Black New Moon and The New Year

What a cool way to end up the year than with the second new moon this month. On December 30th, we will be experiencing the Black New Moon right before the end of the year. What a powerful night to set your intentions for the new year.

Let's walk through some of the best ways to wrap up the year on a good note and start the new one all fresh and full of energy....

First of all, use this time for cleaning. Cleaning out what no longer serves you. During the new moon, write down everything during the past year that did not serve you well...that might be people, places, or things. Write them down. Write down the emotions which were negative and what invoked those emotions. Then take the list outside and burn it. Let those things go. Let them flutter away in the wind. Release them. Then thank the universe for whatever lesson those things brought you because there is a lesson in every experience. Positive or negative. You just have to know which to let go and which to keep.

Another thing to do is clean your environment. You've let the things go that needed to be let go on a spiritual and emotional level, now to clean your environment of the residual yuck (for lack of a better term) that has collected throughout the year. Starting at the rear of your home, or your personal space such as your bedroom or office, wash curtains, wash bedding, wash walls. Vacuum, mop and dust. Then with your sage stick, smudge that area as if you were sweeping the room and everything in it right out the door. Tell your environment you are clearing it of everything negative or unpleasant. Move on to the next room. Repeat this process with each room ending at the room with the exit to the outside. Open that door and sweep it all right outside for the wind to carry as far away as possible.

Now, how about yourself? Are you feeling in need of a deep cleaning? During this time, treat yourself to a nice relaxing bath. Use a blend of magnesium chips or Epsom salts. Add some herbs and essential oils into the mix. Light some candles. I'll be using frankincense, rosemary, mint, and eucalyptus. All of these are good for spiritual cleansing. Fill a glass full of some healthy lemon and cucumber water. Close your eyes and just relax. Imagine every bit of dark or heavy energy lifting out of your body and into the water to be released down the drain. Meditate on what you see for yourself in the upcoming year. Take as much time as you want. Add more hot water if need be. This is your time.

I am not one to believe in New Year's resolutions. You can make resolutions and goals anytime you want. And who is to say when the new year actually begins anyway? Your year could begin on your birthday. It could begin after Samhain. Maybe you want it to begin with the spring equinox. You pick. Whatever works for you. Just because the new calendar year starts on January 1 doesn't mean your year has to. Again, you can make resolutions and goals anytime you want to. it's called free will.

How will I be spending the first day of the new calendar year? I will be planning out our events for the year, gathering items for filing taxes, reading a book, and doing the traditional cabbage with either ham or corned beef. I haven't decided yet. And I'll be preparing to return back to work after a nice hiatus from the day job.

Here's wishing you all a very happy new moon, new calendar year, and new you!