"No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again." - Buddha
What is the significance of the New Year?
The New Year offers a new opportunity for us to make progress within our lives, whether it is spiritual, mental, physical, or emotional. It signifies rebirth and starting fresh, with the first step which is the intention that you set for the new year. Most importantly, it symbolize new hope and new beginnings.
The beautiful part of celebrating the New Year is to honor the space between letting go of the past and embracing the new, either it is new space, opportunity, blessings, or transition.
Starting Your Rituals
In the beginning of any ritual, you want to set your space so that energy can move around freely and is clear for intention setting.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Space
Take this time to clear out any clutter in your space where you will be meditating. It's important to have a clean space so that energy can move around freely and not feel stuck.
Once clean, smudging your space and your crystals are highly encouraged. Smudging is an ancient cleansing ceremony practiced by indigenous Native Americans where you burn herbs to clear and purify the air and energy around you and your space. Sage is the most popular herb, followed by Palo Santo, and incense. You can find these tools here on our website.
Step 2: Reflection
As you end the year, this is a moment of reflection. Take a moment to review the last year and honor it. It was filled with its ups and downs, high and lows, successes and challenges. But it made you stronger and more resilient. As you reflect and honor the past year, consider these questions and write them down on a piece of paper:
- What are some things that you would like to let go of?
- What were some things you loved that you would like to continue into the new year?
- What was the most challenging thing that happened?
- What was an unexpected joy this past year?
- In what way(s), did you grow, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually?
Step 3: Intention Setting
Now that you have reflected on the previous year, what are some of the intention you want to set for the New Year? As you look into what you want as an intention (or intentions), consider these questions and write them down on a piece of paper:
- What brings pleasure to your life right now? Big or small, consider it all!
- Is there anything that you feel is lacking within your life?
- In the next 90 days, what are some things you would like to accomplish?
- What are some long term goals that you have?
Step 4: Meditate
After answering these questions, take a moment to check in with yourself - how are you feeling, really? Take this time to do some breath work and allow yourself the space to get ready for your rituals. You can access the Sacred Light Sound Bath audio recordings to assist you in your meditation here.
Step 5: Cleanse
Lastly, cleanse your mind and body of the past year by taking a relaxing epsom salt bath to ensure good health and good energy for the next year. Epsom salt baths are an ancient ritual practice that not only relaxes the mind and body, but also detoxes it too. If you don't have a have a bath tub, you can use an epsom salt based soap or soak your feet in epsom salt water.
Rituals for the New Year
Ritual I: Vision Board
A vision board is a goal-manifesting collage that allows for your dreams and desires to be transformed through the actions of displaying pictures and words. In order to attract what you want into your life, you need to see, feel, and embody what you want to bring in. A vision board is only a vehicle to your goals, you still need to get in and be the driver of your visions. Here are the steps to creating your own vision board for the new year:
Step 1: Define your goals
Make a list of the areas in your life that are important to you such as relationships, money, career, fitness, hobbies, whatever it may be! Spend a few minutes to jot down some notes of what comes to your mind.
Step 2: Find Your Inspirational Photos
Look for words and images that align with the goals you listed. These can be from the internet or magazines, as long as they are physical and tangible so you can attach them to your board!
Step 3: Map Out Your Board
Here you will need the following:
- A board (cardboard, canvas, etc - something big so you can see all the images you're putting on it clearly)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
Ritual II: Energetic Cord Cutting
Throughout our lives, we are constantly in the process of learning, growing, and evolving. Part of the process is letting go of that which no longer serves us to make space for growth and love. Whether we are in a relationship with someone, be it a friend, family member, or significant other, there is an energetic cord that ties both of you together that allows for you both to form a connection and understand one another. However, as we move through our lives, we may find that this person may not be particularly beneficial or positive, i.e. a toxic ex, your former boss, a past friend, and you want to let go. By doing a cord cutting ritual, it will sever the energetic ties from toxic people, places, memories, or jobs that does not serve your highest good and frees you and allows you to move forward.
Ritual III: Crystal Gridding & How To Create a Crystal Grid
Ritual IV: Sharing Circle
Sometimes rituals don't have to be overly complicated. They can be simple, sweet, and shared with your loved ones. To celebrate the New Year, gather your group of friends for a sharing circle.
Invite your family and friends over to your place (or their place), and lead a brief meditation to calm the mind and body. As you sit together, take turns to share the challenges and successes of the past year and reflect on what you wish to bring into the new year. Allow each person to share their thoughts, intentions, and personal stories and experience as it is a safe space among your family and friends.