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Word of the Year

 A practice I've engaged in several times is choosing a word for guidance over the year ahead. 

My friend Kathleen has offered this in early January at our church for 7 or so years (virtually during lock down), and i joined the group again last weekend. 

We start with sharing our last word, the a review of the previous year, listing highs and lows - and look for themes. Feel into what you wish for this year ahead, and for a word to support you.  Kathleen invites us to use a dictionary or thesaurus as we come time this word.

Last year I chose Weave, as I wanted to save new friendships and experiences. One of my church friends began a singles group, and a Native Voices bookgroup, and also joined our Edible Landscaping group,  so deepened with current friends and wove in new ones! 

Weave - 2023

Our singles group meet Saturday for a wee feast,  and each drew a card from a Hawaiian healing deck. My card 'Kaulike' invites balance - and we bespoke finding balance between work and play, in relationships, in life.

Hawaiian Healing deck - Kaulike 

I chose this for my word of '24 - and may write it again on a lighter arrow! (Kathleen's were all nearly florescent!)

Kaulike - Balance

I invite you to spend some time with this process,  and choose a word of guidance for the year. 

  • Feel into how you want to work with your word - is there an affirmation?
  • A color?
  • A sigil? Cindy Jacobs will lead us in creating a sigil on our next circle call, (January 25!)
  • How will you give it form?
  • Perhaps sticky notes, an arrow (mine is on my bedroom wall) 
  • Write about it in your journal?
Your word may morph throughout the year - you may end up adding to it, choosing a word seasonally, changing as cots.  One year mine was Initiate, and as i worked with it, shifted to Initiation - both referred to taking action - the second seemed more active!

Have you chosen a word of the year?

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