We have the pleasure of introducing you to Marie Ponting, a writer for our spiritual corner. Marie is a deeply insightful and intuitive individual who has dedicated herself to helping others along their spiritual journeys.
Her passion for spiritual growth and her profound knowledge of various spiritual practices and teachings have led her to conduct workshops and events that inspire and empower individuals seeking to connect with their inner selves.
Through her work, Marie aims to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their spiritual paths, connect with others, and ultimately find greater meaning and purpose in their lives. So, without further ado, let’s hear from Marie herself!
By Marie Ponting
It is December, Yule is up on us. Its a beautiful time of the year, however for many it is a time of trauma, stress, depression and isolation that becomes magnified by the pressure of society.
This year I have changed the word Christmas in my house to yule. This fits much better with my beliefs and my spiritual journey. I listen to people’s conversations about Christmas, expensive presents, lavish food, timings on Christmas eve, Christmas day, boxing day. I look at pictures on social media of colour co – ordinated trees, elf on the shelf challenges and I wonder how much pressure everyone else feels? Personally, I don’t believe in the Christian Christmas. I am pagan so I have changed my perspective to be more aligned with my soul. I no longer wish to follow the crowds, I feel happier in my own lane with my own beliefs. The tree is celebrating the wood spirits, inviting them in to stay warm in the cold, the fae folk.
My children will decorate it with decorations as usual, non matching. In pagan tradition the star on the top is to celebrate the 5 elements, fire, earth, water, air and spirit; bells were placed on the branches for spirits to ring when they are near. I love this! I will still gift small presents to loved ones, and put more emphasis on spending time with people. I have noticed how ingrained the word Christmas is in my vocabulary.
After 45 years of using this word it’s a real challenge to change it, but one I am really enjoying and feel a lot happier with, it is the season of yule festivities. The full moon was amazingly beautiful this week wasn’t she? I have learned I get quite emotional a couple of days leading up to the full moon. I very much enjoy the full moon meditation in my cabin, releasing these emotions, letting them go. We had a powerful demonstration of energy transference this month, which was fascinating. Next full moon is 27th December, with the new moon on the 11th.
We also have the Winter solstice later this month. I will be holding a fire ceremony at the cabin on the 21st to celebrate, if that’s something that appeals to you, please do drop me a line. Winter Solstice celebrates the shortest day of the year and the light returning, the birth of the sun. In Greek mythology Goddess Artemis, the leader of the hunt, would return with antlers aglow, taking care of all the animals and forests. In celtic tradition yule is the time for Cailleach, crone goddess of winter and weather.
Yule blessing to you all.Online drum circle with Sandie Alderman – Last Monday of the month 7.30pm-9pm
Contact: Sandra 07834 208550 sandiealderman@googlemail.com
www.innerguide.co.uk
Wand Making Workshop & 6 week meditation courses (Spirit Animals, Chakras, Crystals, Past lives, Goddesses and
runes), 1-1 meditation, crystal healing, soul healing and channelling.
www.selfdiscoverywithastara.com
Contact: Marie 07825 654230 or raido41111@googlemail.com
Tarot Courses, Retreats, readings.
www.carolinedragonlady.com
Gong baths
Crystal and Himalayan bowl practitioners course
www.sonic-spa.co.uk
Sisters sharing space, moon gatherings, chakra and colour therapy
Email: woodenroundhouse@icloud.com