Happy New Year!
I often feel perplexed as to why we celebrate a New Year in January, do you too?
The first new years ever recorded was in the Mesopotamia time period around 2000 BC and it was celebrated right at the Spring Equinox in mid-March. To me this makes sense as it is celebrating the new life (as you can see it outside) springing up – new growth and new beginnings. As the weather gets warmer and the days get brighter it is a natural time for group gatherings and more activity.
In the dead of Winter it seems odd to celebrate something new, as instead the dead of winter to me resonates with the energies of deep reflection and hibernation; perhaps, nourishing seeds in the darkness to then successfully sprout in the spring. As I researched a bit further it turns out January refers to the Roman God Janus, and it is said that he has two faces, one looking forwards towards the future and one looking back towards the past. It seems in January, as a nod to the God Janus, the Romans proclaimed the beginning of the month as a New Year – you can make a choice, to live in the past letting habits and learned behaviors dictate how you move through life , or venture forth into the future creating something new and leaving what was holding you back in the past .
In staying with the rhythms of Nature and the Theme of a New Year I like the metaphor of using this time to build up and store your seeds, your energy, ideas, and new visions; nurture them throughout these months so they can come into fruition in the Spring; and to borrow from Janus, to use this time to let go of anything from the past holding you back and to not take that into this New Year with you, choosing to look forwards.
Lastly, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Wood represents growth, life and vitality. The Dragon represents expansion and prosperity. I hope this year brings into fruition all of your deepest desires and dreams!
Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year Ahead!
More exciting events etc in the works and coming soon!
With Love and in Partnership,
Laura Rose, L.Ac., M.Ac., CYT
www.MalamaHonuaHealing.com
(301) 351-1302