The Year of the Wood Dragon …
…is upon us and this coming year promises us power, confidence, abundance and strength while asking us to be flexible, to surrender to the flow of our lives in order to reach our highest expression and to find and live our life’s purpose.
Now, when the days are cold and the nights are long, we allow our dreams and visions to find us. They always do when we get still. Soon the days will grow longer and the seeds we are are planting now will begin to take shape, so relish in the delicious gifts of winter. Feed yourself well, maybe soak in the bath, then steep a pot of tea*, light some incense or a candle, grab your journal and spend some time pondering and journaling on these reflections.
*Wood Dragon, our tea of the year for 2024, is made from leaves of an ancient tea tree and chosen to embody the essence of the coming year!
Dive deeper into the essence of winter. Read the following journal entries:
1.In The Circle Portal, under Seasonal Rituals: Five Rituals for the Winter Solstice:Finding Light in the Darkness
2. In The Circle Portal, under Seasonal Rituals: Five Rituals for More Magic in the New Year
3. In The Circle Portal, under Poetry: Winter’s Light
4. In The Circle Portal, under Tea Teachings: Grow Your Own Teas/ Part 1: Winter Planting
Reflections & Journaling
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Think back over the last 12 months, taking notes on your memories month by month. Then, after reflecting, write in your journal, for each month, a breakthrough, an accomplishment and an area for growth.
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Look at your notes for each of the 12 months of 2023 and then think of 3 goals for the coming year. Write them down.
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Is there a color or a word that represents your intentions or goals for the year?
It can be helpful to buy yourself a new years gift that is emblematic of your color, wishes, goals or word for the year, something that you can carry with you, wear, or otherwise frequently interact with. For example, a stone, a bracelet, a dress, etc…
Also, consider repeating this exercise for 3 ares of your life: personal, work, family.