And so this is Christmas. Yuletide. The onset of winter.
A time of hustle and bustle of various celebrations.
But where is the light, this darkest time of year?
Within our hearts, radiating goodwill and cheer.
-Untitled Poem by Rev. Jessica Hebert, 12/11/18
Winter is upon us. A time of reflection, hibernation, and healing (despite the rigors of our seasonal celebrations). And it is also a time to set intentions for the new year to come. As I climb my spiral of spiritual growth, I am guided to share more of my musings. This one generated the poem above. As a young woman, I was in love with poetry. I enjoyed reading it. And I enjoyed writing it. One of my poems was selected for publication in MNSU Mankato’s “Student Literary Arts Magazine.” Poetry brought light into life, and was a tool for me to share the light (and dark) of my own soul.
These days, poetic inspiration comes once in a few years. And that’s ok, because I shine my light in other ways as well. In various celtic traditions (as well as others around the northern hemisphere), this is the time to come within, and connect with our own divinity. This is represented in many rituals, such as candle lighting, fire ceremonies, wassailing, caroling, prayer, story telling, and feasting. This is a time when many people strive to embrace charitableness, generosity, mercy, tolerance, and compassion (the five tenets of shamanism).
I honor St. Lucy, this week of the feast of St. Lucia. To me, she represents the 5 tenets of shamanism. Based on what the Catholic church has written about her, she strove to serve God, by assisting those who were less fortunate. In doing good, she was blessed with restored vision after her eyes were injured. She is saying to me right now, “the point her life story intended to make, is that she was blessed with the ability to see other people’s souls, and love and accept them for who they are. To see the divinity in everyone. And also to share one’s light to the world.” So, every year for the past 6 years, I have practiced a novena (9 day prayer) to St. Lucy. The 9th prayer ending on Dec. 13, the feast of St. Lucy. Here is the prayer I use. I did modify a few words to better reflect my intent as an eclectic celtic shaman.
Saint Lucy, you did not hide your light under a basket, but let it shine for the whole world, for all centuries, to see. We may not suffer torture in our lives the way you did, but we are still called to let the light of Christ Consciousness illumine our daily lives. Please help us to have the courage to bring our own love and light into our mundane lives.
This prayer is particularly meaningful for me these days, as I strive to “show up” and “share my light” for all those who could benefit from my services for their highest good. I am also working on some new things as well, to better serve humanity and Gaia Mother Earth.
Thank you for joining me on this vulnerable new journey. Love, light, and blessings of the season to all of you <3