Today is January 6th, the Day of the Epiphany. There are few things I love more than when ancient wisdom, culture (and yes, dogma) meet my personal experience or gnosis. I think this is because, although I wouldn’t say I am a Christian, my lineage is the Western Mystery School tradition which, like Christianity, has it’s roots in the Mystery Schools of Greece, Egypt and the Judaic Essenes.
Throughout the world, January 6th is known as Three Kings Day or the Day of the Epiphany. It marks the end of Yule and the twelve sacred days between Christmas Eve and the start of the ancient New Year as observed by many cultures. During these twelve sacred days, time seems to stand still. The old is not entirely released and the new has not firmly taken root. Although the days have technically gotten longer, darkness still seems to prevail.
But what I learned from my ancestors is on January 6th we begin to experience the victory of the light and feel the longer days.
Interestingly enough, in the Christian tradition, it is on January 6th that the three kings, or three magi arrived at the place of Jesus’ birth. I find this fascinating. It is not that Jesus hadn’t been born, but it was twelve days later that this Light of the World could actually be perceived.
By definition, Epiphany means, a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way.
This particular Yule Season captured my attention. As I shared in my two seasonal posts, Yule and the Return of Light and Hope and Post Winter Solstice Blues, this year I was taken by the darkness and held; almost to the point of suffocation. There was no rushing the recovery or coming up for air. It required a surrendering to the season and waiting.
With renewed trust and faith I allowed myself to free fall into the chaos of the old dancing with the new and prayed for Grace and Wisdom.
Today, I woke up with a strange sense of newness. The world around me felt fresh and there was a palpable ease. It wasn’t until mid-morning that I realized it was January 6th, the Day of the Epiphany – the day where the new light is actually perceived. Coincidence? I wonder…
All I can say is…trust the season you are in…
3 Comments
Lesa
January 7, 2016 - 8:25 amI love the reminder to “trust the season you are in.” I think I’m feeling the seasons more this year than in the past… maybe because I’m hitting mid-life now at 47. I appreciate your perspective and that its not just me.
Kate
January 10, 2016 - 9:58 amHi Alison
Beautifully said. I love discovering through your words that my own barely acknowledged intuitions are borne out in the wisdom of the earth religions. So glad You’ve come into my life:)
Linda Lundquist
January 16, 2016 - 5:57 pmDear Alie,
May the new light and year bring you much love and peace within your very core. I think of you and Sandra fondly and enjoy your blogs. 2015 was a life changing year for me (as it was for many) as I had 9 deaths in 6 months including my beloved Dad and Auntie. I learned how to use this grief and help a dear friend I’ve known since were were 12 with healing and hospice playing the crystal bowl. My life is very full with babysitting my two young grandsons, wonderful groups and taking yoga and zumba to keep up with those two. I am just finishing a cleanse that is unbelievable! It is good to see my belly disappear greatly and lose weight. The main thing is training my body to reboot to healthier foods although I try to eat well. Again….may you breathe new joy and love this year! Love you, Linda (I still want to go back to Scotland!)