By Jo Mooy
The Winter Solstice! Christmas! New Years! The Epiphany! They’re all well-known holidays. But few know the mysteries that surround the 12 days between the Winter Solstice, (or December 25th) and January 6th. Esoteric teachings say this period of time is significant. It’s known as the “spiritual heart” of the year, or the time when the sun is reborn, bringing its light to the world. And the 12 days are ruled by the 12 signs of the Zodiac.
Before Christianity arrived, ancient cultures celebrated the New Year on the Winter Solstice, the darkest and longest night of the year. On that morning, people gathered to watch the sun rise and light the long chambers of their places of worship. That gathering was a festival to call back the sun, knowing it was the giver of harvest, and without it life would cease. In 5,000 BC, Persian historical records describe the gatherings. Tribal fires burned all night, feasts were laid out, and prayers offered for the sun to be reborn.
Its return symbolized the victory of light over darkness and is still celebrated today.
But what about the “12 holy days” mentioned in the ancient texts? Some calendars were unable to account for 12 days every year, so they left them unmarked. The 12 days coinciding with their ancient “New Year” were set aside as days out of time, and therefore must be sacred and holy. The Magi, astrologists and shamans knew the sun was at its lowest point relative to the earth. For three days it appeared to “stand still,” increasing the effect of darkness. They watched, waited and measured, realizing the sun didn’t begin to move until the morning of the fourth day. Day by day, unobserved by the populace, the few minutes of additional sunlight were recorded. Not until the 12th day did the people begin to notice the change. By January 6th the ordinary person could detect there was more light in the sky. On that day, light had truly overcome darkness, the growing season could begin and there would be a harvest—so they celebrated it as the Festival of Light or the Epiphany
There’s an esoteric practice associated with the 12 Days that can be a period of reflection or purification. But it requires a commitment to its purpose. So, starting either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning, light a candle. Ask this question: “What does this day (first, second, third, day, etc.) have to teach me to further my soul’s purpose? I await this guidance through dreams, insights or messengers during the day.” Because this is a journey of 12 days, engage it in any way you wish—by journaling, meditation, prayer or walks in nature—and be aware of where messages may be sent.
Observe and be mindful throughout the day, then journal each evening. Each day represents the 12 months of the calendar year and 12 astrological signs. For example, Day 1 is January named for the God Janus, master of beginnings and endings. Reflect on Janus or new beginnings or endings. Or consider the astrological sign Capricorn’s self-discipline and responsibility.
When I did this practice in December 2015, I had a dream the first night about “reconstruction.” In it I was told I had the tools, skills and talent to make or remake anything.
Later in the day, while discarding some old flowers in a vase and changing out towels, I made a connection with the dream. The insight was, discard the old and replace with new. Insights, dreams or messages continued every day of this practice.
Done with intent and dedication, this is a deep practice to take you from the longest night to the festival of lights. The symbols received and the interpretations that come day by day are remarkable—especially when you go back and look at them a year later. Some messages predicted an outcome. Some offered insightful guidance on a specific issue. All the messages, whether dreams, insights, even a phone call or something read on the internet, related to the day and month. It is a worthwhile endeavor in your spiritual life. If you put your personal heart into the Esoteric Heart of the Year these 12 days will serve as a brilliant guide for the upcoming year.
Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.