Those who live in cultures which still honor and respect nature and the natural cycles, also tend to respect the 'deities' long considered to be associated with the land, as 'guardians'.

During the recent volcanic activity in the Big Island of Hawaii, the Los Angeles Times (Nov 3) reported that the school children of Keonepoko Elementary School wrote heartfelt notes to the Goddess Pele, which they tied to the chain link fence of their school:  "Aloha Madame Pele. We love and honor you," began a note to the volcano goddess. "Please protect this place, Keonepoko. May we return to continue to educate the keiki of Hawai'i nei," the children of beloved Hawaii.

There are noticeable changes taking place on our planet, which will impact our way of life, more immediately, or eventually.  It is inevitable.  As part of this experience, as individuals, we are being asked to open ourselves to an expansion of our consciousness. This means letting go of at least some of our basic attachments, identifications and associations. If you think about how hard it can be, to part with a favorite piece of clothing, which represents familiarity, comfort, coziness - then you know what I mean.  When we have to part with our opinions, mindsets, belief systems, perhaps our habit of complaining, and especially, letting go of our 'stories', that which we use to justify ourselves, and our 'position' - well, it takes practice, courage and conviction.

Given the numerology and astrology of 2014, I was aware that this year would ask much of us, in terms of personal growth.  I myself experienced a conjunction of transiting Chiron (the wounded healer) to my Pisces Moon all year.   I could not have imagined just how much of a shift this would create within me, and how much I would have to let go of (from an inner perspective).  I am thankful that I have had some prior experience with this type of inner work, and aware that it comes as a gift, for which I am deeply grateful.

With 2015 around the corner, this is the perfect time to think about how we might give closure to 2014.  Even though ceremonies which mark the passage of time, are not as common in our society as they once were, we can always create our ceremony, in which we make peace with all that we've experienced this year.  We can give thanks and appreciation for those, and that, which came into our life to teach and transform us and to honor ourselves for being willing to embrace, and to let go.  We can give appreciation for what we have, for all that we are, and for those who continue to shower blessings upon us.

The most powerful ceremonies that I have personally participated in, are yagnas (fire ceremonies), which have been conducted in India for thousands of years.

Many ancient traditions, conduct fire ceremonies, including the 'shamanic' tradition.




To read an article, How to Create a Shamanic Fire Ceremony by the Dr. Albert Villoldo, please click on the link below.


If you're looking for a good date in which to create your closing of the year ceremony, the Winter Solstice takes place on December 21! 

Dec 1: