the creative minimalist

darren r hill : writer, minstrel and journal keeper

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It’s all in the preparation. Symbols, rituals and events


Today marks the beginning of Lent. Originally this religious feast was the time when Christians, or Catechumens, prepared for Easter. In the past they would learn the stuff and become good little Catechumens, before getting baptised at Easter. Part of this preparation involved fasting, or giving up. I have oversimplified things, but that’s why we get the whole giving things up for Lent ritual.

Today, there is a New Moon. For those who have followed my social journey, you’ll have seen my on/off attempts at using the New Moon cycle as a time of personal development, ritual and habit-forming process. Another over-simplification: it is when I make some intentions for the coming month and set about achieving them.

And Mercury is going, or has just gone (it depends on what calendar I look at), retrograde. I’m not up with all the astrological details (I totally understand the astronomical side of things), but essentially Mercury retrograde is a time when you might need to pay more attention than usual. It is a time to double check things, communications and tech stuff – all good advice anytime, but, hey I’m trying to make a point. So, another gross simplification born from my ignorance of astrology: it is a good time to prepare.

A strict, empirical mind might dismiss coincidences. It would suggest that what I see is simply me making connections where I want them to be. Well, yes I am. And as I like rituals, symbols and events, I am happy to be doing this.

Therefore, as these three events align, I feel it only right and proper to pause and prepare.

But pause from what and prepare for what?

The prepare is easy to answer. I have a long list of goals that I am working toward. I have projects on the go and some interesting things I will be sharing soon. Lots to prepare and plenty to do.

Perhaps, as I see these symbolic moments align, what I am being told is… don’t forget to pause.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox
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The path to hell is paved with Lenten intentions

meh at least there's coffeeI began so well. The ritual. The cross of ashes. The desire to stop. The desire to deepen that spiritual relationship. The knowledge that I can be a better person. The intention of being that person. The journey didn’t last long. A couple of days, a day, hours… less?

Then again, isn’t that the way this ought to be? A journey. A journey with false paths. A journey with stumbling blocks, crevices and the occasional rock fall.

seeking wisdom image from my journal

One reason (excuse?) is an illness. A virus came and walked alongside me for a while. We were obviously close friends. We shared everything. For an introvert, friendship – close friendship and intimate sharing – can be exhausting. I’m still in recovery. The virus has moved on to others, virus is so fickle.

I had planned good things for February. The plans, like my Lenten walk, have gone off track. They are there. Milling around in the woods, in the darker places. I’ll get a light and go find them. The woods are full of birch trees.

Beth / Birch Celtic oracle card

The Celtic ‘Beth’ represents a sweeping away, a purification. It’s also about determination and patience. Beth a metaphor for the metaphor that is Lent. It seems the woods are the place to go. To find my plans. To find my path.

  • Lent leads to Easter
  • February into Spring
  • Lull into life.

 

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox
If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.
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Gratitude in lean times – Mabon Thanksgiving


It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I think I read this words somewhere before. It’s today, or around today, that Mabon is celebrated, the second harvest festival. It ties in with the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. A time of balance before the austerity of winter clothes us.

For those following my intermittent musings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (links below) you may have noticed the odd gloomy moan. I am struggling to sort out a few things in my life. Work is exciting, hard-going but not overly rewarding at this present time. As the summer disappears and grey skies take hold, I seem to have followed suit with a less than sunny disposition.

However, things are not bad. And this celebration of Mabon has reminded me just what I have. It has stopped me in my tracks and shown what I can be grateful for. Just as the leaves on the trees will turn gold, my blessings are golden too. I am grateful for all I have. I am not in need of anything at this present moment. There may come a time in the near future when I am in need, just like the cycle of the year moves into winter when food and warmth are scarce. Presently I am content. And I am thankful for that.

I pray that this time of Mabon, there is much that you can be grateful for. And I pray that the winter ahead will not bring too much need.

 

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
namaste
d
xox
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Beltane a symbol not of our time

When was the last time we stopped and gave thanks for the local supermarket? When did we take a moment and think about safety and protection for the transportation of our food?

We have stopped believing in the old ways, the old gods, the old beliefs, as Neil Gaiman points out in American Gods.

Have we lost something? As some celebrate Beltane, they will give thanks and ask for protection for the newly ploughed and sowed seeds. Rituals of bonfires and other esoteric events create spells, enchantments and covenants to protect the land in order for it to bear fruit.

Yes, superstition… but why did that become a dirty word?

Many join in with these rituals without a care or an iota of faith or belief in what they are celebrating. Religion and spirituality have always had that element within.

I stand outside the town’s Co-op mini market. They won’t appreciate a bonfire lit in front of their display window. Will probably think I am one item short of a BOGOF, if I attempt to summon a spirit of protection in the entrance. But at the very least I should not take this shop, and others, for granted.

We abdicated our food production to the farming and retail industry. In return, we demand the right to eat. A human right even. We are able to obtain food and eat it. We don’t take part in the creative ritual, although we do offer a donation of coin in return for sustenance; an offering at the collection plate. This is contactless food production.

We swapped ritual for a transaction. We have lowered our very survival to a financial exchange. Let’s pray the system doesn’t fall apart.

As I think about Beltane, I think about what it has meant, and what it could mean. Is there any symbolism that I can use in my own ‘year’?

At the very least, I should not take what I have for granted. And I wonder, are there any symbolic bonfires I should be lighting this day, for there is no such thing as a mere symbol.

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Candlemas – blessing our needs

candle and candlemasTraditionally Candlemas is celebrated 40 days after the birth of Jesus. It was when the child was presented at the Temple; the redemption of the first born. In the church year, it marks the end of Epiphany and one of the twelve great feasts of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the Catholic rosary, it is the 4th Joyful mystery and the fruit of the mystery is purity and obedience. This marks the other aspect of the Temple visit, that of the ‘ritual purification’ of Mary after childbirth.

The name Candlemas came from the tradition of the priest blessing candles for use throughout the year. The populace would bring along their collection of beeswax columns and they would be blessed, a medieval ‘let there be light’.

What is my Candlemas?

Ritual and minimalism are related companions for me. The more ritual I have the more I focus on what I have and need to do. The more ritual the more I appreciate what I have and I get less distracted by meaningless wants and desires. Of course, that’s the theory if not the practice… or ritual!

Candles were vital in a pre-gas or electrical world. They were a need for the people hence the blessing of them (along with the light and its symbolism).

  • What do I need?
  • What is vital to me?
  • What do I need blessed?

Alternatively, as it is the 2nd February, you can celebrate Groundhog Day instead and predict the weather.

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