End of the year

It is November. Soon we will enter the twelfth and final month of the year. In that moth we will celebrate many things, including the longest day of the winter, the Winter Solstice.

It is a time for looking back on the past year and forward to the new one. Both require our gratitude, gratitude for what has passed, the good things that have come our way and the way we dealt with the trials and challenges of the past.

What we have learned from the challenges of the past year is both a time for reflection and gratitude. Reflection to recognize what the challenges were, and the outcomes of the way we dealt with them, and what we learned about ourselves as a result. What we learned is not just the moment-by-moment actions, thoughts and deeds of what took place but after the challenge was over what we learned about ourselves and the effect of the challenge on us.

As you look forward to the New Year, there are so many unknowns, even what we do know may change as we move into the details.

First-Footing is a tradition in many parts of the world, from Britain to Sweden, Serbia, and Georgia. There are many variations on what is required to perform a successful ritual. They are described in an article in Wikipedia, search for “First-Foot,” or click here.

But all have some things in common. The person coming into the house in the first few minutes of the New Year should bring with them things that traditionally represent good fortune:

Coal – symbolizes fuel to burn for cooking food and heating the home.

Bread – symbolizes food for the family

Salt – symbolizes the seasoning of food to make it more enjoyable and palatable, but it can also be used for preserving food items such as fish

Fruit cake – a rich fruit cake is a luxury item and symbolizes wealth and celebration. Purchasing the ingredients, cooking and consuming them at a celebration of some kind is good fortune.

Whiskey or alcohol of some kind symbolizes, wealth, good fortune, success and things to celebrate.

Clothing – is particle but also symbolizes wealth, new things to clothe ourselves with

Candles – symbolize light to take us through the dark nights remaining in winter but also the evenings of the New Year to come.

Money – of course this is wealth but also opportunity, if used correctly and for that purpose.

These traditional symbols have come down to us across the centuries. Across those same centuries has come Reiki. Reiki is part of our traditions at this time of year. Its healing energy has supported us during the year that is passing and it will strengthen and help us in the year ahead so long as we ask for help and allow the aid it sends to permeate our bodies, our thoughts and our deeds.

So, lets perform a simple ceremony of gratitude for what has past and for what will come.

First, cleanse your home of any unwanted energies. Go to each room of your home with smoking bundle of sacred herbs, usually white sage. I will usually have a window open, or a door, just slightly to allow the exit of any energies that should not be in the home.

I will usually say something like, “Only beings of Light and Love are allowed in this space, room, hallway, vestibule etc. all others must leave. Now!” I add emphasis to the word Now because I want any such spirits to leave right away, not at their leisure. As I speak, I wave the sage wand in the air so that the scent is disappeared in the room.

Be aware that cupboards, behind doors, closets, attics and cellars must also be cleared.

Incense, light your favorite incense to bring warmth and pleasantness into the home. Light two candles one for the New Year, one for the Old Year.

Sit quietly and clear your mind. If you are attuned and are aware of your guides, invite them to draw close to you.

Invite Reiki energy to join you and also the Archangel Michael to protect a self-Reiki session which you now start performing for yourself. Always remember that you need help and sustenance and healing before you can help anyone else, even a child.

Take your time healing and allowing Reiki energy to enter you and healing anything that needs healing, but especially your mind. Use Reiki energy to help you guide your mind and keep egoic mind from churning on things you cannot change and draining your energy by this useless effort.

Turn your attention to the past year and all the good things that have happened and all the challenges. Look briefly at what you have learned and what you have been blessed with and how you have changed and grown as a result of all that has happened.

Do not dwell in any detail on anything. There is the possibility your busy mind will start churning on the details if you do and that is not what we need.

Now turn to the New Year ahead. Consider all the good things and the changes in you. Think of the year ahead. The year ahead is an opportunity for all kinds of changes in you, new events, new gifts, and opportunities. Also, appreciate the learnings you will achieve from the challenges that will come your way and be prepared to accept them for that.

At the end of the personal Reiki session, thank Reiki energy for being with your though the past year and affirm your belief and feelings for Reiki for the New Year. If you are attuned to Reiki, draw the Reiki Per Symbol and Personal Matters symbols on the palm of one hand with the index finger of the other three times each.

Close the session by thanking Archangel Michael for standing guard over the session.

While we have thought in terms of the New and Old years as the calendar turns over, this Reiki ceremony can also take place at your birthday that marks a year of your life passing and a new one starting.

I wish you all have a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous 2021!

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This post is taken from our Reiki Level II Student Manual

Mark is a Registered Reiki Teacher and Practitioner under the Canadian Reiki Association – CRA.

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