Thoughts on possible goals for the spiritual new year.
(Image description: A photo of a message on a wall. A message reads, “Do what you love!” in black spray paint on a white wall. Green plants appear below the words.) Credit: Photo by Tamara Gore on Unsplash
With Samhain about three weeks away, my mind is already percolating on potential goals for the new spiritual year. At the time of writing this post, the seasonal reading I did during Lúnasa still applies as a contemplative focus. However, readings transition from one cycle to the next, and they can possibly carry similar themes into the next season.
The trip I mentioned previously is coming to an end, but with it, I have learned more about the potential home that the hermitage could reside in one day. Everything from the slant of the sun to the weather changes will influence my practice in the case I live here in the future.
As for the objectives I want to attempt in the new year, they fit more into the “hopeful” category than anything concrete. I don’t want to make any dedicated objectives, as life can always throw a curve ball into plans. However, I can at least attempt to do them; some progress is better than none.
1. Knitting
Textile arts have interested me for a while. Weaving was my introduction, but it has its limitations in the items I can make. I don’t plan to give up on weaving, but I would like to broaden my skills to make clothes, altar cloths, and other devotional items.
2. Leathercraft
Working with leather reminds me partially of Brighid the Smith. A mallet is like a hammer because you have a constant drumming effect while working on a piece. You must modify the pressure with which you strike the leather and the tool to achieve certain effects. Hit too gently, and the impression won’t be as visible; likewise, striking too hard can damage the leather.
The only devotional piece I’ve specifically made was a leather bookmark with a Brighid’s cross on it. I would really like to expand into doing more devotional art with this medium.
3. Reading
I used to read voraciously as a child, but it’s something I don’t do as often. It’s something I wish to change. Some of it is simply taking the time to do so, and I need to remove distractions as well. I want to equally incorporate fiction and spiritual books, as they balance each other out. Additionally, I feel like increasing my reading will improve my focus, something that’s greatly required in a monastic path.
4. Writing/Drawing
As a child, I wanted to be an illustrator and a writer. The skills needed for both aren’t separate, and they bring me joy even today. Similarly with reading, they are pastimes that fell by the wayside due to not taking the time for them, along with distractions. I get the sense that I should pursue writing in addition to this blog, but I will carry out this task at my own pace.
At the very least, this list will give me an idea of what I should try to accomplish after Samhain. Also, with the colder months approaching, being indoors more is a valuable time for storytelling and creativity. I may even do other creative and story-related activities, but these four things are enough to get me started at this time.
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