The odd tension of December
December 2023 Collective Offering
My bbyz, it is DECEMBER.
How did we get here? And so fast?! Time truly is a trickster isn’t she?
I’m writing whilst bundled under an electric blanket with a space heater pointed at me to keep my fingers warm; winter has well and truly found its way into my home.
Despite being a strictly secular gurly, I am vibrating with excitement at the prospect of getting some festive decor up. In my eyes, every festoon of holly and twinkle of a fairy light adds welcome warmth and joy at this time of year. My hope for us all this month, is that we find joy all over the place - in the usual places and the unexpected ones. Keep an eye out and your heart open for it, will you?
Below is the Collective Offering for December.
Love,
ilayda
Wtf are the cards saying?
Those of you who have been here a while will know that the monthly offerings rarely get specific about the time of year, season etc. But for some reason, when I pulled this month’s cards, I felt compelled to read them as an insight into our collective relationship with the month of December. So that’s what I did.
December is a funny one, isn’t it?
On the one hand, the longer and colder days invite us to tap out and rest the fuck up (Four of Swords). I’m talking retreating from the world and feeling like you wanna conserve what little energy you have. I’m talking being tempted to ignore emails until next year. I’m talking building cosy blanket nests, bingeing comfort shows and eating almost exclusively eating stodgy foods and thick soups. Fuck yeah.
On the other hand, December is also a time where quick fire socialising and movement is rife (Knight of Wands), and the outside world beckons with intensity. Lights are strung up everywhere and there’s an excitement in the air as boozy office parties and festive excursions to go ice skating or visit winter markets are all put into the diary. Fuck yeah again! Throw in the intoxicating allure of consumerism (in the name of friendship and family, they tell us), and December can have us feeling fun, flirty, and stimulated.
I think this can create an odd tension for a lot of people. It can make us feel a little ambiguous in our merriment and our coziness, like we can’t commit to either aspect fully. Our bodies and minds probably want want to yield to the cold and dark (like the 4 of Swords), but are overruled and distracted by the sheer energy and passion of the outside world (much like our good friend the Knight of Wands).
So how do we navigate this tension? Is there a way to own this ambiguity so that it doesn’t detract from the possibility of joy? What’s the thing that can connect these two seeming opposite states to each other?
According to the cards: connection is at the heart of everything (Two of Cups). Identify who or what is meaningful to you in this life, and let that guide you this festive season. What better way is there to help stave off fomo or guilt or fear or angst regarding the choices you make about how you spend your time and energy over the coming month?
It comes down to understanding that there is no one right way to do December. If you have an inter-faith family or friendship group, you will know this instinctively. Even so, even the most rational minds can be impacted by the noise of the collective and begin to feel a sense of disquiet. Yet the cards suggest that every decision you make for yourself this month can be one that helps you find beauty and joy, no matter your faith, your income, or your social battery. They suggest that there is light and connection to be found in modest, quiet, restful moments, just as there is respite to be found in energetic, sparkly, social gatherings. What lies at the heart of it all is taking the time to strengthen bonds, renew inspiration, and share moments with the people in your life who matter to you. What lies at the heart of it all, is acting in service of creating a life full of meaning and beauty for yourself, and those in your community.
Ultimately, this month doesn’t have to look or feel or go any kind of specific way that is forced upon you by the outside world. Beauty and abundance and connection and work and rest and play and community can look and feel all kinds of different ways. So, how do they look for you?
UPDATES
December Availability for 1-1 Tarot Readings
Readings will be held mostly on evenings and weekends.
If you’re looking for a reading to set you up for the new year, there’s a few spots left! I’d love to connect with you over the cards again. Book your readings here.
Dear I
Throw me your questions about love, career, friendships, families, grief, annoying neighbours, and everything in between. Every month I’ll pick a few that move me, and use the cards to respond. Our exchange will be public, but your identity will be kept totally anonymous, like this example.
Email realvibestarot@gmail.com to submit your letters.