Relishing these Holy Days

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Hilary Wilkins
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1 Relishing these Holy Days 2015 Holiday Edition ~ Vibrance Magazine

2 Brought to you with love & joy from the staff and contributors of Vibrance Magazine.

4 These Holy Days It has seemed to me since I was a little girl that this time of the year tickles the edges of holiness, regardless of your religion or lack thereof. There is something something - magical - other-worldly - divine - that cloaks the air in these darkest days of winter. A simple walk in my woods brings me to my knees. I weep at the mystery of that other place - and relish in the spirits of those around me. That great cloud of witnesses seems ever near during these crisp and frigid days. I hear their voices, feel their breath on my neck, the only sense not kindle by their memory is sight. Having been raised with a firmly Protestant world-view, and finding comfort anew in my vision of God and my growing understanding of Him - I have often wondered why I feel this way at mid-winter. The magic of Christmas seemed to pass by many years ago and yet, still that tangible zing hangs in the air. Loving research like I do - I set out a few years ago to discover, if I could, why this is so. Of special curiosity to me are the many religions who celebrate a holy-day here at winter solstice. Cross-culturally, many religious celebrations widely observed during the month of December. Most are related to the day when the winter solstice occurs. This varies each year between DEC-20 and 22. This date has the shortest daytime and longest nighttime of the day in the Northern Hemisphere. Some religions use a lunar calendar which is not synchronized with the secular Gregorian calendar. Their celebrations occur about 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian (regular) calendar.

5 A list of celebrations: Bodhi Day by Buddhists. This recalls the date when Buddha attained enlightenment. (DEC-08). Christmas by Christians. The ancient Christians took over Saturnalia, an ancient Roman Pagan seven day festival of Saturn which started on DEC-17 and used it to commemorate the birth of Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus Christ). Internal evidence in the Bible indicates that he was born in the Fall between 4 and 7 BCE. The Day of the Return of the Wandering Goddess. This has also been observed by followers of Kemetic Orthodoxy, the religion of ancient Egypt, since about 4500 BCE This celebrates the return of the Goddess Hathor to her father Ra and the healing of their relationship. It is synchronized to the Winter Solstice. Hanukkah (a.k.a. Chanukah, Festival of Lights, & Festival of Rededication) by Jews. It is an eight day holiday that begins on the 25th day of Kislev which can occur in very late November or during December. Id al-fitr by Muslims. Between 2006 and 2008, it was Eid al-adha, the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice. During 2009 and 2010, it was Ashura, the Day of Remembrance. In 2015, Sunni Muslims observe the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' alawwal Milad un Nabi in 570 CE. Shi'a Muslims observe it on the 17th of that month. This translates to DEC-24 or JAN-04 according to TimeAndDate.com. Winter Solstice is celebrated by some Native Americans and Aboriginals in the rest of the world. Many Atheists, at least in North America, have begun to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Saturnalia by Nova Romans (a.k.a. Romana). These are Neopagans who worship the ancient Gods of Rome and who celebrate the ancient Roman holy days. Yule. Celebrated by Wiccans and some other Pagans on or close to Winter Solstice.

6 Perhaps Does it strike you as interesting that each of so many religions find reason to celebrate a high-holy day in mid-winter? I m not certain what to make of it, having neither the time or energy to devote myself to the study of each of the religions mentioned here. But I find the idea most intriguing: that there is something certainly holy in the darkest days of the seasons. Or perhaps it is not the season itself that brings the spirit of holiness to the days but rather our yearning for it? Is it in these dark days, with time and space to reflect on our times that we find the gaps? The spaces we so wish had been filled with different moments? Do these dark days create an energetic and seasonal pause so that reflection cannot be avoided? I think so. But as you can see I am left with far more questions than answers. It is enough for me to move into the space so clearly called for during this time of Holy Days and to, through this, draw ever closer to the embodiment of my understanding of God. In the following pages you will find reflections of the holiday season by various writers, all with links back to their prospective homes-onthe-interwebs. Visit, cheer them on. These dark days of introspection are sometimes darker still for the message-givers. There is also an essential oil HolyDay Guide for using these powerful medicines for the winter-specific support our bodies need. Much love to you during these Holy Days

7 I d wanted this gift for a long time. I prayed and cried over the fact I could not have it when I wanted it. I saw other people receive this gift. I questioned God Why do they get this beautiful gift and not me? I sulked away. As I released the need to have this gift it was given to me. I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant after struggling to conceive for nearly 3 years. I had spent the past 12 weeks recovering from a surgery to mend all the ligaments in my knee after a hockey tackle went wrong and had returned back to work as a high school teacher. I was exhausted. TheGift Mary Got for Christmas By Diana Braybrooke Click here to continue reading>>

8 Tending Our Emotions With Essential Oils Essential Oils When You Feel Anger: Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Palo Santo, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang Essential Oils When You Feel Anxious Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Palo Santo, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver Essential Oils When You Feel Confidence Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary Essential Oils When You Feel Down Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Palo Santo, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang Essential Oils When You Feel Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver Essential Oils When You Feel Fear Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Palo Santo, Orange, Roman Chamomile Sandalwood, Vetiver Essential Oils When You Feel Grief Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Palo Santo, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver Essential Oils When You Feel Happiness and Peace Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Palo Santo, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang Essential Oils When You Feel Insecure Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver Essential Oils When You Feel Lonely Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Palo Santo, Roman Chamomile, Rose

9 Tender Mercy Blend 4 tbs. fractionated coconut oil 10 drops essential oil of frankincense 3 drops essential oil of bergamot 3 drops essential oil of Ylang Ylang Mix gently together for an anointing oil during times of prayer and fasting.

Mary s Song by Luci Shaw Blue homespun and the bend of my breast keep warm this small hot naked star fallen to my arms. (Rest you who have had so far to come.

10 Mary s Song by Luci Shaw Blue homespun and the bend of my breast keep warm this small hot naked star fallen to my arms. (Rest you who have had so far to come.) Now nearness satisfies the body of God sweetly. Quiet he lies whose vigor hurled a universe. He sleeps whose eyelids have not closed before. His breath (so slight it seems no breath at all) once ruffled the dark deeps to sprout a world. Charmed by dove s voices, the whisper of straw, he dreams, hearing no music from his other spheres. Breath, mouth, ears, eyes he is curtailed who overflowed all skies, all years. Older than eternity, now he is new. Now native to earth as I am, nailed to my poor planet, caught that I might be free, blind in my womb to know my darkness ended, brought to this birth for me to be new-born, and for him to see me mended I must see him torn. By Diana Braybrooke

11 Frankincense Did you read the list of essential oils for tending to our emotions? Did you notice frankincense was there? In almost every instance? Often spoken of as the oil of kings because indeed, it was one of 3 most important gifts to THE King. But I see something else. Look closely at the oil of frankincense. I see a medicine that serves so very many purposes. In the pile of mothering things this one medicine shines brightly. Ever ready for just about any physical need the baby King might have. But for Mary? Oh Mary, whose heart would bleed for the redemption of nations who's anxiety and fear would overcome her when the child was lost to her in a throng of thousands on Temple Day Mary who was divinely human in all her strengths and frailties - how frankincense must have soothed and healed her Mother s heart, too. for him to see me mended I must see him torn.

12 Every woman wants to be held by her Maker. Seen that she is doing well. Worthy. You, lovely one are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14-16). God says we re breathtaking and that He watched us grow from conception to birth and that all the stages of your life were spread out before you. God so sees you. You in all of your wonder. No matter what the situation or where you are at spiritually, God is right there with you, holding you in a safe space. You re the daughter of a King, after all. A princess. It s time to recognize your royal title, a high calling something far more precious than any worldly title given. Are you ready to lay down whatever situation is holding you captive at the moment and take up your crown? It s time. By Diana Braybrooke

13 Music on Christmas Morning by Anne Bronte ( ) Though Darkness still her empire keep, And hours must pass, ere morning break; From troubled dreams, or slumbers deep, That music kindly bids us wake: It calls us, with an angel's voice, To wake, and worship, and rejoice; To greet with joy the glorious morn, Which angels welcomed long ago, When our redeeming Lord was born, To bring the light of Heaven below; The Powers of Darkness to dispel, And rescue Earth from Death and Hell. While listening to that sacred strain, My raptured spirit soars on high; I seem to hear those songs again. Resounding through the open sky, That kindled such divine delight, In those who watched their flocks by night.

Dust of Snow by Robert Frost (1874-1963) The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree

14 Dust of Snow by Robert Frost ( ) The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued. Click here to buy this painting>>

Mary Said Yes to God and You Can Too Through wisdom and bravery and love of God, the young girl Mary held in her body and gave birth to God s plan for the healing of the world.

15 Mary Said Yes to God and You Can Too Through wisdom and bravery and love of God, the young girl Mary held in her body and gave birth to God s plan for the healing of the world. I love my church and the Church. I believe the Church is evertransforming, moving deeper into the teachings of the Christ. I love the young girls who come seeking God with their hearts open, and I hope they will always see themselves, not through the eyes of those in political power who wish to keep them docile and controlled, but through the devoted eyes of the Blessed Mother. Through the loving, empowering eyes of the Creator. Read more here>>>

16 Frankincense and Myrrh Frankincense and myrrh are from the same plant family (Burseraceae) and grow as small shrub-like trees in dry climates; such as India, Oman, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The resin of both plants has been used medicinally and for spiritual practices for over 5,000 years, and with good reason. Both as a resin or essential oil frankincense is opening and relaxing for both the body and mind. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is extracted from the Commiphora Mukul tree and has a natural medicinal aroma. It is now commonly found in many skin creams, toothpaste and other cosmetic products, but this is only the beginning of its beneficial uses. Words of Caution: Myrrh oil can have toxic effects if used in excess. It should be avoided during pregnancy due to its stimulating nature.

17 Stress Relief 2 cups Epsom Salts (plain) 3 drops essential oil of bergamot 3 drops essential oil of ylang ylang Place in bathtub of very warm water and soak. Glass of wine optional but recommended. Sit with me, Sister Sit with me for a moment sister. Put your dishrag down, ignore the dust and the uncooked potatoes for just a moment. Sit with me. Now look in earnest at the loving eyes of your children - messy heads and naked feet scurrying through your life in a flash quicker than a shooting star. So much to miss dear one. So much to long for once gone. Enjoy and store up as diamondweighted memories these moments; clutter and fussing and broken dishes all.

If you would like more holistic ideas for using quality essential oils please email me: kelly@thefemininehealer.com Longing for more camaraderie and sisterhood?

18 If you would like more holistic ideas for using quality essential oils please me: Longing for more camaraderie and sisterhood? Join me around the fire HERE>> References & Credits: Visit The Butterfly House & Diana Braybrooke Woman with quilt Midwinter by Mary Whyte - All rights reserved Portrait by Mary Whyte The Gift Mary Got For Christmas by Diana Braybrooke Woman impressionism by Maiko Goshima Raven watercolor by Slavi Art Metal female sculpture Online Gallery Copyright 2015 Kelly Caldwell LLC

19 I will relish these Holy Days Click here to download this as your desktop background. Click to download then right-click Save as desktop background. Click here to download this as your iphone background. Click to open, Press & hold to save then choose as your background from your phone s Images.

Reiki & Essential Oils CLEARING YOUR SPACE. Lisa Powers, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED lisapowers.co

Reiki & Essential Oils CLEARING YOUR SPACE YOUR SPACE CLEARING CHECKLIST 1. Explore the spaces you frequent and see if they need clearing. You will do this by entering the room, closing your eyes and taking