ESOTERIC KENT: Wheel of the Year - Winter Retreat
Columnist Anna Willatt calls on some friends for tips on self-reflection and taking the initiative this winter
As the wheel turns, taking us through midwinter and back into the light, I wanted to bring in some esoteric friends to inspire the year ahead.
Every year, this county seems to return more and more to its weird and wonderful roots. Please take these pages as an invitation to return to yours as we move into Imbolc (February 1-2). Read on for tips on how to deepen your conversations, reflect on the year that we’ve left behind, this shiny new one with promise and rustle up an astrological libation to toast the return of the sun and the coming of longer days.
Deepen your conversations with loved ones this time of year
Alaina Crystal, Creative Strategist, Developmental Coach & Founder of Girl Hike @wearegirlhike
The beauty of a walk is that you can get more honest with yourself and with those you’re walking with; by being side-by-side instead of face-to-face, you’re more likely to open up about what’s really on your mind and in your heart. The following prompts can help open up a conversation between you and your fellow walkers.
What are you noticing about your life right now that feels like it wants you to pay attention to something new or different?
What are you calling in or what are you releasing in this moment?
Where are you finding inspiration? - if you struggle to answer this question, why not think about a tarot card you've been drawn to or a piece of art or music?
How does your heart feel?
As you take your next steps, feel your feet on the ground. Listen closely to what you hear around you. What are you noticing about your surroundings and yourself?
Esoteric Isle Tip: Why not start at St Mary’s Church in Bishopsbourne with a Gilda Bakery treat in hand to visit the final resting place of one of the founders of the RWS Tarot deck, cross the field accessible at the back of the churchyard and walk straight through the grass in the view of the church tower for a refreshment at The Pig at Bridge Place, a building full of rock and roll history and we are sure, a ghost or two.
Use these questions to focus your journalling
Sophie French, Evolutionary Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Founder of Esoteric Studio @worldofvestara I @sophiefrench.world
Typically, when the year has aged, the need for respite grows in us. During this downtime we can contemplate what may be birthed from this void period. Astrologically, we can see these themes mirrored by the planets that govern Winter in the West; Saturn ( Capricorn Dec 21 - Jan 19 ), Uranus ( Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18) & Neptune ( Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 ). Looking at the themes that these celestial bodies rule over in our own life, we can reflect on letting go of that which is wearied or reached a level of maturity in our lives, things we are ready to alter in the year that will follow and begin to dream of the possibilities ahead.
Prompts for Winter Reflections
Guided by Saturn, ruler of Karma and the Grandfather of time - What might feel archaic or obsolete in your life now that you might work toward releasing?
Guided by Uranus, ruler of Change and Spirit of Revolution - Where might you welcome and become more comfortable with gentle change this season?
Guided by Neptune, ruler of Intuition and Keeper of Dreams - How can you utilise the introspective sphere of Winter to gestate something you would like to bring to fruition in the coming year?
Esoteric Isle Tip: if journalling is new to you, don’t worry! All you need is some paper and pen, take a deep breath and aim to write freely about what comes to mind when you look at the prompts above. You may be surprised what comes up for you…
Celebrate your stars with an astro cocktail recipe from The Falstaff, Canterbury @thefalstaff
You may have noticed that the team at The Falstaff love ‘mixing up weird and wonderful drinks every season and always put lots of thought into the bespoke menus’ in the words of Head Bartender Tia Hudson. Inspired by her mum’s love of astrology, Tia and the team dreamt up drinks inspired by the most compatible star signs and letting each bartender work up their own sign.
Tia has very kindly shared her own recipe from this extremely popular menu which will be running into early 2025 before they move onto their next menu…
Fervour – Aries & Saggitarius
40ml Ilegal Mezcal Joven
20ml Chocolate Liqueur
10ml Strawberry Syrup
5ml Citric Acid Solution
1 dash of Tabasco
