Do I have the ability to shape-shift this holiday season? 🪶
I think I do. | A Deep December. Mini-letter #4.
Hello, you. And happy weekend!
Yep. I’m writing today’s letter in the evening just after coming home from work instead of early in the morning before work. To be honest with you, this week just seemed to catch up with me, so that’s why the change in my writing routine. I’ve been super social in the evenings after work, having dinner a cozy dinner with a friend (two different ones) two nights this week. Work has been busy. We’re in the waning phase of the moon and approaching the absolute deepest, darkest days of the entire year. And all of that adds up to very low energy.
This morning, I even slept through my alarm - which literally never happens. So, I just took it slow this morning, gave myself time to gather my energy before the workday, and knew that I’d make time to catch up with you as I settled into my Friday evening.
So, here I am. Here we are. Welcome, my friend.
You know, speaking of the deepest, darkest days of the year that we are now experiencing in the northern hemisphere, I know that many of us are longing for the shift that occurs on the winter solstice two weeks from today. It is the magical shift from the waning sun to the rising of the sun again. Literally, cosmically and astronomically, the days will begin to become longer again on December 23, ushering in the slow return of the sun and the growing light all the way until the summer solstice in June.
It is the idea of shifting that I am thinking about today.
A shift is a change. But, to me, it is something that happens slowly, over time, and is not always a sudden movement or transition. The rhythm of nature, for example, is slow. Like a slow unfolding over time. Seasons do not change overnight, but rather the shifting of the seasons occurs over time. Almost unnoticeably, if we do not pay attention.
Of course, it’s not always easy to shift into something new. And it’s definitely not always welcome.
Still, there is magic in flowing with the shifts of life. There is magic in shifting, adapting, and adjusting.
The cold, dark winter days are tough, for sure.
And, as I am experiencing today, the darkness really does affect my energy and our mood. However, just a small shift in perspective allows me to find a bit of magic, even in the darkest days of the year.
I must allow myself to rest and restore my energy, but the beauty and magic of the darkness of winter is that it provides the perfect atmosphere to turn inward, to slow down, and to create all of the cozy vibes I can. It’s simply a shift of perspective I need in order to find the good, the magic, and the hope - even in the dark.
Today’s message is from the shape-shifter card.
In earth-based cultures, shape-shifters had the mystical ability to change shape, consciousness, or form. They were the shamans, the protectors, the ones in deep communication with the animals and plants. Legends and folklore tells stories of wild women, werewolves, gods and goddesses that changed and shifted, into other forms. Often to protect and guide.
Whether shape-shifting is something that is possible or not doesn’t matter to me one bit. The spirit of the shape-shifter still has much to teach me. Ultimately, it is a reminder to allow shifting into my life. To allow change, to accept transitions, to claim my own power to shift my own perspective. Because it’s up to me and only me to decide how I respond to changes, transitions, and shifts in my life, in nature, and in the seasons.
Feeling (and even channeling) the energy of shape-shifters during this time of year feels extremely aligned with the season. Not only is there a natural shift occurring in the balance of darkness and light, but we are also slowly shifting into a new year. And that means that we can shape-shift into whatever we want as 2024 starts. This is the perfect time to ponder and wonder. Throughout December and January it is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed and dream about the year to come. To just think about how we want to live, who we want to be, what we want to focus on and create in our lives.
Basically, our past, the past year, does not need to equal our future. Simply shifting our perspective can bring an entirely new destiny into being.
So, over the next few weeks, as this year comes to a close, I will gather into my heart the moments and memories and lessons that have become a part of me. And, I will consciously allow the new year, new ways of being, new ideas, new dreams, new routines begins to rise up from the wisdom within.
This is the season for shifting, for releasing and welcoming, for ringing in the new, for letting it all unfold, and for finding magic all along the way.
What do you feel shifting within you as the year comes to a close? What do you want to shape-shift into? How can you shift your perspective this season? Are your ready to claim your power as a shape-shifter?
xoxo. liz.
I have been craving a deeper cave vibe as the days grow smaller. I want to conserve my energy and focus my attention to make the most of this magical time of year. So, I propped a sheet over my daybed, added more pillows and decorated with a small alter. I have an energy work session in my little cave this morning. I love the idea of animals hibernating over winter. Their long sleep seems so transformative. They can shape-shift in their cave cocoon all winter, rested and ready for new life in spring! I think I'll keep mine up for a while.
Thank you Liz for these deep December newsletter 💓