Winters are often tough, but
this one has really been a challenge for many of us. Much of the US has dealt
with long stretches of bitter cold and winter storms bringing snow and ice as
far south as Texas. On the far western side of the country, there are droughts
and winds instead. Outside the United States, the weather has also been
extreme, although not always cold. It’s the beginning of March, and I don’t
know about you, but I’m starting to feel like this winter is Never Going to
End.
Of course, there are plenty of
practical things that can help you keep going: exercise, rest, and of course,
lots of chocolate. But if those aren’t working for you this year, I’ve got a
few ideas for how to cope, using spirit, spells, and sharing—hopefully one or
more of these approaches help you make it through until the spring comes.
When the temperature drops below
zero AGAIN, or you’re slipping and sliding on your way to the car, there may be
a temptation to curse the gods. Instead, why not use this long winter as
inspiration to get in touch with one of the darker crone goddesses you may not
usually commune with? Winter is the time of the hag—Hecate, for instance, or
some of the other “hag” goddesses like Kali Ma, Cerridwen, or Morrigu (check
out this fabulous blog post on connecting with Baba Yaga by Pagan author Gail
Wood
http://rowdygoddess.com/2014/02/25/celebrating-the-hag-baba-yaga-the-hag-of-winter
) so if you’re feeling rather haggard yourself, do some research or just reach
out to the goddess in her crone form.
On the other hand, if you are
longing for the warmth and sunlight, perhaps you can light a candle to one of
the sun gods, like Apollo, who is also a god of healing and music (which can be
very healing during the long dark months). Meditate on one whichever sun god
resonates with you the most, and feel the gift of light and warmth filling you
from head to toe. Do a ritual thanking Prometheus for his gift of fire that
keeps us warm during these cold months.
Spellwork can help too. For
instance, if you are feeling like you just can’t take any more, try doing this
spell for “Endurance” from my Everyday
Witch A to Z Spellbook:
I
will be bright and fierce
Like
the flame that burns
In
the candle hot
I
will be strong and grounded
Like
the tumbled stone
That
once was earth
I
will be flexible and resilient
Like
the water that flows
Always
to return
I
will be the essence of potential
Like
the seed that waits
And
grows again when needed
I
will endure
I
will survive
I
will triumph
And
rise like the phoenix
At
the dawn of another day
With
the help of the gods
And
my own determination
I
will endure
And
rise like the phoenix
You can also try my spells for Acceptance
(to help you accept the weather you can’t change), Depression (if the
never-ending winter has you down), or Peace and Quiet, if you just want to tune
into the more positive aspects of this time of year.
I tend to hibernate during the
winter—I’m less social, rarely leave the house (except for work and necessary errands),
and don’t talk to people as much. This isn’t always a bad thing, and certainly
fits with the general energy of this time of year. But if you’re feeling blue,
sometimes the best thing you can do is get together with friends or family.
Blue Moon Circle has a tradition
during the cold dark months of getting together for a few “girls’ nights in.”
We don’t do anything magical; simply watch a fun video, share food, and enjoy
each other’s company. But it is amazing how much these nights can recharge our
batteries and make us feel better.
I told you chocolate helped!
And hang in there…spring is
coming soon, no matter what it feels like at the moment.
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