We've had a little trouble accessing Blogger today. Probably me in retrograde, again!
It is New Year's Day, so, of course, I wanted to talk about cleaning and clearing and welcoming in new, positive changes.
This site is all about resolving problems, so, throughout the year, I am bringing in everyone's spiritual "dirt." We all collect our own problems and those of people we care about, and not clearing results in challenges building up and creating blocks, illnesses, and chaos.
It looks like my hosting platform has some cleaning and clearing to do, because it is glitchy today. I can't sign in! So, here are a few of the tips covered:
1. Clean and clear -- Sweep the floor, clean and re-arrange altar areas, dust, and go through those old boxes for things to recycle or donate. I did a load of laundry and got all my rugs. Adding some magickal ingredients is a great way to remind yourself this is more than just cleaning--I used lemon and vinegar, as wel as lavender and eucalyptus.
2. Clean your cleaning implements (some say buy new) -- Now is a good time to replace brooms and garbage cans and other cleaning implements. I've heard some say it is time to buy new, but, I like to avoid over-consumption (and it has been too cold where I live to get out to buy new items for nearly two weeks now!). If it is time to get rid of something, now is the time, but also: clean. I ran all my floor cleaning supplies and garbage can through hot water with cleanser today. Get rid of all that build-up from the year! I threw out an old sponge--if it is time for something to go, now is definitely the time to do it!
Look at all the stuff that collects your dirt as you go--dish drainer, strainers, drains. It may be time to clean those areas!
Don't forget magickal implements. If your herbs tend to be as out of sorts as mine tend to be, it's a great time to organize and sort.
3. Make new cleansing potions! I started my year fresh with a new bottle of quick cleansing wash (coffee grounds, lemon, salt) to use on my self, pets, and floors/house as needed.
4. It's time to eat traditional foods--for me, cabbage is the most important. I have some lentils going with a little spinach, quinoa, and seasonings in it. Later, I'll cook up some potatoes and cabbage. If I get lazy, I can eat the cabbage cold in a salad or slaw. It is a good time to share with your ancestors through an altar offering or scattering some of your bounty outside for critters!
5. We are living in modern times with things to clean and clear our ancestors didn't have. Take a look at getting rid of extraneous apps, websites, and unused services!
6. This isn't Oprah . . . but look at those habits! Just this past week, I was able to resolve a chronic pain problem by adding a breathing exercise. Undisciplined breathing, habitual/pain-avoiding movement patterns, and my habit of being tense and not relaxing combined for a lot of pain. I made a lot of progress using yoga, but wasn't able to get rid of the last bit of pain until I changed these habits.
