So with the beginning of December comes the tradition of advent calendars which are typically chocolate but there are other versions out there now. When I received the email from Emily at Wise Woman Witchery containing a magickal version of Advent that is all about counting down to the start of the next calendar year, I was rather excited and intrigued.
There's a lot of advent calendars that are advertised, particularly chocolate ones, but I'm trying to be more mindful about chocolate (purely because I have a tendency to not let my calendar/chocolate last very long). So to have a magickal version that I could incorporate into my Craft at this time of year, it was definitely something that I wanted to do. here is my experience of December's Advent and it may be a little long as this was a month-long project.
On the final day of November, I was invited to set an intention for the entire month of December. At first I wasn't sure what I could intend to do, until I realised that I could set the intention of taking my time when doing courses because I have a tendency to race through them. I'm needing to break this habit as it's stopping me from being able to integrate the knowledge I'm learning fully. So my intention for December was: I am taking my time to complete courses so that I can integrate the knowledge more deeply within.
On 1st December, based on the intention I set above, I was invited to create an altar to assist with my intention. I would normally sit at my desk and do my writing but because I'm also watching the FIFA World Cup 2022 and I don't have a television near my desk, I have been sitting in my living room. I didn't really feel as if I could create an altar around this as it's more me being mindful of not rushing through a course just because I have access to all the materials. So I have been keeping my written intention near my space so that I can see it and remind myself to just take my time.
On 2nd December, the task was to write down a question, place it under my pillow and to intend to dream an answer. I wasn't sure what my question would be but then I was inspired by a course I did recently that I really enjoyed - Dragons and Dragon Energy. So I decided to ask who my personal dragon is.
On 3rd December, the task was to journal about the dream and then use the question as a journal prompt. Because I rarely remember my dreams, I wasn't certain that I would receive an answer to my question but I did remember this dream in response to my intention and I managed to write it down as soon as I woke up. In my dream, I was spending time with five people that I don't know in my waking life; one of them was older than me and a bit of a prankster, while three of them were younger than me and like teenagers, and the final person seemed to be a close personal friend to me. The three teenagers didn't come across as being the nicest of people. At some point, a small blue flame-like furry being appeared that seemed to have the purpose of making me laugh despite being unable to speak. It would rub on a furry cushion to get static on its own fur, which is what made me laugh and enjoy myself.
I feel like my dream was saying that my personal dragon is rather a joker, wanting me to enjoy my journey through life and make others smile and feel good about themselves. Having fur rather than scales to me is saying that my dragon is like a dog or cat, able to fluff themselves up and survive cold "temperatures" but also cuddly and loving. I feel like this dream is describing my dragon's personality rather than being a meeting with them. This was intriguing and I look forward to more and deeper connections with my dragon.
On 4th December, the task was to journal using a given prompt and this is what I wrote: During the shortening days, I wonder whether light and dark are really so different. The cold comforts me, allowing me to snuggle with my cats. I enjoy how much closer we are because of the cold. The short days bring nature closer and, by default, we get closer to nature. I wonder at how other people miss connecting with each other when we are actually missing connecting with those closest to us, the people we live with. I marvel at the quiet of this time and wonder why we need noise all the time. I welcome this time, this invitation to look within without pressures or "deadlines" to stick to. I marvel at how close we really are to nature with our teas and herbal blends that can bring us warmth from within. I think about those I've lost and give thanks for the time I had with them, no matter how long or short it was. I look at what brings me comfort, and show gratitude for what I do have. I cherish this time for it is gone all too soon and too quickly for my personal preference.
On 5th December, the task was to look back at the journal entry and notice if it guided me towards an item that I could put on my altar. I originally thought of looking through my rather large stash of candles for one that fit with what I wrote above, but then I remembered that I also have a stash of wax melts (not as big as the candles) and I felt like this was a more appropriate thing to use for several reason: first because, to me, lighting the tea-light candle signified the amount of light that we experience during the shorter days and the darkness that surrounds it; second because the wax melt I chose was a festive scent, called "Christmas Spirit"; third because it filled my home with a different kind of aroma that also filled me with hope; and finally because I felt like the cauldron-shape of my wax melt burner was symbolic of the connection between myself and nature.
For 6th December, the idea given was to prepare a jar of water to charge with the Full Moon energy. I chose to use a jar I received in a past Witch Casket that had Lunar Magick as its theme. Every month, I keep meaning to use the Moon Water jar and without fail, I forget every time. So this was really nice to be actually be able to do it.
For 7th December, the idea given was to write a letter to an old friend and send it using "snail mail". I chose to write a letter to my oldest friend because I miss writing to her. Years ago, I used to write to her weekly and would get responses back, which was lovely. I like good old-fashioned hand-written letters and I hope to write more of them to other friends over the coming months.
For 8th December, the idea given was to bring the outdoors indoors, like a real tree or a cutting of a plant. I chose to bring in some Holly, which I've never done before - mainly because I have two cats and at least one of them is likely to try eating it. Since bringing the Holly into my home, I've done a bit of research and discovered that bringing Holly in for Yule is said to invite the Fae Folk to take shelter in that home during the winter months. But in order to ensure that the Fae don't overstay their welcome, I now have the task of remembering to burn my small cutting on Imbolc.
For 9th December, the idea given was to take the moon water I prepared on 6th December, place it on my altar and surround it with my favourite crystals. I have several altars in my home so it took me a day or two to decide which one to put the moon water on. I eventually chose to put it on my deity altar as the goddess Diana is associated with the Moon and I am wanting to work with her more in the future. I also chose to put 5 crystals around it: a Lapis Lazuli heart (right front), Moonstone (back right), Rainbow Moonstone with a moon engraving (front), an Amethyst heart (front left), and a piece of Carnelian (back left).
For 10th December, the suggested task was to hug someone for 20-40 seconds. But because I live alone and I don't go out to socialise at all, I chose to hug my cats insteads. They each had snuggles with me but this nicely coincided with needing to take care of myself for a day. I woke up without any enegry or motivation to do anything. These kinds of days are getting more rare for me so when they do occur, I've learned to really pay attention and take that day for me. I love my cats but because it's getting colder, they want to come and have snuggles with me a lot more which is a bonus.
For 11th December, the suggested task was to put together a simmer pot to bring the scents of the season indoors. Purely because I don't trust my cats in the kitchen with a hot pan, I opted not to do this but I did revisit something I did before: I used a Cinnamon and Tangerine wax melt to make my home smell absolutely amazing using my cauldron-shaped burner. This scent started with the citrus of Tangerine and Mandarin before cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg and brown sugar join the party. When I lit the candle, I held the intention of positivity and uplifting energies being attracted into my home.
For 12th December, the suggested task was to make a list of at least 10 things I'm grateful for. First, I'm grateful for my friends, for their support and love. Second, I'm grateful to have the company of my cats, as they are part of my Craft in their own ways but also for being my constant companions. Third, I'm grateful to Emily at Wise Woman Witchery for the work she does and for allowing me to participate in that work. Fourth, I'm grateful for the roof over my head and the tenancy agreement I have for it, for the stability this knowledge gives me. Fifth, I'm grateful for my mum and all she did for me in the time we had together. Sixth, I'm grateful to my grandparents for taking me in and looking after me. Seventh, I'm grateful for Karena Osborne of The Witch's Inn for the work she does and the support she has given me. Eighth, I'm grateful for the various creative outlets I have including this blog and my YouTube channel. Ninth, I'm grateful for the music created by Wardruna and the way it speaks to my heart and soul. And finally, I'm grateful for this life I get to live, surrounded by Nature.
For 13th December, it was suggested that a paper chain be made with all the things I'm grateful for. My chain looks really small but it's the little things that mean the most to me. Each of the things I'm grateful for came from my heart and that's my biggest take-away from the tasks of the last couple of days.
For 14th December, it was suggested that I enjoy a mug of hot chocolate or tea by candlelight. Because of my cats and how curious they can be, I turned the lights down low, lit a Yule-tide wax melt, and enjoyed my drink while watching a nice film.
For 15th December, it was suggested that I practice one random act of kindness. I chose to write a card for one of my neighbours and give them some home-made biscuits as well as some of my favourite rose tea blend. I live in a very quiet area and my neighbours are very friendly. When I gave them to her, she asked why and I responded with "It's Christmas." It's that time of year where we can all use a little more love, especially if we can't be with our nearest and dearest.
This is just part one of the Magickal Advent and I've split it because I didn't want it to be too long to read. I hope it inspires you to think about what you could do at this time of year in the future.
Peace and love to all!!!
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