November 27th (this year) begins the ancient Christian season of Advent (and is the liturgical New Year, trivia of the day). Advent is a time of preparation and waiting, often marked by “spiritual house cleaning,” as people prepared for the long festival of Christmas (December 24th – January 6th). For pagans in Northern Europe it was the Winter Solstice (December 21st) for which hearths and homes were (and still are) prepared with love and care.
As we approach the darkest part of the year, no matter our tradition, it is a fine time for doing some spiritual, emotional, and mental house cleaning. Sweeping out those old corners, tossing out what no longer serves us, and clearing a space for the return of the sun and our rise into a new cycle.
We’re drawing in near the fire, stoking warmth, and clearing out the dusty corners of our lives and breath will help us do that. I hope to see you there.