birth of the Sun as spirit of the Earth

Following the Four Weeks of Advent are the Holy Nights - a period of twelve days or thirteen nights between Christmas and Epiphany - a special and unique observation held each year.

It is said that in this period, the windows of the heavens are open and a special connection forms between the spiritual hierarchies and humans on earth. 

cosmic kiss - ring nebula
image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, M. Barlow, N. Cox, R. Wesson

For spiritual seekers the Twelve Days and Thirteen Nights between December 24 and January 6 are a time of deep esoteric experience.

holiday reading list 2023

Book lists are a happy tradition here at wonder | wander | world. All throughout the year we read, read, read. We enjoy compiling and sharing our summer reading and holiday book lists especially. 

As we prepare to celebrate Yuletide 2023, here is the 100 best books of 2023, according to Shepherd. Looking for the best books of 2023? 

discover their best recommendations here

Shepherd canvassed 1,200+ authors and super readers for their three favorite reads of 2023. With 10,000+ authors have shared five of their favorite books around a topic, theme, or mood. 

They up the fun so we can discover the books they love based on a book you love, an author you adore, or a Wikipedia topic that interests you. 

To thoroughly enjoy your reading experience, we share with our readers an insightful article by emerging Mumbai writer Anoushka Zaveri - "A Year of Reading Women," Unlearning and Rediscovering Literature.

only one of these 17 artists is a woman

Happy Holidays and happy reading to us all! May we each revel in our own realizations and revelations. 

fortitude of gratitude

In the practice and application of gratitude we revisit past memories, become mindful in the present moment, envision what the future holds for us. Each requires a different lens to increase gratitude with the right focus.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform lives. Being grateful is more than just a list of the good stuff. Its feeling the emotions of a memory, a moment, an idea. 

We examine and reflect on the meaning and purpose of past experiences, enjoy peace in the present moment, and create a vision for a future filled with hope and possibility. 

liminal space

More and more religions - not just Christians or Protestants - are recognizing the spiritual significance of Advent. The spirit of the season is experiencing a revival through serious reflection, joyful expectation, and observation of traditional Advent customs.

The Advent season is a time for reflection and anticipation - reflection on our spiritual lives and anticipation for the arrival of Christmas. 

Hope, by Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour

While Advent traditions vary based on religious persuasions and cultures one common practice includes focusing on four themes. The most common Advent themes are hope, peace, joy, and love.