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Happy New Year!

© Christy Huelsenbeck

In the Celtic calendar the new year began on October 31, which is the holiday of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in to rhyme with cow-in). The candles on the altar were extinguished to signify the dark half of the year and the dark half of life which is death. At Yule (December 21) the altar is lit up with new candles to signify the rebirth of the sun during the dark. Those who practice the Craft say 'This is the time when the barrier between the worlds is lifted, when the veil between things seen and unseen is thin.' Witches often set up family altars as a memorial to those who have passed on. We respect death as well as life, seeing it as a time of rest and renewal before we return again in the cycle of rebirth.

November is often considered a quiet month, falling between the holiday of death which is Samhain and the holiday of birth, which is Yule. It can be seen as parallel to time the soul takes to renew between incarnations before returning to life again. As such, there is little magickal* activity during November, and a great deal of introspection on one's life, and the changes you wish to see brought about during the new year. (*spelled with a K to distinguish it from on stage entertainment)

It's quite common during a Samhain ritual to make 'New Year's Resolutions' and November is the perfect time to concentrate on bringing those changes to fruition. One of the best ways to focus your mind on your desired change is to prepare a meditation candle. To simplify things, use a white candle as an all purpose color for bringing something into your life, such as healing or clarity. Use a black candle as an all purpose color for ridding your life of something, such as a negative habit or emotion.

A meditation is designed to help focus on your need. Choose a candle that can burn 15 minutes a day for at least 7 days. (To make candles last longer, store them in the fridge!) When you are ready to begin your meditation, go into a quiet room, center yourself by slowly taking several deep breaths, allowing your mind to become clear. Light the candle and focus on your resolution. It is important to see your change as already completed. For instance-if your resolution is for better financial habits, you would see yourself making a deposit into a savings account, or see a savings passbook with your name on it, listing inside several deposits. Burn the candle 15 minutes a day, for 7 days, or until the candle burns out. If any of the candle remains in or on the sides of the holder take it outside and bury it where it won't be disturbed.

The copyright of the article Happy New Year! in Wicca/Witchcraft is owned by Christy Huelsenbeck. Permission to republish Happy New Year! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.