The Spiritual Work of Winter
Winter is a time that we, in the Northern Hemisphere, naturally turn inward. Well, I should say that it would be the perfect time to turn inward, but mostly our society keeps us moving full tilt all year long. But still, for those of us interested in attending to our spirits, we tend to turn inward in the winter.
The work best suited for this time is quiet and contemplative. On the outside, it may look like nothing is going on, but there are (or can be) profound changes…dare I say “transformations”?).
This is a good time to look at what you’d planned for the year, what you accomplished, what you didn’t, what energy you want to keep and bring forward to spring, and what energy you want to release to be worked into the soil of your soul to fertilize the ground to nourish new energy.
For this spread, simply lay out one card for each question. If you prefer reading with more cards, use groups of three.
1. What could I do to restore harmony to the parts of my life that are out of balance?
This may not necessarily mean doing more but perhaps doing less. Excess thinking, obligations, and commitments can throw a life off balance. Perhaps it is a matter of doing things differently.
2. Where do I need to focus more attention or resources in order to bring my inner and outer lives into harmony?
Wholeness is different from balance. This is how the parts of your life work together for mutual support. How are you using your resources to set systems in motion that would make your life easier, more conducive of balance?
3. Where in my life must I create trust in order to restore the strength and wholeness of my heart?
It may be a lack the trust that you are fundamentally of value or incapable of achieving harmony, balance, and wholeness. The lack of trust could be internal or external, about yourself or about others, about your thoughts/beliefs or about your actions in the world.
4. In what ways are my fears of the future and attachments to outcomes suffocating the energy that could strengthen my heart so it can guide me.
I love what you have just written especially number 4 being attachment to outcomes which I have been working on a lot recently and still getting it wrong sometimes!
Best wishes Helen x
This spread was perfect timing for me. I have always felt the creative winter recluse emerge in me. That’s when I write and create. For number 4 I got the four of cups, which was enlightening to me. I get lethargic, depressed at times, when I become attached to outcomes. Thank you Helen.
Thank you.. Looking for way to restore balance within.Winter does that to me, and I’m overdue
Enjoyed your post. Sherry
This article is very timely. This is a good exercise to both reflect on the past year while providing inspiration and positive energy to move forward. Thank you!!