are you?

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The cycle continues
Please walk with me into this most beautiful death.  Below are aspects of Winter that will be small reminders to stay committed to whatever it is we each decide we need to die.  Death of course is just a step on a larger wheel of life we live, over and over again.  There is no final resting place only changes, transformation and evolution.  Here we go folks, our higher selves are calling!!!!

Winter Concept - Loss

Embrace Resurrection

Losses are always Returned

Transformation = Change

Winter Goddess - Pele

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Listen, Hear, and Act Upon my Dreams

Dance to my own Rhythms

Ignite my own Excitement

Fear not my Heart's Desires

Winter Stone - Gold Stone

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Vitality

Energy

Invocation of Power

Winter Affirmation

I am openly and knowingly walking into my Winter's Death,

understanding that a beautiful transformation will occur,

I accept the death/rebirth process & release all fear of lack, of the unknown, and of not being who I truly want to be,

When I have moments of doubt I will gravitate towards my spirit tools & my fellow journeymen/women who are also dying just as beautifully as I am

--Andrea/DaughterofWaters

Making my way into the silence

Gemini Fullness
Although we are close to the Winter Solstice, the moon has a few more blessings to bestow upon us. Today we reach the fullness of the moon in the sign of Gemini.  YAH!!! We all made it, thank goddess, but how shall we use this energy?  The full moon is a proper check in time. Consider it a self assessment of sorts.  And this full moon is dubbed the "Cold" Full Moon according to the Farmer's Almanac and right now cooling down on things is a good thing.

Mercurial messaging to us all
When Gemini rules the skies, although we fashion it to be a "sprite" like time, the true ruler is the planet Mercury.  Yes, that's right Mercury, but not in retrograde, that's another kind of goodness.  Mercury the owner of communication, cross roads and transitions can be intense to wield sometimes, but it always keeps us on our toes, grants miracles unimagined and forces us to keep humor in our lives.  Be sure in these long cold nights and sometimes days of this full moon, open to Mercury's magic, you may be totally astounded. 

Actively silent
With many shifts occurring in my physical and spiritual life I am mandating that I absorb the silence.  Even as I slide on into the holiday season I must say I am looking forward to calm, quiet, and rest.  A challenge it will be (in my best yoda-speak), but one I know will benefit me.  Not talking or processing, just simply listening.

Formalize your way
A big tip I learned a while ago was that full moon work should be more structured and deliberate.  Whatever you feel is needed, be it candles, paper, talisman, or incense, make it so.  The more formal you make your work during the full moon the more likely the spirit realm is to hear your requests.  That and the more likely we are to move our own spirits towards our goals.

Work in the Full Moon

 

Love, Attraction, Passion

Abundance & Prosperity

Space Charging

Courage of Heart

Gemini Full Moon Concept

 

Intuition and Self-Communication

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My intuition will Expand

Constant Communication with Self & Others

Trust my Instincts & Hunches

Inner World Focus

Candle Power

During this Full Moon time it can be awesomely powerful to burn candles to cement that which you are working towards. Below is information on candle color that can be associated with the properties of Mercury, the ruler of Gemini. Find safe candles, burn them as long and as much as you like. Fire is a creation tool use it to ignite yourself towards your goals this Full Moon.

Yellow

 

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Manifests Change

Curiosity

A New & Fresh World

 

 

 

 

 

 

---Andrea/DaughterofWaters