The 12 sun questions for your life
Just as we immerse ourselves in the twelve nights of Christmas after the longest night on December 21st, to reflect inwardly, in sleep, in the dream world, in visionary journeys – to delve into the realm of shadows – there is a counterpart to this, the sun, which has unfortunately been completely forgotten.
The 12 days following the summer solstice on June 21st. They are the counterpart to the Twelve Days of Christmas: the 12 days of sunshine. During the Twelve Days of Christmas, we primarily "work" at night, mentally preparing ourselves during the day for the night, attuning our thoughts to the specific theme of the night. In the summer days after Litha (June 21st), we "work" in the sunlight and then carry our insights into the night.
Both periods were once sacred. The 12 days of winter and the 12 days of summer seem somewhat removed from time. Everything appears to stand still, reluctant to move forward. Things that usually run smoothly suddenly become sluggish and halted. Perhaps you even notice it physically: during both periods, you might feel incredibly exhausted and tired. Your energy is somehow lacking to tackle, to push forward, and to build.
But that's understandable. You can't really compare it to climbing a mountain. You strap on your backpack and set off, always heading towards the summit, bit by bit, step by step, and on June 21st, the longest day, you reach the longed-for peak. You've hiked for half a year to get there, bravely and steadily making progress. Imagine it: you've climbed a mountain and are now standing on the summit. What will you do? Enjoy the view? Take off your backpack? Refresh yourself? See what your backpack has in store for that purpose?
Are you happy that you actually made it? You'll survey your surroundings with wide-awake eyes and won't lie down to sleep (perhaps doze a little later). As a rule, you also won't immediately rush off to climb back down the mountain as quickly as possible. No, you'll rest up there on the summit, truly arrive at the top, and enjoy the panoramic view. These are the 12 days after Litha (June 21st).
After 12 days, having gathered your strength, refreshed yourself, taken a deep breath, perhaps lightened your backpack a little, you begin your descent from the mountain. Steadily and continuously, until you reach the valley again on December 21st (Yule – the longest night).
Now begin the twelve nights in which we recover from our “year cycle”, in which we let what we experienced and learned in the past year sink in, and in which we begin to dream about which mountain we want to climb in the coming year, which “baggage” was useful to us on our way and which we want to leave behind because it was simply too heavy and too much of a hindrance.
Thus we flow through the annual cycle year after year: for 6 months we go up the mountain towards the sun and for 6 months towards the night on the descent of the mountain, and in between we have 12 days of reflection, stillness and gathering strength.
Therefore, don't be surprised if you feel somewhat drained, exhausted, or stuck during these times. These 12 days aren't meant for that. In summer, savor the fact that you've climbed the mountain, enjoy the view, and reflect in the sunlight. In winter, sleep a lot; your soul gathers all the information of the past year. Look inward and envision your new year. The more we surrender to this natural rhythm here in the North, the more harmonious and complete the year will become. The more attuned we become to ourselves and our inner expression.
Now let's turn to the 12 reflection questions worth considering at the top of the mountain.
If you would like to have the twelve questions and accompanying worksheets as a printable PDF, simply enter your details here and you will receive them immediately via email: The Magical Creation Process (if you are not yet on my email list, you may need to confirm your email address first so that I can send you the little soul work booklet)
Now imagine it again: You're standing on the mountaintop in bright sunshine. From here you have a complete view. You can see where you came from and you can see where it's possible to descend again.
RETROSPECTIVE: the way up the mountain
- How satisfied were you with last year's "harvest"? How did you like last year and what happened in it?
- What vision did you bring to the new year? What did you want to change? What wishes or dreams did you want to realize?
- How much confidence do you have in yourself and your abilities to make your wishes and dreams come true?
- What new steps have you dared to take so far this year? Where have you bravely expanded your own boundaries so that your wishes can become reality?
- How persistent are you, and how have you been? How strong is your desire, enough to keep you going and actually do it? How much strength and energy do you invest in fulfilling your dreams and life visions?
- How mindful are you of your life and your creations? How well do you take care of yourself and the fulfillment of your life goals?
PREVIEW: the descent from the mountain
- What do you love in your life? What do you find difficult to love in your life? What do you want to love but can't yet?
- Do you dare to grow up? How much power and strength do you possess? What else do you need to be able to stand by yourself and "your realm of life"?
- How well can you surrender to your life? Does your creation harm anyone?
- How good are you at making decisions and standing by the consequences of your actions?
- Are you ready for change? What can and should change in your life this year?
- How well can you focus on your goal? And how well can you maintain that focus over a longer period? How easily do you get distracted and led away from your goal? What or who discourages or intimidates you, or conversely, encourages and motivates you?
FINAL QUESTION:
Now you stand at the mountaintop. The whole world lies at your feet. Imagine it: standing there, and now, before you descend again into the longest night, clearly formulate once more your most desired state of being. For example, I AM rich, I AM healthy, I AM in a happy relationship, I AM successful in my career, etc.
Find your desired "I AM" state now. Write it down. Ideally on a small piece of paper and place it somewhere you'll see it several times a day and be reminded of it.
Life is precious; it can't be said often enough. In every moment, you have the opportunity to actively participate in your creative process, to take your life into your own hands, and with perseverance and love to create something that fulfills you, that makes you happy, that you long for, that makes your life worth living.
The cycle of the year invites you to consciously work towards fulfilling your life dreams and goals. There is a time for everything, including the time to pause and reflect: Where am I now, and where do I actually want to go? Which path do I want to choose now?
I sincerely wish you a great choice and that your life may be the best you can imagine.
If you like, get my freebie, "The Magical Creation Process," to continue working, and if you are ready to consciously go through a whole year, then I look forward to welcoming you to the Magical Cycle of the Year.
Lots of love and see you soon, Jennifer