Image of Earth at Summer Solstice
January
2025 blog – Reflections Yaro
Michael Meade, my mentor, states that at the beginning: “This is not just the dark time of the year, but increasingly dark times for everyone, especially for those who care for the souls of other people and for the well-being of the Earth we all live on.” He goes on to describe how ancient symbols and practices at the Winter and Summer Solstice served as a reminder of the cosmological connection between the human soul and the hidden unity of life.
Symbols have the power to bring the mind and the heart
together and connect us to the deepest truths of life. A Christmas tree can
stand for the Tree of Life, as it represents both the still point at the center
and the power of life to change and renew itself. Simply lighting a single
candle in the midst of darkness can be a reminder of the eternal process of
renewal and restoration that is an essential, yet easily forgotten aspect of
all of life.
At this time, as we enter the new year - 2025, it is imperative for all humanity to connect to the images that indicate the hope and light we are beginning to reclaim from the darkness of wars, crises, and evil leaders.
.jpeg%20TREE%20OF%20LIFE.jpeg)
The Tree of LifeThe Tree of Life symbolizes interconnectedness, growth, and resilience across cultures and traditions. Its roots delve deep into the earth, representing grounding and connection to one's origins, while its branches reach toward the sky, symbolizing aspirations and spiritual growth. This balance teaches individuals the importance of staying rooted while striving for personal and collective development. People can benefit from its meaning by embracing life’s cycles, fostering unity with nature and others, and finding strength in adversity, inspiring personal growth and harmonious relationships.
THE MEANING OF JANUARY IN HISTORY
January (in Latin, Ianuarius) is named after Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions in Roman mythology.
Traditionally, the original Roman calendar consisted of 10
months totalling 304 days, winter being considered a month-less period. Around
713 BC, the semi-mythical successor of Romulus, King Numa Pompilius, is
supposed to have added the months of January and February, so that the calendar
covered a standard lunar year (354 days). Although March was originally the
first month in the old Roman calendar, January became the first month of the
calendar year either under Numa or under the Decemvirs about 450 BC (Roman
writers differ). In contrast, each specific calendar year was identified by the
names of the two consuls, who entered office on March 15 until 153 BC, at which
point they started entering office on January 1.
Various Christian feast dates were used for the New Year in
Europe during the Middle Ages, including March 25 (Feast of the Annunciation)
and December 25. However, medieval calendars were still displayed in the Roman
fashion with twelve columns from January to December. Beginning in the 16th
century, European countries began officially making January 1 the start of the
New Year once again—sometimes called Circumcision Style because this was the
date of the Feast of the Circumcision, being the seventh day after December 25.
Historical names for January include its original Roman
designation, Ianuarius, the Saxon term Wulf-monath (meaning "wolf
month"), and Charlemagne's designation Wintarmanoth ("winter / cold
month"). In Slovene, it is traditionally called prosinec; the name,
associated with millet bread and the act of asking for something, was first
written in 1466 in the Škofja Loka manuscript.
SYMBOLS FOR JANUARY
winter in the north
Garnet gemstone
Snowdrop (Galanthus) flower