The Yuletide Purge

Yule/Winter Solstice can be seen as one last opportunity to embrace the darkness before the growing light takes hold of our world and life. This gives us the opportunity to purge ourselves of that which is no longer useful, an opportunity to make room to receive all the gifts of the returning light.

Think about the dead weight in your life - the useless things you wish to get rid of - any negative aspects that you wish to transform into something more positive. During this process, remember that banished aspects are often replaced with their exact opposites, so it's a good idea to consider whether you're ready to admit those into your life.

Once you've decided what needs to go, write the objectives on scraps of paper with purpose and concentration. The type of paper and color of ink used can be highly significant. If you intent is purge yourself of poverty, for example, you might write your message on an old bank statement in large, bold letters. On the other hand, red lettering on the photo of an ex-love might be appropriate if you wish to release the passion you still feel for the person and transform it into energy of a more positive nature.

Once you've chosen what to write on, and what to purge yourself of, fold it up and tie it with string, or tape it shut so that no one else can see what you've written. Enclose this in an envelope with 1 (ONE) special item for your partner.

Ideas of items to send: a candle, small sprig of holly, sprig of mistletoe, herbs, oak leaves, acorns, a bell, artwork of a pagan sort, a charm, a special photo, card - etc etc - feel free to be creative. There is magick all around us.

When we receive your item that needs to be purged, then we will have a small ceremony releasing you from whatever you wish to be purged from. Burning is the best way to do this, allowing it to be released into the darkness and transformed by light. Let the papers burn to ash and then release them into the wind. (Or whatever ceremony you wish to do).

[I am allowing a length of time for this swap that exceeds Winter Solstice, so this can be performed at any time when you receive the items - it doesn't have to be done ON the 21st.]

In closing, you will send:

• 1 paper with something you wish to purge from your life, wrapped/folded and secured to be burned by your partner.
• 1 special item for your partner

(Yule ritual/info from the book: Yule, A Celebration of Light & Warmth by Dorothy Morrison.)

Remember: Don't flake on CW swaps, the result is cataclysmic!