Daily Tarot: 6 of Swords

It's all a matter of perspective with the 6 of swords. The world looks dark down at the bottom of the heap. Darkness, rain, gloom, sadness abound... except... edging into the picture... a rainbow! If you can see past the darkness and gloom, there is hope, light, peace to be found.

Six of Swords stands for recovery from difficult times. There is hope at last. Things will get better. Surround yourself with joyful friends who will help to lift your spirits.

A Christmas blessing

Winter Solstice

In honor of the Winter Solstice, which is today, last night my friends and I lit a spiral of candles and sent out our hopes for the new year. I love this tradition.

This year's spiral

Lighting up the dark

Last year's spiral

Winter Solstice: Return of the light

It's been getting darker for weeks now. Every day a little bit more light is seeped from the sky. That coupled with the cloudy, rainy days we've been having can make the world feel like a dark and lonely place. But, good news! The light is returning!

The solstice, which happens on December 21st this year, is a time of introspection, a time to turn inward and hear what your heart has to tell you, what the universe wants to impart to you in the quiet and the dark time. It's also a time to celebrate the end of the dark days and the return of the light.

It occurred to me the other day that the Christmas lights I have hung on my tree and inside my house serve a dual purpose. They celebrate the season of Christmas, certainly. But maybe more importantly, they're a beacon of hope, hung at the darkest time of the year, a reminder of the return of the light.

A good ritual to banish the darkness at this time of year is to hang lights in the window or light a spiral of tea light candles and as you do, send out a prayer or a wish for the year to come.

If you're looking for a little hope during this dark time, leave me a comment and let me know. I'll light a candle for you. And remember, the days will be getting longer soon.