October 2024 - Gillian Monks

…Or in other words, Happy Hallowe’en! The seasons have turned once more and we are about to leave autumn behind and enter early winter – the most precious time of personal introspection, evaluation and self-nurture. As we slip into the shadows we stand at the crossroads… where our world touches many others and living energies from many other states of being mingle among us – including the planes on which our passed loved ones now dwell.

This is a time to celebrate! To remember with love and gratitude, to engage with all life with joy and appreciation, to celebrate, to dance, to laugh and to stare into Ceridwen’s cauldron and contemplate what our future might hold for us.

Have a wonderful day today… a blessed and very special night tonight, and a marvellous time over the next few days… treasure all the little moments and understand how even the most mundane moments are, in reality, a true gift.

My love to you all!

A belated sixth anniversary celebration of the publication of my first book, ‘Merry Midwinter: How to Rediscover the Magic of the Christmas Season’ which was first published by Unbound on the 4th October 2018!

In some respects, it only seems like yesterday, yet with the intervening upheaval and stress of the pandemic, and the publication of a further five of my books, (culminating with ‘Walking With the Goddess’ only a couple of months ago), in experience and activities it also seems very much longer.

Yet, the message of coming together for joyful celebration, of families and communities drawing close and revelling in each other’s company and activities, is surely timeless. As the dark of winter rapidly approaches, we who are blessed to be living in peace and relative safety and security have much to be thankful for… and much to look forward to.

As the opening of the first chapter of ‘Merry Midwinter’ reads: ‘This is the time of year when it is good to slow down, to take stock of all the ‘busyness’ of the past spring and summer and all that we have accomplished and harvested during the year. Now is the time to think about ourselves; where we have been, where we are now and where we might want to direct ourselves in the future. It is also a time to rest, to draw close to one’s family and spend some time by the fireside, if only metaphorically.’

But this is also a good time to bring all those less fortunate into our mind. So much of humanity is suffering right now – so much of the Earth is in pain and turmoil. As you settle into the winter shadows and enjoy some breathing space, inner nurturing and regeneration, spare some thought, some compassion and love for all those who are not so fortunate.

Look afresh at what the approaching Midwinter and Christmas season really represent and what they truly mean to you, and extend your positive good wishes to all. As I always like to remind those around me, Christmas is a state of mind and a way of life, ALL year round – begin yours now in the true spirit of the season.