I loved walking through the winter woods along the candlelit path with the young girl in the video. It was calming and a lovely way to honor winter’s darkness—soon to change with the solstice.
Now with regards to the Tarot reading. I used the We'Moon Tarot deck. The pull was good and informative, but in addition I had set aside a card that was turned face up to see if it had anything to add. AND OH, YES. It was the 3 of Air. Intuition. A woman in the air above some water, her hair the black night filled with stars and a Crescent Moon. A very tiny figure with wings stands on her brow. This says to me to keep listening for my intuition, inviting it (and honoring it). Several times I’ve heard her speaking to me lately—that voice of Intuition, that voice of Inner Wisdom. And when I followed the advice, I was calm and effective.
My parents worked so hard to give us a magical Christmas. I realized this first, I think, as a teenager when I went to the basement and saw my Dad, very late in the evening, trying to put together a "fort" for my 10 years younger brother. (These were the old days when such things came unassembled, were metal, and had instructions such as "Put tab A into slot A infinitum.) My mother gave such careful attention to matching gift and person. My husband and I carried on traditions from both families. In my family gifts from Santa were unwrapped; in his, they were all wrapped. I've always kept the sense of wonder and magic of childhood. This no doubt led to me, delighted, into Paganism.
Thank you for the beautiful card spread. I'm looking forward to working with it soon. I'm realizing now the fog in my own life, that I recently released around ancestral work - a grief that came up in regards to my ancestral lineage that I didn't even realize I was carrying until it came forth. After doing some writing and creating an altar acknowledging the trauma my ancestors experienced I'm feeling lighter in my being. So I'm intrigued by what the winter solstice spread will reveal as I move forward now. I always appreciate the wisdom you share. Thank you.
Thank you! December used to be a month I dreaded, but that is no longer so. These recent foggy December mornings have been a joy for me. You inspired me to resume walking in the woods as often as possible. Loved watching the Santa Lucia video. Whenever I hear "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" tears well up, remembering an innocent time in my life.
I may have shared this memory in one of your previous classes. Joanna, so please forgive me for bringing back my memory not of Christmas/Yule, but of St. Lucia's Day.
When I was a girl of nine or ten years, I remember reading about the Lucia tradition in Sweden, where the oldest girl in the family would rise before everyone else and make breakfast for the family, serving everyone while wearing a Lucia crown of candles. This got my attention because I was the oldest of three girls, and I thought this was the neatest thing I'd ever heard.
So I surreptitiously made myself a Lucia crown, complete with candles, out of construction paper and crayons and glue. I would do it! I'd honor St.Lucia by reenacting the ancient ritual! I was quite pleased with myself.
On St.Lucia's Day I set my plan in motion. The thing I hadn't taken into account was that besides me, no one else in the family had ever heard of the Lucia breakfast.
As quietly as I could, I prepared four cups of cocoa with marshmallows and a plate of cookies that I'd "borrowed" from the Christmas tree. Stealthily I stepped into the still-darkened bedroom that my two sisters shared and flipped in the light. "Happy Saint Lucia's Day!" I beamed, ready for delighted smiles.
My middle sister opened one eye, muttered, "You're so weird," and went back to sleep. My youngest sister, 4 or 5 years old, was about to do the same when she caught sight of the cookies. That woke her up fast, and she padded behind me as I took the tray into my parents' room.
They woke and stared sleepily at me, utterly confused at the two of offering a tray of something with expectant smiles.
My dad, like my middle sister, was completely unimpressed and turned over, pulling up the covers to go back to snoring. My mom, bless her heart, clearly decided she didn't need to understand everything her odd oldest daughter did. She thanked me but said she'd get up in a while after a bit more sleep.
I thought, Well, I did my part, and quietly closed the bedroom door. My sister was eyeing the cookies intently, so I led her back to the kitchen table. ThQere we feasted on cocoa and cookies in the predawn darkness and quiet.
What a great story, Kris! I have a big grin on my face. The Lady was calling you even back then! I love it that you and your sister got to share the magic together.
Oh that's so hard, Linda. I'm so sorry. I lost a son in 1990 so I know a bit about what you're going through. I'm glad the post helped a bit. Wrapping you up in a big comforting blanket of memories and love.
(PS I always recommend this book to folks who are grieving: "It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture that Doesn't Understand" by Megan Devine. You can also find her here: https://refugeingrief.com)
I so loved and related to your message of missing those who have passed on before us and those who are still with us, but far away. I had a difficult time getting into the spirit of Yuletide this year until I unpacked my vintage ornaments and came upon three very old candles. One was a metal holder used to attach a real candle to a real tree- used into the 1920's. There is also a small wooden one with a glittery sleeve and a plastic flocked hanging candle. They reminded me that there indeed was and still is light in the world. We only need to look for it and then feels its warmth and love that it emits. Thank you for a wonderful post.
Oh Penny, thank you for this story. I love it, especially the descriptions of those ornaments! I have yet to unpack my ornament box this year ... we'll see where it takes me.
Thank you so much for mentioning Yuletide and memories/feelings re: "death, divorce, distance.." It helps to be reminded that these are universal themes, very human. It brought me a sense of belonging and compassion for my journey. Blessings to all.
Thank you so much for sharing this Yuletide Tarot spread. It was a great invitation when I sat down to do a new reading this morning and it has inspired me to use my Herbcrafter's Tarot exclusively through the winter as a way to deepen my understanding of this beautiful, unique deck.
Only a quick snapshot of my personal reading but it sings true, clear, and bright, especially as a communication from my herbal ancestors, especially cherished this year as my first herbal mentor passed at the Full Rose Moon in June. The gift of nurturing darkness lies in my writing life (6 of Air/Cattail). The promise of the returning sun lies in claiming my ancestral sovereign path (7 of Fire/Cinnamon). I find hope for my personal life through defending, protecting, and sharing traditional folk medicine---this is literally the work I do daily (Adelita of Fire/Cayenne). One action I can take to offer hope is lighting a witch torch to ignite creativity and show the way (Ace of Fire/Mullein). Today my holy helpers most want me to know I must be vulnerable yet strong and that healing the heart is healing the world (3-The Empress/Rose).
Deep bow of gratitude to you, Joanna, and to the Grande Dame of my herbal path, Jeanne Rose. 🌿💚🌹🔥
It's interesting, because our new puppy (well now he just had his first birthday) is so big and still puppyish-wild, I walk him on our road right at sunrise mainly to avoid his seeing other neighbors or cars passing by which he would just otherwise yank me very hard to join! It's our way of doing our quiet walk and it is as the sun rises, and it does feel quite mystical. Oh, thank you for the card spread. I did that and the nurturing darkness is bringing me the knight of pentacles which is rest for my body and physical health and it ends with the Helping Ones bringing the knight of wands, which I see as more activity and energy later, perhaps creativity.
I loved walking through the winter woods along the candlelit path with the young girl in the video. It was calming and a lovely way to honor winter’s darkness—soon to change with the solstice.
So glad you loved the video, Heather. Happy Solstice!
Now with regards to the Tarot reading. I used the We'Moon Tarot deck. The pull was good and informative, but in addition I had set aside a card that was turned face up to see if it had anything to add. AND OH, YES. It was the 3 of Air. Intuition. A woman in the air above some water, her hair the black night filled with stars and a Crescent Moon. A very tiny figure with wings stands on her brow. This says to me to keep listening for my intuition, inviting it (and honoring it). Several times I’ve heard her speaking to me lately—that voice of Intuition, that voice of Inner Wisdom. And when I followed the advice, I was calm and effective.
Calm and effective, that’s what we all want to be! Beautiful reading and imagery, thank you Donna.
My parents worked so hard to give us a magical Christmas. I realized this first, I think, as a teenager when I went to the basement and saw my Dad, very late in the evening, trying to put together a "fort" for my 10 years younger brother. (These were the old days when such things came unassembled, were metal, and had instructions such as "Put tab A into slot A infinitum.) My mother gave such careful attention to matching gift and person. My husband and I carried on traditions from both families. In my family gifts from Santa were unwrapped; in his, they were all wrapped. I've always kept the sense of wonder and magic of childhood. This no doubt led to me, delighted, into Paganism.
I love these memories, Donna! Thank you for telling us about them. I feel like I’m right there.
Just a little extra Lucia gift - I came across a translation of the words to the familiar song "Santa Lucia":
*****
Night comes with heavy steps through our land, calling.
Sunlight, the earth forgets; shadows are falling.
However dark the night, rising with candles bright,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Though long may be the night, hope, she is bringing,
Hear now, the maid in white, silently winging,
Hushed wonder in the air, Lights glowing in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
"The darkness soon shall flee valleys in shadow,
Sunlight I can foresee, over over the meadows,
The sun will come again! Rise in the sky to reign!"
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Translated from Swedish by Tamsyn Spackman.
*****
Who knew we were singing a goddess song all these years? 😄
Thank you Kris! I love this modern translation you found ... the lyrics aren't as stilted as the lyrics from 1928 we usually sing:
"Night plods with heavy tread
Court and cot cov’ring,
O’er earth, now sunshine’s sped,
Shadows are hov’ring.
Mirk in our home takes flight
When comes with tapers bright,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia."
I actually did know it was a goddess song all these years 🤣 ... since Helen Farias first introduced me to Lucia back in the 1980s. 🕯🕯🕯
You're right, these lyrics are more... well, lyrical. 😊
Thank you for the beautiful card spread. I'm looking forward to working with it soon. I'm realizing now the fog in my own life, that I recently released around ancestral work - a grief that came up in regards to my ancestral lineage that I didn't even realize I was carrying until it came forth. After doing some writing and creating an altar acknowledging the trauma my ancestors experienced I'm feeling lighter in my being. So I'm intrigued by what the winter solstice spread will reveal as I move forward now. I always appreciate the wisdom you share. Thank you.
Ancestral work can be quite powerful, can't it. Thanks for being here, Barb. I hope the spread takes you to an even deeper place. 💚
Thank you! December used to be a month I dreaded, but that is no longer so. These recent foggy December mornings have been a joy for me. You inspired me to resume walking in the woods as often as possible. Loved watching the Santa Lucia video. Whenever I hear "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" tears well up, remembering an innocent time in my life.
December has its own special beauty, doesn't it. And oh yes, I love "O Come Emannuael" too. So haunting. And yes to memories of innocence.
Joanna, I love the questions in your tarot spread. They are easy to adopt to our summer season. Thank you once more for all that you give.
I'm so glad to hear this, Kate. Warm holiday blessings to you!
Waverly has been in my thoughts and so of course, this lovely post makes me think of her, as well. <3
She stepped through the veil 5 years ago on St. Lucia's Day ... she is much on my mind too, Danna. 🕯💚🕯
I may have shared this memory in one of your previous classes. Joanna, so please forgive me for bringing back my memory not of Christmas/Yule, but of St. Lucia's Day.
When I was a girl of nine or ten years, I remember reading about the Lucia tradition in Sweden, where the oldest girl in the family would rise before everyone else and make breakfast for the family, serving everyone while wearing a Lucia crown of candles. This got my attention because I was the oldest of three girls, and I thought this was the neatest thing I'd ever heard.
So I surreptitiously made myself a Lucia crown, complete with candles, out of construction paper and crayons and glue. I would do it! I'd honor St.Lucia by reenacting the ancient ritual! I was quite pleased with myself.
On St.Lucia's Day I set my plan in motion. The thing I hadn't taken into account was that besides me, no one else in the family had ever heard of the Lucia breakfast.
As quietly as I could, I prepared four cups of cocoa with marshmallows and a plate of cookies that I'd "borrowed" from the Christmas tree. Stealthily I stepped into the still-darkened bedroom that my two sisters shared and flipped in the light. "Happy Saint Lucia's Day!" I beamed, ready for delighted smiles.
My middle sister opened one eye, muttered, "You're so weird," and went back to sleep. My youngest sister, 4 or 5 years old, was about to do the same when she caught sight of the cookies. That woke her up fast, and she padded behind me as I took the tray into my parents' room.
They woke and stared sleepily at me, utterly confused at the two of offering a tray of something with expectant smiles.
My dad, like my middle sister, was completely unimpressed and turned over, pulling up the covers to go back to snoring. My mom, bless her heart, clearly decided she didn't need to understand everything her odd oldest daughter did. She thanked me but said she'd get up in a while after a bit more sleep.
I thought, Well, I did my part, and quietly closed the bedroom door. My sister was eyeing the cookies intently, so I led her back to the kitchen table. ThQere we feasted on cocoa and cookies in the predawn darkness and quiet.
It is so lovely memory! Love it.
What a great story, Kris! I have a big grin on my face. The Lady was calling you even back then! I love it that you and your sister got to share the magic together.
Joanna, happy Christmas… your post was so beautiful…it brought me to tears. I lost my son this year and your words are so comforting
Oh that's so hard, Linda. I'm so sorry. I lost a son in 1990 so I know a bit about what you're going through. I'm glad the post helped a bit. Wrapping you up in a big comforting blanket of memories and love.
(PS I always recommend this book to folks who are grieving: "It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture that Doesn't Understand" by Megan Devine. You can also find her here: https://refugeingrief.com)
I so loved and related to your message of missing those who have passed on before us and those who are still with us, but far away. I had a difficult time getting into the spirit of Yuletide this year until I unpacked my vintage ornaments and came upon three very old candles. One was a metal holder used to attach a real candle to a real tree- used into the 1920's. There is also a small wooden one with a glittery sleeve and a plastic flocked hanging candle. They reminded me that there indeed was and still is light in the world. We only need to look for it and then feels its warmth and love that it emits. Thank you for a wonderful post.
Oh Penny, thank you for this story. I love it, especially the descriptions of those ornaments! I have yet to unpack my ornament box this year ... we'll see where it takes me.
Hopefully a place full of LIGHT! :-)
Beautiful. Thank you so much and many blessings to you 💕
And to you, Marguerite!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for mentioning Yuletide and memories/feelings re: "death, divorce, distance.." It helps to be reminded that these are universal themes, very human. It brought me a sense of belonging and compassion for my journey. Blessings to all.
I'm so glad to hear this, Paula. Belonging and compassion for everyone! 💚
Thank you so much for sharing this Yuletide Tarot spread. It was a great invitation when I sat down to do a new reading this morning and it has inspired me to use my Herbcrafter's Tarot exclusively through the winter as a way to deepen my understanding of this beautiful, unique deck.
Only a quick snapshot of my personal reading but it sings true, clear, and bright, especially as a communication from my herbal ancestors, especially cherished this year as my first herbal mentor passed at the Full Rose Moon in June. The gift of nurturing darkness lies in my writing life (6 of Air/Cattail). The promise of the returning sun lies in claiming my ancestral sovereign path (7 of Fire/Cinnamon). I find hope for my personal life through defending, protecting, and sharing traditional folk medicine---this is literally the work I do daily (Adelita of Fire/Cayenne). One action I can take to offer hope is lighting a witch torch to ignite creativity and show the way (Ace of Fire/Mullein). Today my holy helpers most want me to know I must be vulnerable yet strong and that healing the heart is healing the world (3-The Empress/Rose).
Deep bow of gratitude to you, Joanna, and to the Grande Dame of my herbal path, Jeanne Rose. 🌿💚🌹🔥
Jeanne Rose. I remember her! Blessed be her memory. How perfect she crossed the threshold under a Full Rose Moon.
It's exciting, Leenie, to hear that you'll be using the Herbcrafter's throughout the winter. I hope it's a fruitful study for you!
And what a beautiful reading. I love that it ended with a message from Empress Rose. 🌹
It's interesting, because our new puppy (well now he just had his first birthday) is so big and still puppyish-wild, I walk him on our road right at sunrise mainly to avoid his seeing other neighbors or cars passing by which he would just otherwise yank me very hard to join! It's our way of doing our quiet walk and it is as the sun rises, and it does feel quite mystical. Oh, thank you for the card spread. I did that and the nurturing darkness is bringing me the knight of pentacles which is rest for my body and physical health and it ends with the Helping Ones bringing the knight of wands, which I see as more activity and energy later, perhaps creativity.
Beautiful, Diane! I love all of this!