Epiphany and First Quarter Moon

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.

Tonight is also the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action and full effort. 

I use this January quarter moon's energy to grow still and listen within.

Agenda for today:

1. Epiphany meditation

2. Review the Divine Laws

3. Prayer candle ceremony

4. Simple steps for health and order

5. Make a full effort plan

6. Bake a King's cake and make a crown

1. Epiphany meditation: 

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 - Light and grace are always in the world; what is sporadic is my ability to pay attention and be present.

On New Year's Day I put the Greek Delphic injunction on my altar - Gnothi Seauton - Know Thyself. Today I will light a blue candle, for stillness, and a gray candle for the foggy path, and center on my breathing. When I am grounded, I will close my eyes and picture the path ahead of me - the whole glorious year that will unfold; the circle of the seasons; the challenges of growth; the people who will walk with me. 

After 10 minutes or so, I will stop and write down my thoughts, joys, concerns, and hopes.

Where is my intuition taking me?  

What might be the message or vision that is ripening in me this season?

What question do I want to shine greater light on?

2. Review the Divine Laws:

At Soyal, I review the Divine Laws, as I see them. A Divine Law is anything that comes directly from God: a natural law, universal truth, principle, or a rule of conduct that is inherent and essential in human society.

Today I will review my testimony of Mindfulness: Stay present-centered, not obsessed with the past or future.

3. Prayer Candle ceremony:

I'm enjoying a daily prayer candle ceremony throughout Soyal, using small candles and candle ends and choosing a new candle to add each day

Today I light a dark green candle for mindfulness, and ask the Spirits to bring the rain of loving care down upon the whole world.

4. Simple steps for health and order:

This year I've decided to review and work at the Simple Steps model for improving my self-care and home-care practices. I will choose one new habit in each area, each week, to build and monitor. I will set an intention that uses the action + deepest reason model. This week:

I intend to eat 2 cups of vegetables every day, and plan vegetable preparation into my routine (one step each day), because they have the highest vitamin, antioxidant, and fiber density of any food groups, will help me maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. 

 

I intend to "speed eliminate" as many items from my kitchen as possible - old food, towels, dishes, cleaners, etc., and things that don't belong in the kitchen - working systematically and daily through every space in the room, because this is the first step in creating order.

5. Make a full effort plan:

Today, at the first quarter moon, I prepare to give full effort to my priorities. I remember that for each opportunity in life there is a challenge. My theme this month is stillness, a peaceful inner space of mindful awareness. The challenge to stillness is "monkey mind", a state of mental restlessness and emotional reactivity; if my mind is in chaos, I will not be able to find equanimity. The practice for meeting this challenge is centering.

How can I better practice mindfulness, day in and day out? How can I stay centered and calm amidst the chaos of life?

 

Full effort requires attention; you remember your intentions - what it is you want to do and your deepest reasons why - and also notice your emotions, energy, challenges, etc. I'm thinking today about full effort for eating vegetables.

My full effort plan / schedule:

1. Monday: Shopping list and shopping. Buy 100% vegetable juice.
2. Tuesday: Peel a large bowl of sweet baby carrots, and make Greek yogurt dip.
3. Wednesday: Shopping list and shopping. Make a pitcher of green smoothie.
4. Thursday: Make a large bowl of coleslaw.
5. Friday: Try a new vegetarian recipe for dinner.
6. Saturday: Make an omelet for breakfast.

6. Bake a King's Cake and make a crown:

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.

2022 King

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).

 Here is the recipe.