Preparing to enter the Cave

    With the Holiday's in full swing excitement fills the air with a very much needed lightness. 2023 has been a year of heaviness as we continue to witness the devastation of conflicts and wars abroad. Our country has much for which to be grateful and yet, our very foundation of democracy seems to be crumbling before our eyes. Whichever side of the never-ending feud between the Left and Right you are, it's time for us to come together for the good of all and reach across the table.
    As fall draws to a conclusion, winter offers us the opportunity to step into a quiet space and listen with the "ears" of our heart to what our wiser self knows to be true for ourselves, our family, our community and our country. During this pivotal time of deep reflection take a peek at what your heart knows about making peace and let your ever chattering head "take a nap."
    During the long dark nights of winter, take a few moments each evening to ask yourself what you would like to see more of in the world. Without "thinking" about it, lovingly place a warm blanket over your napping head, close your eyes, take a deep breath and ask your heart that question. After ten minutes or so, open your eyes, grab a piece of paper or journal and, again, without "thinking" about it, write down whatever your heart had to say, whether in words or pictures. 
    This simple exercise can be repeated as often as you wish. Make it a daily habit and watch life become a source of inspiration and endless possibilities. This may feel too difficult at first; however, like any new activity, given time and practice, it becomes much easier. Fact is, you may find yourself looking forward to some "heart" time. This is what the season of winter offers. You may find that as the weather moves toward spring, when you are peeking out of your cave, you will want to share some of your inspirations, visions, ideas, whatever word feels comfortable for you. Who knows, perhaps the person you share those with has been using winter in the same manner and is eager to hear you words and share their inspirations and visions.
    Such is the beauty of winter. Take the colorful lights, the spirited wonder of children, the warmth of family and friends and gift of democracy into your heart. Then watch winter become a time of rest, reconnection and a deepening into your soul. May winter be a blessed, heart-felt time of dreaming, creating and reconnecting your Head and Heart!
                                              From my heart to yours, Vicky
Events:
Check in after the first of the year for events at the Lodge. If you have suggestions for what you would like to know more about or would like to share something you're passionate about, let us know. We, too, are dreaming with winter and welcome your ideas.

Nature's Offerings:
Thursday, December 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST, the Winter Solstice officially welcomes the season of winter. It is a time to begin a new chapter, a fresh start, and a new beginning on Earth, and in your life. On a cosmic level, it is a new cycle of birth, growth, death in everything everything in nature. A great question to consider is: "What will come to life this year?"

Full Moon and the gifts of the 13 Original Clan Mothers.
 Technically, the Full Moon, November 27 was the 12th  moon of 2023. It heralded in the Clan Mother, Gives Praise. She the teacher of "Giving Thanks for the Truth," and the Keeper of Magic. She teaches us that "a change in perception, attitude and consciousness creates magic and miracles."
The 13th Full moon arrives December 26 at 7:33 p.m. With that energy, Becomes Her Vision offers assistance with learning how to "Be the Truth." She teaches us how to bring forth our spiritual gifts to become a living vessel of love. She will help you examine what your heart is eagerly waiting and wanting to share.

The Bear is most known for winter hibernation; however, did you know that turtles, snakes, wood frogs, and groundhogs, along with small mammals such as chipmunks and hamster also burrow away during the winter months?

Let this season of introspection and rest be rich, full, and filled with the Love, Peace, and Prosperity in 2024 and may it be shared with the entire world !