Epiphany

January 6th is Epiphany, the final day of the Christmas season. This was the day when the three Magi arrived in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus, and recognized that he would grow up to be a great helper of people. 

Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphania, meaning manifestation, or moment of recognition. The Magi had an epiphany- a moment of recognition, when the truth became clear through something simple and striking.

Agenda for today:

1. Journal queries
2. Open to an epiphany
3. Leave gifts
4. Bake a King's cake
5. Make a crown

1. Journal queries: 
An epiphany is an insight that might take years to ripen, like when I suddenly understand something that has been hovering just out of my grasp; it's a brilliant feeling of clarity, a gift from Spirit, a moment of transformation. At the same time, it’s no big deal- Spirit and grace are always in the world; what is sporadic is my ability to pay attention and be present.
What might be the message or vision that is ripening in me this season?
What query do I want to shine light on?
What are the themes running through my life?

2. Open to an epiphany: 

An epiphany is, in essence, mysterious, but I can learn to open myself to the insights life is offering me, and begin to experience epiphanies more often, from tiny to life-transforming. Today I will try this practice:

1. Formulate an important open-ended query and write it on a piece of paper.
2. Settle in to meditation. Fill my mind with the query I wrote, and look at it from all angles.
3. Carry that listening attitude with me all day; dwell on it. Hold an expectation that an epiphany or awakening will occur.
4. Carry a small bell or smooth stone to remind me to be centered in awareness of each moment- when I am reminded, just pause and let my attention settle on that place of clarity and peace, and notice the Spirit and grace that surround me in light.
5. When a gift of epiphany comes to me, I honor it by putting it to use; just move one baby-step in the direction my epiphany is sending me. 

3. Leave gifts:

Traditionally, I leave gifts in the night- from Befana. It's the last special gift of the Christmas season, usually something my kids asked for but have not yet received. This year my gift was a small loaf of Focaccia della Befana, delivered to each of their doors.

4. Bake a King's Cake:

2016 king.

In Mexico, Día de Reyes (Day of Kings) is the main celebration of Christmas, though Christmas Day is growing in popularity. Children get presents today from the three kings, and the family shares a special bread, called Rosca de Reyes (King's Cake), which looks like a large, delicious crown.

I didn't make King's Cake this year, because of the Befana cake I made instead, but here is the recipe anyway!

A tiny clay doll (or an almond or coin) is placed inside the cake to symbolize the coming of the baby Jesus. Each guest cuts a piece, and the person whose serving contains the doll is considered king or queen of the fiesta, and is obligated to host another party on or before February 2 (Candlemas).

Ingredients:

• 2/3 c. milk 
• 1/2 c. sugar 
• 1-1/2 tsp. salt 
• 5 Tbs. butter
• 2 package of yeast 
• 4 eggs 
• 4 c. flour 
• 2 c. dried fruit or raisins

Sugar paste & decorations: 

• 1/2 c. butter 
• 1/2 c. sugar 
• 1 egg 
• 1 c. flour 
• dried or candied fruits

Yield: 1 large cake

1- Heat milk to boiling. In a large bowl, combine the hot milk with sugar, salt, and margarine. Cool to lukewarm.

We decorated with dried apricots, cranberries, 
and golden raisins.

2- Meanwhile, dissolve yeast in 1/4 c. warm water. When the milk has cooled, add the dissolved yeast, eggs, and 2 c. flour. 

3- Beat the dough until it is smooth and satiny then stir in another 2 c. flour and dried fruit or raisins to make a soft dough. Cover the bowl with plastic and let the dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

4- Pour the dough out onto a well-floured surface and gently shape it into a ring. Arrange the dough on a greased cookie sheet then hide a foil-wrapped coin in it. Let the cake rise again until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours. 

After baking: The lighter strips are the sugar paste.

5- Make sugar paste: Cream butter and sugar together, beat in egg and gradually add about 1 c. flour. Press out flat on a well- floured surface, and cut into strips. Decorate the bread with this paste and dried fruits, to look like a crown covered with jewels.

6- Bake your cake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

5. Make a crown:
While the cake is baking, make a crown with yellow poster board, pens, and jewels.

2017 queen.