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.

This period is akin to the germinating seed in the depths of the fallow earth meant to sprout and finally bloom at the spring equinox and summer solstice. A parallel experience between the creatures living on earth and the growth experience occurring within the earth's spirit depths.

seeding our gardens - inner & outer

Rudolf Steiner’s indications for the Holy Nights given to Herbert Hahn is a call to the significance of the season's spiritual and earthly connections. 

The Holy Nights are symbolic of the twelve forces of the soul that live in us. Therefore the indications are valid forever and not only for the Holy Nights.

the light of the holy spirit descends upon the twelve apostles - mosaic art

We enter these holy nights awake and conscious. We keep vigil on the first night (Dec 24t) only staying awake until one or two in the morning. On the other nights try to go to bed regularly at the same time. 

It is important to live in a regular rhythm at this time - if this is not possible in an active outward life, then try to do so internally. Those who cannot be silent in the external life should seek constantly to be inwardly aware of the sanctity of the time. 

It is important to perform daily duties without losing sight of this realization - of the sacredness of the time. Allow nothing unhealthy, no ugly movement to enter the soul, remain always attentive and vigilant of oneself in this regard. 

between heaven & earth

During the experience of post-Christmas holy nights, we sow the seed for the next year. Therefore, these twelve days are important in the next twelve months coming up. 

What we create now plants the seed which in the next months will germinate in our life as the year unfolds for us. 

wonder | wander | world wish us all Happy Holidays - may we all greet 2024 as mindful gardeners of light and love!