The 13 Holy Nights: An Ancient Ritual
On the eve of December 24th at sunset marks the beginning of the 13 Holy Nights, an ancient tradition in which we have the opportunity to tap into the energies of the upcoming year and actually imprint them in a conscious way.
This is a profound opportunity to tap into your inner wisdom and plant seeds for a abundantly healthy and healing New Year, which feels even more important this year.
I have done this practice every year for many years and it is always so amazing to me to look back at what card I drew for the month as well as the people whom had shown up during the time and how it manifests in the next cycle.
Here is how it works:
The Holy Nights are from sunset on December 24th until sunset January 6th. I recommend having a specific journal for this practice, a candle, and utilizing some sort of oracle cards. In recent years, I have started using the Kwan Yin Cards as well as the Goddess Guidance Cards. Perhaps do a little research and find a deck that really honors where you are on your journey now.
When the sun sets on the 24th until sunset on the 25th we are imprinting the entire next year. It is recommended to draw a card (and write it down) and also to pay attention to anyone you happen to run into, your dreams, and any other themes that arise. It is also important to reflect on your previous year as a whole and perhaps choose to let go of some of what occurred. Write everything down in your journal.
Then on the 25th when the sun sets until the 26th at sunset we are imprinting January of the next year. Again, draw a card, pay attention to dreams, people whom you cross paths with, any themes that arise for you, and spend a little time reflecting on this past January and choose to let go. Write everything down in your journal.
On sunset of the 26th until sunset of the 27th we are imprinting February of the next year….
And so on….until the completion of the cycle at sunset of January 6th in which we have had the opportunity to imprint our entire next year with consciousness and awareness.
It is a beautiful ritual to include in your end of year festivities.
Then the following year, I have my Holy Nights journal handy, and as the turn of each month happens I pull the card that I had drawn during the practice and display it for the current month. It has been profound for me to feel the alignment with what is currently happening in my life and what the cards message is.
Overall, this practice has had incredible impact on my life on the whole, has supported me in my intentionality throughout the years, and has brought me into a space of trust in the process of life.
A Note: It is important here to learn to RECEIVE all of the messages that come to you (even if they are perhaps not what you want to hear) – take note without judgement and empower yourself around your life as a whole. Over the years this practice has provided a deep sense of comfort, peace, and solace in the unfolding of my life, no matter what has unfolded.