The Beauty Witch: DECEMBER

December shimmers in like a crystalline dancer
spinning you around in its iridescent flurry
of high spirits
and wistful glances along the silvered horizon
until you drop, breathless, into the snow
and breathe in the icy wonders of Winter

In this heightened time of bustling effervescence, often layered upon a bed of melancholy, we arrive at the time of year where everything simply cannot stop swirling. Be it high spirits and social calls, or suppressed emotions kicking up from deep within, one cannot deny the intensity of the month. Regardless of which (or how many) holidays you rejoice in, you’re going to get pulled along by the madly racing sleigh ride of the season. It is wise, my Loves, to neither overindulge nor attempt to ignore it. Better yet to have a saucy, witchy plan of action: do what you love, with whom you love. And the rest? Shrug it off.

Sound a little too easy? That’s because it is. Make this the year you steer the chariot.

The heavens are in your favor for just that, as the stars align to be your best cohorts now, beginning the month with our messenger friend Mercury ending his frustrating foray of late to settle down in direct motion on December 6th. Though I don’t like to give retrogrades more negative energy then they actually deserve – they are truly brilliant opportunities – it’s a relief to be free of the collective stress coming from every possible angle, including those who are well-meaning but not fully understanding of cosmic rhythms. Just keep in mind the five-day shadow, and you’ll be golden.

So here, at last,  we have a most welcome ease of motion; a lightness that coincides with the effervescence of now. Clearer communications, both in work and personal life, make everyone a bit more cheerful, even if December brings up a bit of the blues – in which (witch!) case, action is called for: good old manifestation, fire-style. And December 7^th brings us just that kind of opportunity.

Riding the high of Mercury direct comes one of the most affable New Moons of the year,  at 2:20am EST in energetic, expansive Sagittarius. I get so excited about this Moon every year, because it not only has immense fire power and the ability to initiate plans, but because the Archer’s arrow can hit that target straight on. All you have to do, my Beasties, is focus. Focus hard, point your arrow, and release. This calls for your strongest visualization prowess, your willingness to strip away what isn’t necessary, and your ability to truly be that dream come to life as your fingers let go of the bowstring. It is at once the simplest and most complex thing to master. But once you have, you can actually work in cahoots with the cosmos, and create what you truly desire. And Sagittarius is a most adventurous consort, so be brave!

This outgoing, gregarious sign is also one with the Sun for much of this month, adding a cauldron full of friendliness and optimism to just about everything. This Moon is so well timed to the holiday vibe, inviting festive faerie fluttering, good cheer, and the ability to simply smile and shrug off what you might normally find irksome. This is an especially welcome tool as you navigate social situations, family gatherings, long lines at the post office…you catch my drift. 

Did I mention Sag rules the hips and thighs? Oh yes. I can’t think of a better time to dance the night away, swaying beneath the stars, celestial lights shining down upon your glowing face! This would be a fabulous time to begin new dance classes. Why not give bellydance a try? You are primed and ready right now to loosen up those hips and create cosmic patterns with movement, and I promise you, your inner fire will be forever re-ignited by this ritual. If public shimmying isn’t your thing, then use it as a way to raise energy during your magical workings. No one cares if your hip circles aren’t perfect – what is important is the sincerity and level of energy you put in.

This brings us to our New Moon potion this month: an invigorating, energizing soak for your hardworking and very gorgeous feet, which will be getting an extra workout courtesy of all that twirling, whirling, and manifesting you are about to do! (Yes, I am pushing you a bit here – because I know you can do it.)  This rejuvenating, heavenly bath will tingle your tootsies, revive your spirit, and ready you for the all magic to come!

Well-Heeled Witch
Foot Soak
Per treatment

2 tablespoons St. John’s Wort, loose herb
1 cup spring water
¼ cup Celtic sea salt
6 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil

Begin making the tea base on the Dark Moon by steeping the St. John’s Wort in gently heated spring water (be careful not to boil the water, as this compromises the potion both medicinally and magically.) Allow the tea to cool completely, then store it in a sealed glass jar. Place it out beneath the Dark Moon, either outdoors or in a window, to infuse it with the energy of releasing inflammation and aches. The next morning, strain the liquid and add in the salt.  Carefully drop in the essential oils, one at a time, breathing in their powers of healing.  Give it a good swirl clockwise, bringing the energy of rejuvenation towards you. Then, with that vibration still within you, begin stirring to channel it into the potion. When it is ready, lie back, relax, and soak your feet for a minimum of five minutes (but longer if you can) and allow the magic to rise up within you. This is a glorious New Moon ritual, but let it come to your aid anytime you need a lift during this busy season. You can even make up a batch, store in  the refrigerator, and use it, warm or cold, as desired. What to do with the potion afterward? Hang onto it. I’ll tell you why in just a bit.

In addition to the detoxifying and healing mojo of Celtic sea salt (which holds the highest concentration of vital trace minerals of all salts) and the purifying powers of spring water, this blend boasts a few high-wattage superstars to help you glide through the month:

St. John’s Wort is a Solar-powered magical herb which wards off illness while decreasing swelling, fighting infection, and giving strength. It is also known to bring happiness and love.

Lavender gives peace and love with pure joy, and acts as a wonderfully strong yet gentle cleanser. It quietly soothes and heals while providing a blissful feeling of calm.

Peppermint & Melaleuca form a bonded pair of energizing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory siblings here to soothe and cool your feet while they heal damaged tissue. There’s a little fertility magic here also, so use it in your creation efforts!

As you glimmer about the month, full of radiance and merriment, December 21^st will greet you with a most beloved holiday, Winter Solstice. Also known as Yule, this ancient Norse celebration of bringing back the light graces us just as the Sun enters goal-oriented, stable Capricorn, setting the stage for the weeks ahead. Yule is gaily celebrated as the longest night of the year as it heralds the rebirth of the Sun, a most welcome time for ancient peoples which continues to shine a light for us even now. Interestingly, this date is also known as the Celtic Festival of the Stars, and marks Osiris’ return to Isis in Egyptian lore.

It is indeed an extra sparkly time, for the very next day we have a Full Cold Moon in Cancer at 12:49pm EST (Dec. 22^nd.) Though emotions run high now, with sentimental nostalgia tugging at every heartstring, the beauty of this Moon is its ability to allow us the space to nurture those around us, and in turn to receive nurturing and care ourselves.  Lend a sympathetic ear to anyone who is feeling lonely or disconnected now, and let others comfort you as well. The Crab is a diehard homebody, so use this lunar window to feather your nest, cook, and get cozy! I’ve conjured a Beauty Witch version of an Ayurvedic classic to comfort and fortify you on a chilly Winter’s eve, with an extra dose of protection magic which acts as a “shell” as the darker time of year beckons us to go inward and rest. This beautifying brew has a uniquely yummy flavor – you’ll want to make it all throughout the season!

Golden Brew
Elixir
Serves two

2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg
a pinch of cloves
Raw coconut nectar, to taste

Pour the almond milk into a small cauldron – often better known as a saucepan –  and light a low flame. Carefully, and with intent, sprinkle in each spice. Whisper thanks into the brew as it gathers strength for your warm, loving home, and give it blessings for the year to come. If you wish for changes in the home, visualize the environment you seek, and feel it. (Remember, Full Moons conjure rather quickly, so get ready!) When the brew is gently heated, remove from the flame, strain into dazzling vessels, and add the coconut nectar as you like it.  Sip it slowly, holding your desires close. Allow your heart to open, and release your intention. As always, you have some truly beautiful plant friends here to assist:

Turmeric is all the rage these days, but of course she has been around for ages, purifying and healing, building strength and possessing the superpowers of not only preventing cancer cells, but also inhibiting their growth. This gorgeous orange spice can also be used to form a protective barrier around the magic circle – it has been used for centuries to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.

Peppercorns are needed to help turmeric absorb into the body. These fiery little orbs of Mars are madly protective, reducing inflammation (the root of all illness), assisting in nutrient absorption, and bearing high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Clove are a firebrand magical trio that gifts us with love, protection, psychic awareness, and abundance. They also warm us, boost brain power, ease stress, and make your skin glow.

Last but not least, when you are finished, fetch that potion you were storing since the New Moon, and let it flow into a clean sink or bathtub. As it washes down the drain, it will  cleanse and protect your home, bringing good luck and reviving positive energies that may have become stagnant throughout the year.

Beauty Witch Tip: Keep a rough-cut emerald nearby when working on focus and intention. Though primarily known as a love stone, emerald also heightens intuition and clairvoyance while fine-tuning mental clarity.

The month ends with the birthday of Freya, beloved Norse goddess of love and beauty, on December 27^th, so be sure to say hello to her and her shield maidens as they ride across the night sky – their armor, after all, created the Northern Lights!

(Speaking of lights, be sure to nab your copy of the Winter Celestial Issue of Enchanted Living, where I am pleased to present my Celestial Beauty feature as a contributor to the world’s prettiest magazine.)

Have a most wonderful and magical month, my Darlings!

Love and Stardust,

xo Alise