New Year Word Ritual and Paper Bead Demonstration
I enjoy the ritual of choosing a word or phrase to mark the beginning of the new year. I carry this word or phrase throughout the year, where it acts as a touchstone – or even a sort of theme. Undoubtedly, the word/phrase manifests in various surprising ways throughout the year.
For instance, a while back I choe “The Year of Play” which manifested in my creative work with lots of doll play, storytelling and silly videos. Then, the year of Community which found me surrounded by inspiring souls. Last year was the year of “Divine Time”, in which I not only noticed how things happened at the “right time” – new jobs etc. but also, I spent the year really connecting with the divine during a devastating yet graceful year. There was nowhere else to go but to the Divine!
This year, I’m building on “Divine Time” by choosing “Cherishing the Ritual”. I realize it’s a bit of a mouthful, but these words have been calling me. I’m really interested in what it means to regard everything we do as ritual, and what it would mean to cherish those mundane rituals. I think if we approach the everyday with a sacred, earthly, and bodily presence, then, we will be better able to be in this world.
Perhaps it’s only my attempt to find control in a disordered and uncertain time.
In either case, you will be hearing more from me about “Cherishing the Ritual” – especially if you are a Woolgathering reader, in which case, lots more coming in the Spring Issue!
Okay, all of this preamble to lead up to my presenting a possible ceremony to mark your word or phrase for 2021.
This year, I decided to make a paper bead containing my word. These paper beads can be worn, placed on an altar, or tucked into a pocket or change purse.
Below is an instructional video on how to make a paper bead. OR you can write your word in the cover of your planner, in your notes app, or on a sticky note. Or, just tuck your word away in the recesses of your precious brain. However, wherever, it resides, your word will be there for you to reflect on, to anchor you, and to carry you through the year.
Do you or have you ever chosen a word or phrase to mark the start of a new year?