Sacred Self Care Guide for December 2017 from Rising River Wisdom School
In all the world’s’ mythology and culture, there have been wisdom keepers, those who looked to the natural and the hidden worlds as a guide for life on earth. Rising River Wisdom School is an immersive program for those looking to step into their own power and carry wisdom for themselves and the world around them. Below you will find some Sacred Self Care insight for December from some of Rising River Wisdom School’s incredible teachers – we’ve got you covered for setting intentions with the upcoming new moon, to seeking insight from animal guides, card reading and plant medicine plus lots of guidance for mindfully closing out 2017 and entering 2018 with your vibrant well-being in focus.
New Moon Wishing for December by Michelle Prentiss
Our Earth’s Moon is no star, but it does reflect the brightest light we can see in the night sky. Its phases are a part of human consciousness, and its movements affect systems on earth and sea. When we align our activities to the Moon’s cycles we find a greater connection to both our bodies and intuitive wisdom.
A powerful way to become aware of Moon energy is to utilize it for your own personal growth. As Biodynamic farmers do, track the moon cycles with an ephemeris or almanac. Use the New Moon time period to plant the seeds of wishes and desires, and the Full Moon to culminate and release them.
For example, say you want to begin a new nutrition and movement program. The few days just before the New Moon are perfect for crystallizing your thoughts here.
Ask yourself – What do I really want? What Do I Need? How do I Feel? (new moons can begin a new emotional/feeling cycle)
On the day of the New Moon use the energy of new beginnings to create a ritual around your desires. You can write down your wishes on paper or in a journal, light a candle as you hold these wishes in your mind, or join with others to create a ceremony around it.
We first sow the seeds of our intentions internally, then cultivate them with action as they are revealed with the Full Moon.
December’s New Moon is at 12/17-18 10:30pm PST
The New Moon for December is in the sign of Sagittarius, a fire element sign that represents the inner light of spiritual truth, that which keeps us going through the dark of winter. Sagittarius symbol is the Archer and she is concerned with finding meaning and direction on our journey.
This is a perfect New Moon for setting intentions regarding what you want to attract in your life – as well as creating Sacred Self Care habits and rituals that empower by integrating our bodies needs with the needs of our souls.
As our Moon moves it connects with Mercury (the communication planet), which is retrograde- this is perfect for reviewing the past and releasing negative self-concepts.
Venus is close too, and she symbolizes the archetype of the body’s sensuality and attraction.
Saturn, the planet of structure supports this lunation too and creates a framework for our self-care activities that can assist in turning them into lasting creations.
This moon guides you to kindle the fire within you to prioritize yourself above all, to find and fan the flame that inspires you to be the best you can be!
Make wishes that set up and support expanded well being – Let Luna be your guide!
Animal Guides for Mid December – Mid January by Brook Albrigo
We have many different types of guides – whether we are aware of them or not. Sometimes they come to us in dreams, meditation or even in person.
I have always been able to connect to animals in spirit form since I can remember. Some healers see people who have passed on, some see auras or colors, others don’t “see” anything – but can hear or sense a guide. Throughout both my personal and professional practice, I have been able to connect with these animal guides for healing and messages. Even the most skeptical person can relate to an animal in my work. Animals bring us a sense of awe, mystery and innocence. They remind us of our own primal connection to nature and the role we play as humans – good and bad. The type of animal guide I will be working with for our monthly forecast is a messenger guide. A messenger guide quickly comes in with an energy and message and leaves once their guidance is heeded and understood. They step in to help us through particular situations and once we are on the other side of it, a new one may step in.
The current and continuing energy we are in until the new moon in January is the Arctic Fox energy. In Celtic tribes, the fox was considered the master of the woods and protector. Egyptians wore fox furs to please the gods and the Chinese believed that foxes could take on human form. The fox has been revered in many cultures across time. When I work with the fox, I ask “What messages does it bring us at this time?”
Fox is extremely resourceful and can come to us at times of change and unpredictability. Her message is that of flexibility, adaptability and trust. We have been through trials and tribulations of all sorts this year and fox urges us to take our fear and pain and turn it into something positive. Channel it into a project or endeavor and do not let the negative things others do or say affect you. Welcome these changes with faith and trust in yourself and know you have the resources available to get through this. Fox is stealth and focused while she hunts and knows when to wait for the right moment to pounce, so watch and observe before making your next big move.
If this resonates with you, start working with Arctic fox on your own by asking for it to visit you in your dreams for more guidance or even having a picture of one where you can see it frequently and be reminded of these messages.
Kristi Prokopiak’s Card for the Month
For the close of 2017, as we flow into the New Year, we will be simmering in the love and adoration of all those around us. Haha. Honestly though, this is such a beautiful energy to permeate this new moon cycle. The Six of Wands is a card of victory and recognition. We have completed our work, finished our “to do” list, won some tiny battles, and come out on top. In the case of this card, literally on top, with a giant mountain range as our recliner. Look at all our fans offering their roses!!
This card invites us to recognize our accomplishments and feel deeply proud that we followed our heart. Take a moment to give thanks to those who have supported you and cheered you on along the way. Let your people know how much you love them!! If the imagery or ideas associated with this card aren’t resonating for you right now, look for little moments in your days to feel accomplished. Got the mail out of the mailbox today? You win!! Remembered to brush your teeth?? Get this woman a medal!! Celebrate every tiny victory. Use the momentum of the little things to recognize what that sensation feels like in your heart, and then continue to attract more of that passion, creativity and warmth. Let’s end the year reflecting on our blessings, and let that gratitude spill into the New Year!!
Deck used: Dark Days Tarot Deck
Jacqueline Zadjman’s Plant Medicine Guidance
With the winter solstice approaching shortly after the new moon on December 17th, we are reminded that all living things begin to retreat at this time of year. Plants begin to find warmth and conserve their nutrients by directing their energy into their roots. Like our plant spirit guides, we are reminded that we too need to conserve our energy and tonify our systems to reap the regenerative rewards of Spring’s bounty. The winter months are a perfect time for receiving guidance from our herbal allies through root work and rituals that encourage grounding, centering, restorative sleep and inspired dreaming.
The key for the winter season is getting back to basics. How can we nourish ourselves? What plants can help me feel rested and relaxed? What plants help deepen my practice of dreaming to tap into the world of my deeper intuition. With Sagittarius in transit for this sweet new moon, we welcome the energy of fire to stoke our inner essence and keep us ignited through these shorter days.
This moon, begin by setting up a morning practice of creating an infusion to work with. When you steep your plants the night before, you increase the medicinal property of the “tea” by letting it sit for 8-12 hours, versus 3-5 minutes. In a 1 qt size mason jar, take a small handful of loose herbs or 3 tea bags of nourishing herbs like burdock root, comfrey, raspberry leaf, nettles or holy basil and watch your root begin to strengthen. Allow yourself time to meditate with the infusion, imagining the vitality of the plant trickling down to your root chakra, strengthening your spirit and building a glowing immunity within you. This is also my favorite time of year to have a constant pot of tonic burning on the stove. What’s a tonic you ask? Any drink that tonifies your nervous and immune system. I love working with different variations, but a favorite of mine is an adaptogenic medicinal chai! In a pot, throw in dried reishi mushrooms, chaga, ginger, cardamom, licorice, vanilla, cinnamon and clove. After boiling them for about 30 minutes (also called a decoction), you can add whatever milk, raw honey, and black tea you enjoy. This drink creates inner heat, which will keep you warm, fuzzy and and feeling vibrant!
To add to your magical night, smudge mugwort before bedtime to prepare the mind and spirit for the dream world. Mugwort, a metaphysical plant, is said to be ruled by Artemis, goddess of the moon. Inhale her spirit as you watch your dreams inspire messages, vivid colors, and themes spun by your deep subconscious. What wishes do you hope to manifest this new moon? How lucky are we to have so many plant spirits guiding the way!
