The 7th Day of Christmas
It is the day before Civil New Year. Recall that for many, the sacred new year opened just past Samhain (Oct 31,Nov 1, Nov 2) on 3 November.
In the Celtic Solstice cycle, this day was about cutting and then hanging mistletoe on the lintel of your front door. It was believed that the white berries of the mistletoe had mystical and healing powers — and that this plant cleansed the home from any untoward spirit that might have taken up residence in the house over the past year.
Hmmm — does anyone know how the hanging of mistletoe changed from a house blessing to lovers kissing under the mistletoe?
In like fashion on the 7th Day — Christians invited their priest to bless their home — moving from room to room — sprinkling the room with baptismal water.
Today (n prep for civil New Year) consider an emotional and spiritual cleansing of your home. In what way might you cleanse? Traditionally Christians use baptismal or blessed water. Other traditions burn sage or light a beeswax candle in each room. (Beeswax removes toxins from the air.)
As we continue to reflect on the practices that engender birth, a cleansing of oneself and one’s home is necessary. The “new” cannot be held by a space that retains the energy of yesterday.
So on 7th Day, spiritually clean and bless your “home” — both your interior and exterior space.
May you be cleansed and ready for the new. Blessed and Holy 7th Day of Christmas.
