My Heart Is Shining Like A Star

Today, I want to share inspiration for how to create a spiral walk.

“My heart is shining like a star.”

These are the words I’m left with after a spiral walk. The final words to a song we sing, but also the feeling I have after participating in this beautiful ritual. My heart feels full and glowing.

As we approach the shortest day of the year, and increasing darkness, it’s time to create a spiral walk. For your immediate family. A group of friends and families.Your extended family. A group of women. Or, just for you!

I know this is a crazy busy time of year! All the more reason to weave this simple but powerful ritual into your life.

As women, we give and give and give. This spiral walk is about emptying so that we can receive.

The spiral walk is a powerful ritual no matter who you gather with and no matter when you do it.

My favorite time for a spiral walk is the Winter Solstice. But there are lots of other options. In many Waldorf schools, it’s done for Advent. You could also choose to walk a spiral on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day. Or any day during the dark time of the year!

Beautiful spirals are found in so many places: ferns when they just emerge from the ground, seashells, pineapples, galaxies. The circle is wholeness and a container for so much. An opportunity.

My favorite spiral walk is done outside. And I like to walk the spiral after dark.

You can set up a spiral with greens laid out on the ground (bonus if there’s snow!) or even stones. This simple ritual has three main parts. You walk into the center, pause, and walk back. Here are the three intentions:

• On the way in, release anything that no longer serves you.
• In the center, pause, connect with source or your higher power, and receive.
• On the way out, return to the here and now to share yourself with the world.

Here’s what you’ll need:
* greens or natural material to lay out the spiral on the ground
* a candle for each participant
* a stump with a candle holder and lighter in the center of the spiral
* a few songs and/or meditations for the walk

First, we get quiet. Then we walk into the spiral, entering the darkness, with all that we are holding right now, accepting and releasing as we go.

We pause in the center to let go of what has been and connect our innermost self with some power or energy greater than ourselves. When ready, we light a candle and invite new, fresh things into our lives.

Then we walk out feeling lighter and renewed.

A simple but profound activity.

I Light the Night

I light the night, my candle burns.
I light the night, my candle burns.
First one, then two, then three, then four.
My heart is shining like a star.

If you want step-by-step instructions on how to create your own spiral walk including song recordings, join my Inspired at Home mentorship community. Inside, you’ll find a library of masterclasses plus group coaching, and a warm and wonderful community. And as soon as you join, you get access to all of the masterclasses including Celebrating the Seasons: Winter with everything you need to create your own spiral walk.

Happy Solstice to you and your family!