Day 3: Celebration and Community
Coming Together and Expressing Joy
This day is intended to complete the Yule season on January 1st, 2024.
Morning
Ritual: This morning you will complete the Twelve Nights of Wishes Ritual
Light the candle on your alter. Using tweezers, burn one of the final two wishes remaining. As it burns, focus on your intention and visualize your wishes coming true. Feel the positive energy surrounding your desire. Allow the ash to fall int the bowl of salt.
Retrieve the remaining piece of paper from the box. This is your thirteenth wish. Open and read the thirteenth wish. This wish will be your personal goal for the upcoming year, and its realization will depend on your actions and efforts. This is your wish to make come true. Keep the thirteenth wish in a place where you can see it regularly, such as your journal or a vision board, as a reminder to work towards its fulfillment throughout the year.
Complete the ritual by blowing out the candle.
Gather and save the bowl with the ash from the wishes. This is potent black salt to use in spells and rituals in the coming year.
Afternoon
Recipe: Bake a batch of spiced cookies or gingerbread, infusing them with intentions of warmth and inner light. Even this soon after the solstice we can begin to see the days lengthening again. Sit somewhere sunny with a cup of tea and a couple freshly baked cookies and feel the sun on your face this afternoon. Soak in its warmth and just enjoy being here in this time, in this place. Let your heart feel full and grateful for all the blessings in your life.
Package up the cookies and drop them with neighbors and loved ones to enjoy. You might consider writing notes of gratitude to include with your cookies. Thank the people in your life and share your heartfelt love and appreciation for them. Send online friends a few personal words of appreciation as well. We are nothing without our community. Nurture yours.
If you are hosting a vision board party (see below) send each guest home with a plate of cookies and a handwritten note.
Evening
Herbal Concoction: Brew a cup of herbal tea using hibiscus, orange peel, and cloves. Sip it while reflecting on the connections you've made. Think back over the prior calendar year and look forward to the new one.
Feeling extroverted? Invite friends and family over to welcome in the new calendar year. Make some festive drinks, and have everyone bring their favorite appetizer.
Activity: Whether celebrating alone or with loved ones, this is a great night to break out the old magazines and junk journaling supplies and make a 2024 vision board. Once complete, hang your vision board somewhere you can refer to it often and soak in the imagery.
Hosting a Vision Board Gathering with Friends
Do you ever find yourself longing for a fresh perspective and a way to manifest your dreams and aspirations? Hosting a vision board gathering with friends can be an inspiring and enjoyable way to do just that.
Materials
Poster Boards - Provide each participant with a sturdy canvas or poster board as the foundation for their vision board. You can find these at a local art supply store or online.
Magazines and Printables - Collect a variety of magazines or printables that feature images that resonate with the themes and goals you want to manifest.
Scissors and Glue - Ensure you have enough scissors and glue sticks for everyone to comfortably cut and paste their chosen images.
Craft Supplies - Offer colorful markers, stickers, Washi tape, paint, and other embellishments to allow participants to personalize their vision boards further.
Instructions
Begin the gathering with a short meditation or intention-setting session. Invite your guests to reflect on their dreams and goals for the year ahead.
Provide magazines and printables for participants to browse through. Encourage them to cut out images, words, and phrases that resonate with their aspirations. Distribute the poster boards, and let the creativity flow. Encourage your guests to arrange their chosen images on their boards in a way that feels meaningful to them.
I’ve found most people prefer to work on the floor where they can spread out. Set out floor pillows and cushions. Keep lighting bright but not overwhelming. Consider having several lamps on and supplementing with candles. Put on some music and settle in.
After everyone has completed their vision boards, gather in a circle and invite each participant to share what they've created and the intentions behind their boards.
Tarot Work: Before bed tonight, draw a card that represents the energy of celebration and community, and another card that offers guidance on how to spread joy to others. Sleep with these under your pillow. Sleep well Witch. Happy New Year.