Here we are, on the cusp of a brand new year. These cool, quiet days right after the Winter Solstice, and before the new year gets underway are the PERFECT time to take stock, re-evaluate and decide on your course for the coming year. What have you achieved in the past year, and what do you want to welcome into your life in the months ahead? The 1st of January is the time to set those wheels in motion. Here are our favourite new year rituals for a sparkling start to the next 12 months.
Your reflective review
At the end of the year, we take stock of all that has happened. On a piece of paper or page in your journal, create two columns. In one column, write down all the blessings and achievements from the previous year - the people, events, revelations, experiences that have brought joy and upliftment. In another column, list the challenges and lessons learned - those difficult times, moments of loss or sadness. Consider: What did you learn this year? What did you do that you've never done before? Who are the people who came into your life this year? Write them all down. Take your time to ensure you have added everything.
Give gratitude for ALL of it
When you have finished writing your Reflective Review, sit with your list, and offer your gratitude for ALL of it. Go through everything in your list and give thanks. Gratitude is a powerful and potent energy. It has the capacity to turn the greatest challenge into an opportunity for growth and learning. Consider your growth and development this year, and give thanks for all the twists, turns, blessings and lessons in life's incredible adventure.
The New Year ritual clear-out
Out with the old, in with the new! The start of the New Year is a perfect time to do a deep clean on your home and belongings. In the words of Marie Kondo, if it doesn't spark joy, let it go. Sort through your wardrobe, your kitchen cupboards, your toiletries, your books - go through everything - and release with gratitude what no longer serves you. Divide your pre-loved items into piles for the charity shop / an auction site like Vinted or eBay, recyclables and a trip to the tip. By releasing what no longer brings us joy, we create space in our life to welcome in MORE joy!
Do a prosperity spell
New Year's Day is the perfect day for a prosperity spell. One that Lucya Starza taught us was the Candle Spell. Gather together a tea light and box of matches. Find a quiet space - by your altar if you have one - and sit for a few moments to meditate on whatever it is that you'd like to bring into your life in the coming year. Concentrate this wish into a single short word - perhaps it's joy, or health, or love, or wealth. With a match end, carve the word into the surface of your tea light. Meditate on your word, and all the qualities associated with it, as you write. Then, continuing to focus on the word and its qualities, light the tea light and place it on your altar. Allow it to burn down completely, sending your wish into the Universe.
Plant a seed of potential
Another of our favourite new year rituals is the seed of potential spell. Deep winter is the seed phase of the year, when life lies dormant beneath the soil. So let's plant some seeds to symbolise what we wish to bring to us in the next 12 months. Hold your seeds as you sit in meditation. Just as you did with the prosperity spell, concentrate on whatever it is you wish to bring into your life. With intention, plant the seeds in a plant pot by a window. You'll need to tend to them in order for them to grow and bear blossoms and fruit, just as you will need to take incremental steps to nurture your heart's desire! Keep watering your seeds, as you keep taking those small steps. You will soon see the results of your commitment.
Start a new hobby
New year, new start! What would you like to enrich yourself with this year? Perhaps you want to cultivate a more regular meditation practice? Or maybe you'd like to develop your psychic skills? It could be that you've long wanted to get into the great habit of writing a daily gratitude journal, where, at the end of every day, you list 10 things that you're grateful for. Or take a course of study with the tarot or lenormand cards. Take a step towards investing in your self-development this year - whether it's buying a journal, sourcing a comfortable meditation cushion, or booking a course!
Enjoy a meditative New Year's Eve
Start your New Year in blissful peace and quiet, by meditating as you welcome in the new year. Not only does it put you in a positive frame of mind as the clock strikes 12, it's also a wonderful way to nurture your community of like-hearted friends. Open the space for your community to join - whether in person or online - and bring in the New Year with blessings of peace, love and kindness - the noisy pop and crackle of New Year fireworks are merely a reminder to celebrate the light!
Happy New Year from all of us at The College of Psychic Studies! Join our newsletter for updates on our spiritual courses.
