Tag: shift perspective

Posted on by

Shift perspectives, and embrace change with the Gemini cold full moon

The last full moon of 2024 graces the night skies on December 15th. The Moon ending her cycle in the curious and communicative sign of the Twins will stir our minds, increase our desire for variety, and we will thirst for information. Allowing us to shift our perspectives and awaken our urge to connect with others. The Full Moon in Gemini puts the already emotional full Moon in the sign of the mind and expression. Gemini Full Moons are usually times where we express what we’re feeling more easily, and we can say what we mean and mean what we say. We can be authentic and open. This is a time when we can fulfill our desire to feel deeply understood. With the adaptable and curious Gemini energy guiding you this full moon, you’re encouraged to embrace change and let go of what no longer serves you, opening space for fresh ideas and perspectives to emerge. This full moon is a pivotal moment allowing you to explore new perspectives and consider changes that can lead to breakthroughs in your life. This Gemini Full Moon invites us to bridge the gap between mind and heart, thought and feeling. Are your thoughts aligned with emotional truth? Are your feelings guiding you toward your highest good? This lunar moment calls for balance, curiosity, and inspired action

First, What is the Full Moon

Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures and traditions. The full moon simply put is when the moon is completely illuminated in the sky and it has reached it’s peak in this lunar cycle in the sky. When the moon is completely illuminated it’s time for all to reach full expression. The full moon is the most powerful and potent time of the entire lunar cycle.

A full moon occurs when the transit (moving) Sun and Moon are in the exact opposite positions in the Zodiac (called an opposition). The full moon greatly affects humans and it’s no wonder it does because, there’s a scientific reason for this – we are made up of 60% or more of water. Full Moons are the peak point of the lunar cycle: at this time of the month, the light of the Sun is fully illuminating the Moon, and the luminaries are exactly opposing one another from our perspective on Earth. This potent alignment offers us opportunities to gain more awareness about what is moving in our inner and emotional world, and information previously uncertain or hidden could be revealed at this time.

With the moon being fully illuminated it creates this portal to some of the most potent energy to connect to for us to manifest our desires and dream life. This portal creates a connection to our peak creative energy and the deep seated creative passions we all have within us. This creative energy and power is the energy we need to actually do and create the things and lifestyle we need to manifest what we desire. With the new moon phase being about planting the seeds of what you want to manifest, the full moon is about actually doing the work and moving the energy to make your manifesting happen. The full moon allows you to bridge the connection between these energies and themes and bring them into your life while reminding you how important it is to have them in your life not only when the moon is illuminated in the sky for you to see.

There are so many ways to work with the full moon, to learn more about the basics of working with the full moon energy check out my blog post here and you can watch my class all about lunar magic. But, remember each full moon will be slightly different and have different practices to add and different ways to do it based on which zodiac sign the full moon is currently in at the time.

The cold moon

During December the harsh bitter cold of winter sets in dropping to temperatures we can feel chilling us to the bone especially in my part of the world. This is why the full moon of December is known as the cold moon. This final full moon of the year arrives at the beginning of winter’s stillness and illuminates dark winter nights. Pulling us into the stillness of long winter nights for introspection, rest, and fresh starts as we conclude our annual trip around the sun. The Cold Moon’s energy aligns us with Winter’s dormant energy , stillness, and rebirth coming in the new season. Nature may appear dead and lifeless, right now but looks can be deceiving. Deep beneath the surface, it’s brimming with life and endless potential just waiting to show its new form with the suns return to full light come spring. I know when I go out to the woods during the cold winter months there is so much wisdom to be whispered in the woods. Use the Cold Moon as a wintery guide to “freeze and hibernate” as well. Slow down and be fully present in activities that truly bring you joy and pleasure. This is a magical lunar cycle full of transformation and deep internal work. It’s a chance to recharge and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.

As with most pagan names there will be different ones for each culture so below I listed any of the other names for the cold moon I could find across the Earth. The common themes for these moons are, stillness, introspection, renewal, rebirth, and connecting to the harsh cold of the long winter months ahead.

  • Long Night Moon (Mahican Native American origins)
  • Yule month (Ýlir) Norse origins
  • Little Spirit Moon (Manidoo-Giizisoons)
  • Oak Moon (Celtic origins)
  • Dead of Winter Moon (Ukiugraq) Inupiat Language, North Slope, Alaska
  • Springbok Moon (Antelope) South African origins
  • Sun Has Traveled Home to Rest (ik’ohbu yachunne) Zuni Native American origins
  • Bitter Moon (Chinese Origins)
  • Winter Moon (Tahch’asap’ara) Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
  • Evergreen Moon (Comanche Native American origins)
  • When the Deer Shed Their Antlers (Dakota)
  • Little Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe)
  • Frost moon
  • Drift Clearing Moon (Cree)
  • Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree)
  • Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala)

Who is Gemini?

Like, I said before each full moon will be amplified and influenced by the zodiac sign we find it in and this time the full moon is in the sign of Gemini. So who is Gemini? Gemini is known for being curious, communicative, and intellectual, and is the third sign of the zodiac. An air sign, Gemini is the zodiac sign that isn’t afraid of change and will adapt easily when they need too. Represented by twins, this sign is deeply independent, but their dualistic nature still has them in search of a lifelong partner.

Gemini constellation

The Gemini constellation is a group of stars in the northern hemisphere that’s known for its two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux and is located between Taurus and Cancer in the zodiac. According to Greek mythology the constellation of Gemini is made up of two twins: Castor and Pollux. Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndarus, while Pollux was the immortal son of Zeus. Both Castor and Pollux, being identical twins, were inseparable in their looks and actions. Castor was great horseman and Pollux was a great fighter. Together, they went with Jason on the Argo and saved the ship from a terrible storm. When Castor was killed in battle, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to bring him back. Zeus agreed to immortalize both Castor and Pollux, if they spend half of their time on the Earth and the other half amongst the stars in the heavens. Since then, when sailors saw these two stars together, they knew their journey would be prosperous. However, seeing only one star foretold bad luck. In Roman mythology, the constellation Gemini represents Romulus and Remus, the twins who founded Rome that we celebrate during Lupercalia.

In Babylon they were known as the Great Twins. The Twins were regarded as minor gods and were called Lugal-irra and Meslamta-ea, meaning respectively “The Mighty King” and “The One who has arisen from the Underworld.” They were regarded as guardians of doorways and may have originally been envisioned as a set of twins guarding the gates of the Underworld, who chopped the dead into pieces as they passed through the gates.

This constellation is a very special one as well since, it is the only one mentioned in Norse mythology among the Eddas.It is a story of how Þjazi, anglicized as Thiazi, Thjazi, Tjasse or Thiassi was a Frost Giant and a shapeshifter and how their eyes made it into the skies. The story goes; One day, while on a journey, Odin, Loki and Hœnir set up an earth oven to cook an oxen they just hunted. After a while they found that it would not cook. They found out that Þjazi in the form of a great eagle, stopped the oven from heating and demanded a part of the oxen. When the oxen was cooked, Þjazi ate so much of it that Loki became angry, grabbed his long staff and attempted to strike him, but the weapon stuck fast to Þjazi’s body and he took flight, carrying Loki up with him. As they flew across the land Loki shouted and begged to be let down as his legs banged against trees and stones, but Þjazi would only do so on the condition that Loki must lure Iðunn, the goddess of youth out of Asgard with her apples of youth, which he solemnly promised to do. Later, Þjazi, again in the form of an eagle, carried Iðunn and her apples away and the gods, deprived of Iðunn’s apples, began growing old and grey. Loki was going to bring back Iðunn. He borrowed a magical coat from Freyja, transformed into a falcon, flew to the hall of Þjazi, transformed Iðunn into a nut and carried her back to Asgard. When the other gods saw Þjazi in close pursuit of Loki, they lit a fire which burned Þjazi’s feathers, causing him to fall to the ground where he was killed. When Þjazi’s daughter Skadi came to avenge her father, the gods offered her atonement and compensation. She was given the hand of Njord in marriage and Odin took Þjazi’s eyes and placed them in the night sky as stars.

Gemini The Sign Of The Mind And Shifting Perspectives

During the Gemini full Moon we are guided to change our thoughts, and examine our current beliefs to let go of ones that no longer resonate with us. The Gemini full moon calls for us to let go of the need to know, and opens us up to the ways in which our trust in life needs to grow. It opens us up to relooking at how we see ourselves and the world around us allowing us to possibly, completely shift our perspectives for major growth and transformation. This enthusiastic energy allows us to embrace uncertainty. To walk through the different doorways of opportunities without fear or anxiety. Now is also a very good time for grounding or earthing, and for finding our way back to the path of our hearts and maybe even going a different direction to get there/ Doing this may allow you to see some new things. Our minds are a gift, a powerful tool that we can guide and use in whatever direction and purpose we desire. And so it’s time to use our minds for a higher purpose and for the highest purpose of humanity. Gemini, the mutable air sign known as the sign of the twins, brings a lively, adaptable energy to the Full Moon. With Gemini’s influence, you’re encouraged to keep an open mind and embrace curiosity as a tool for growth. The Full Moon in Gemini is a powerful moment to identify and release outdated thought patterns and limiting beliefs that have been holding you back. This phase invites you to clear mental clutter, opening up space for fresh perspectives and new possibilities.

Gemini the sign of communication

Gemini is an air sign and ruled by the planet Mercury, it’s about communication and trying different things in life, being adventurous, socializing, and using language as a tool. Take this time to bring out your strengths in the way you communicate with others and how you take the time to listen to others in your life as well. This is the time to set boundaries and let go of toxic ties and relationships that no longer serve you. If you’d like to improve communication in your life with the people around you, communication is ruled by Gemini and this is your time to do it. So, go inwards and ask yourself are there any ways that you communicate that are outdated and cause issues in your relation ships and then commit to let those patterns go.

Gemini The Sign of Learning

In astrology, Gemini is associated with learning and is said to be a sign of intellectual prowess. Gemini is said to be quick at learning, curious, versatile, and have a thirst for knowledge. Therefore, learning is ruled by Gemini. This is the sign to strengthen your mind and become a better learner. Gemini activates the thinking realms, the imagination and the mental channels, seeking patterns, connection and purpose. It’s a really highly mental energy that stimulates ideas and creativity. Gemini energy is also highly intelligent, which makes it a good time for studying or learning a new course or skill. Now is the time to look into subjects that require thinking and discussing ideas, including literature, science, philosophy, art, and more.

Themes for the Gemini full moon

This time, we experience the New Moon in emotional, Open minded, Witty, Social, Flirty, Distracted, Adaptable, Intellectual, dualistic, Expressive, and perspective shifting Gemini. When the Full Moon in Gemini graces the sky, it offers cosmic guidance for us to examine our patterns and release the thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve our highest good. Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Gemini deeper below. The Gemini full moon is a powerful moon that amplifies the dualistic energy of Gemini allowing us to shift our perspective and learn new ways of being in this world.

Keep in mind that the full Moon relates to the continuation of your journey to manifest your desires and dreams. This will be especially strong this full moon being in the sign of the twins who day dream about the life you wish to create all the time. So, try and have any of your workings based on these topics, and be willing to be adaptable with those seeds of intention you had planted on the new moon. Don’t forget this full moon is layered with many energies for you to connect to as well like the harsh cold of winter’s approach, and the introspection of the winter solstice and yule.

What to be cautious of this Gemini full moon

We may be a little bit more scattered when this sign is aligned with the moon. the Gemini Moon personality can at times be easily distracted it’s hard to focus when there’s always something else that could use our attention or our heads are up in the clouds.. So, do your best to use skills that can help you focus like making to do lists, and grounding or centering often. We also need to be careful about the intensity level for how we react to things. When Gemini is affecting the moon each and every event no matter how small seems like it’s the most significant thing to happen to us. It’s important to take the time to check the facts with your emotions and reactions to make sure you are reacting to things with the valid intensity. Be careful to not catastrophize things.

Gemini and duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. This includes the full moon and the sign it currently is in; Gemini. This month’s full moon might seem pretty obvious to you; that it is literally the definition of dualistic energy to work with. First let’s talk about the duality of Gemini; the sign of the twins and aka the sign of duality in the zodiac. Gemini focuses on duality which means; the relationship between opposites. Logic and emotion, creator and created, “good and evil”, Wanted and unwanted, masculine and feminine, conscious and subconscious etc. and the union that exist between them. All of these are topics we can reflect on and work with using Gemini energy including using grey magic.

Gemini, represented by the twins, is all about the duality within us. Whether you call the two competing voices within the Ego and Soul, Higher Mind vs Lower Mind, or Inner critic vs Inner cheerleader, these dual voices exist within us all, and our role is to learn how to balance them out and keep them lovingly communicating with each other. This full Moon is less about manifesting new “things” and more about letting go of thoughts that no longer support us emotionally. This requires us to change our minds in order to change the thought patterns that aren’t currently supporting us and allowing us to truly be in alignment with our intentions. Gemini reminds us that duality is a natural expression. YES, unity may be a goal, but duality is our reality on this planet right now, and to feel that internally is normal. The energy of duality allows us to be flexible, change our mind, go new directions and be multifaceted with our thoughts, reactions, and how we interact with others. If you’re feeling the tug between opposites, it’s actually okay.

Second, the full moon itself is all about duality as it is another time of transformation, transition, and rebirth. During this time we are pushed into a liminal space that forces us to look at the things, people, and places that have been obstacles or holding us back. This can be a thing of beauty and hope as well as a thing of pain and darkness which forces us into duality.

Correspondences for the Gemini full moon

First, what is a correspondence? ,A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use. Remember to follow your intuition with the correspondences you choose to work with and that you can always use any that correspond to the moon itself as well.

  • planet-Mercury
  • Animal- birds, butterflies, magpies, monkey, dolphin
  • Element- Air
  • Sex- masculine
  • Modality- Mutable
  • Symbol- The twins, dokana
  • colors- yellow, greens
  • Motto- I think or I speak or I am
  • Chakra-Throat chakra
  • Herbs-Orchids, iris, lavender, poppy, azalea, daffodil, lily, lemongrass, lobelia, mulberry, papyrus, Peppermint, horehound, parsley, valerian, skullcap, anise, gingko, mace, marjoram, dill, hyssop, lemon balm
  • Stones/ crystals-Agate, pearl, emerald, ruby, alexandrite, citrine, white sapphire, diamond, tiger’s eye, peridot, calcite, opal, fluorite, amber, onyx
  • Deities-Hermes, Mercury, Castor and Pollux, Loki, Freyr, Freyja, Veles, Hebe, Ate, Apollo and Artemis, Athena, Iris, Lakshmi, cerridwen, Rhiannon, Selene, Persephone, Amaterasu
  • Themes- adaptable, curious, communication, mental clarity, social, intelligent, Connection, shifting perspectives, conversation, siblings, neighbors and neighborhood, short journeys, transportation, active, charming, inquisitive and thirsting for knowledge, playful, outgoing, clever, imaginative, trickster, self-interested, vain, overly critical, fickle, restless, duality, balance, expressive,
  • tarot- the lovers, the magician
  • foods-Oats. seeds, peas, beans, nuts, spring greens, carrot, parsnip, clover, lemon peel, endive
  • trees-Elder tree, hazel tree, trees with nuts
  • House- 3rd house
  • Day- Wednesday

How to connect to the Gemini full moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this Gemini full moon and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon. In magical practices, Gemini’s influence is often utilized for spells and rituals that foster communication, intellectual growth, and adaptability in various situations. Moon phases during Gemini, such as the full moon are ideal times for conducting rituals that leverage Gemini’s energy for learning, networking, and skillfully navigating social situations.

First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post on the full moon and the moon in general like, charging your crystals, making moon water, and resetting your altar.

With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. The Gemini Moon is a good time to work on divination and prophecy, wishing spells, luck in gambling, communication, working for positive reception of manuscripts, articles and term papers, increasing web traffic, success in school, getting into the school of your choice. Remember these are just some of the many ideas. Follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. Below is a more extensive list of ideas on how to connect to and work with the Gemini full moon.

  • Daydream Meditation-With the Gemini full Moon let your imagination run wild. Take time to daydream. Let your mind wander and tune into all the crazy ideas that crop up. Write about them. Keep it simple, seeing where it leads you. What are you passionate about or inspired by? Write about your full Moon goals and engage all of your senses “as if” you’ve already achieved it. Be creative and free flow with journaling, allowing yourself to dream a new reality.
  • Set goals using Smart goals– To learn more about what SMART goals are and how to use them you can read about here in my previous blog post.
  • Abundance spells-You can learn how to connect to abundance with my in depth guide here
  • Meditation and Visualization
  • Create and set new firm boundaries in your life
  • Cast a chord cutting for toxic relationships that no longer serve you
  • Throat Chakra Energy Work
  • Divination– Try divination associated with the element air; Aeromancy. Which is a form of divination that involves using the state of the air or atmospheric substances to predict the future
  • Self reflection– You can do this through mirror magic.
  • Cleansing, and purification magic to release stale and stagnant energy
  • Protection magic and spells– To learn more about how to do protection magic you can watch part 1 and part 2 of my classes with Divination academy on YouTube
  • Burn Bay leaves  to release the things written on them
  • Blow bubbles to release your wishes on the wind
  • Reflect on the past year and celebrate your victories
  • Make a spell jar-to connect to Gemini, or a dandelion wish jar
  • Work with the element air in your magical workings and spells- You can learn more about how to do that here
  • Connect to the energy of December, Saturnalia, and the winter solstice/ Yule
  • Shadow work focused on release, learning, communication, and adaptability
  • Work with the energy and magic of duality by casting grey magic
  • Attend a socializing event
  • Make a simmer pot-for clear communication in your home
  • Journal– focus on your dreams, beliefs, and letting go of old beliefs
  • Cast spells based on friendship
  • Cast clear communication spells to assist in a conflict
  • Use Color Magic-The color blue for communication, green for abundance, and purple for the mind
  • Reframe any negative inner dialogue
  • Express yourself freely through writing
  • Research topics you are interested to reshape your perspective of the world
  • Unmask the side of yourself you hide from others
  • Focus on building your sense of self worth
  • Add winter symbols to your altar when you refresh it

Reflection questions and topics for Gemini full moon

Every full moon is a great time for reflecting on those seeds you had planted during the new moon and how they are doing now at the end of the lunar cycle and how you can celebrate your success and adjust the future for even greater success. Whether you do it thru meditation, shadow work, or divination like tarot; below is a list of prompts and topics to connect with the energy of the cold full moon in Gemini. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here;  you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.

  • What beliefs and ideas about the world no longer serve me am I ready to release?
  • What new ideas or insights have surfaced for me recently?
  • Where in my life do I need to be more adaptable?
  • How can I improve my communication with those around me?
  • What old beliefs or patterns about myself am I ready to release?
  • How do I handle uncertainty, and how can I approach it with more curiosity?
  • What conversations have I been avoiding, and how can I address them?
  • In what areas of my life do I feel stuck, and what small changes can I make to move forward?
  • How can I bring more playfulness and lightness into my daily routine?
  • How can I shift my inner self talk to being more self loving?
  • How can I better balance my need for social interaction with time for myself?
  • Are there any outdated communication styles or patterns I have that need to be released?
  • What areas of my life do I need shift my perspective to see something clearly?
  • What successes have I had recently do I need to celebrate?
  • What stories do I tell myself about who I am are no longer true?
  • Where i n my life am I resisting change? How can I become more adaptable?
  • What relationships and ties have become toxic and no longer serve me?
  • How can I assert better boundaries in my life and with who?
  • Have I been authentic and impeccable with my words lately? how can I be more intentional with my words this lunar cycle?
  • How can I use this full moon to deepen my understanding of my interconnectedness with others?

Full moon Prayers and affirmations

Some prayers or affirmations you can state with the full moon are:

  • I release all that does not serve my highest good.
  • I illuminate the things blocking my path to my desires.
  • I release all negative energy, feelings and thoughts that are not serving me.
  • I release the belief that I am not worthy or capable of manifesting anything that I want.
  • I call in the energy of the full moon to cleanse my field of anything that is not aligned with my higher purpose.

Some prayers or affirmations you can state with Gemini are:

  • I am open to infinite possibilities and am willing to walk any path
  • I invite new ways of thinking into my life and release old thought patterns that no longer serve me
  • I open myself to the magic and miracles that are available to me each day.
  • I courageously follow the path of my heart.
  • I let go of toxic thoughts and feelings not supporting my highest good.
  • I am ready to accept change
  • I let go of all toxic and unbalanced relationships and ties that no longer server me
  • I don’t take things to seriously and know when to enjoy life
  • I communicate with others clearly and respectfully
  • I free myself from limitations of the mind and my current perspective

Candle Spell For Learning During Gemini Full Moon

Do you want to strengthen your mind and be able to absorb knowledge better? Do you struggle with focus and attention when you are trying to learn? This spells purpose is to do just that during a full moon in Gemini. All you will need is yourself, a quiet area, and a yellow candle. To make this spell more potent you can also hold selenite and then keep it on you when you are studying or learning the rest of the lunar cycle.

How to do spell:

Find a place you can be alone for a little bit undisturbed, and in quiet. Then put yourself into your sacred container connecting to the energy of knowledge, learning, studying and Gemini. You can do this by meditating, grounding, calling your energy back, or doing breathing techniques like boxed breathing.

Once you feel anchored to the energy of learning and Gemini. Light a yellow candle for mental clarity. If you’d like, you can hold a piece of selenite in your non-dominant hand as you write down the ways you want to improve your learning. Visualize yourself learning easily, taking in new ideas and being receptive to lessons you can learn. Once you vision seems clear recite this spell out loud; “I am open to learning anything and everything there is to learn. I learn easily and quickly. My mind works perfectly.” Blow out the candle when you are done and come place in your favorite place to study and learn.

Final thoughts

As the Full Moon in Gemini illuminates the sky, it brings a unique opportunity to embrace change, explore new ideas, and strengthen your connections with others. This is a time to be curious, communicate openly, and adapt to whatever comes your way. By aligning with Gemini’s vibrant energy, you can gain clarity, release what no longer serves you, and pave the way for fresh perspectives and personal growth.The Gemini Full Moon is an invitation to deepen our understanding of how our upbringing, education, and culture continue to shape our mindset, worldviews, and perceptions. It is an opportunity to remember that our mind is meant to be a tool we have full control over, not something we are enslaved by. Embrace this moment as a turning point in your journey, allowing the light of the Full Moon to guide you toward new possibilities.

Don’t forget to make preparations for your full moon hangover you may experience after this lumination. If you don’t know what a full moon hangover is or how to deal with one you can read all about it in my previous blog post here!

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

Facebook
Patreon
Pinterest
Email

About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

© 2024, Modgepodgemystic LLC

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Reframe your perspective with a 7 day Gratitude challenge

During fall the energy and essence of gratitude is in the air all around us as we watch the fields being harvested with the bounty from the land and making it’s way to our tables for gathered meals as we give thanks with our families in November and December. This time of gratitude has me thinking of the importance and significance of cultivating a mindset of gratitude in my life. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude is a powerful tool to realign our thoughts and energies and allow us to live life from a state of wise mind and duality. When you practice gratitude you are building a deeper connection with yourself. You are committing to self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-compassion and these are essential tools for supporting your personal growth, mental health and overall well-being. As the saying goes, “What consumes your mind, controls your life.” So why not let gratitude consume our minds and dictate the course of our lives? By shifting your focus to positivity, gratitude not only improves your mental health and self-esteem but also enhances relationships and boosts overall well-being. Learn how practicing gratitude can transform your perspective, leading to a happier, more fulfilled life .Discover the life-changing benefits of gratitude with this 7 day gratitude challenge in this blogpost today!

What is gratitude?

Thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation are all deeply connected, simply they all mean expressing the pleasant feeling of being thankful and appreciative for something one has received. The word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratus, which means “grateful, pleasant”. Not only is it something we feel and experience but, it is a tool we can use to reframe our perspective. Using gratitude as a tool allows you to shift your focus. From what you believe your reality is towards what you want your reality to be. They are both very real, but you choose to prioritize one over the other.

The Science behind gratitude

It turns out, the benefits of gratitude aren’t just motivational fluff you see on social media everywhere. Scientists have actually shown that gratitude can physically change your brain. This research made me realize that the mind’s ability to “rewire” itself—known as neuroplasticity (A term I Learned while in DBT) —plays a big role here. When we practice gratitude regularly, it strengthens certain neural pathways, just like exercising a muscle. In fact, gratitude activates regions in our brain linked to pleasure, reward, and emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and the hypothalamus. Let’s dig into a bit of it now!

Practicing gratitude effects our brains by stimulating the production of dopamine (a chemical messenger (neurostransmitter) that works in the brain. It helps nerve cells send messages to each other. When dopamine is released in the brain, we feel a sense of temporary pleasure) and serotonin (another messenger which creates a long-lasting feeling of happiness or wellbeing), often referred to as the “feel-good neurotransmitters. These chemicals play a vital role in regulating mood and emotions. By regularly expressing gratitude through different ways in our lives, we essentially train our brains to produce more of these beneficial chemicals!

Researchers have discovered that expressing gratitude can also trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for strengthening social bonds and creating feelings of trust and connection. So practicing gratitude not only improves our relationship with ourselves, but also enhances our ability to build and maintain meaningful connections with others and ourselves.

Historical Significance of Gratitude

Historically, the concept of gratitude isn’t new. Many ancient cultures emphasized the importance of thankfulness in their traditions and rituals. For example, the ancient Romans celebrated a festival called “Lectisternium” where they expressed gratitude to their gods for their blessings. The festival of Setsubun central in Japan and Shintoism is a time when they give thanks to the kami and the land for the spring and fertility to come. Plus pagans have many, many holidays centered around gratitude and giving thanks like Mabon, Samhain, Beltane, Hekate’s night, and so on! Honestly there are too many holidays centered on giving thanks to name. Similarly, every religion has holidays, and festivals that are centered around the act of giving thanks, We even have holidays centered around cultural and country specific reasons to give thanks like Thanksgiving in the USA, highlighting its timeless significance to our human existence.

Benefits to practicing gratitude

By dedicating just a few minutes each day to this practice, you can begin to experience a shift in your perspective. You’ll start to notice and appreciate the small joys that make life special, from a sunny day to a kind gesture from a stranger. Ultimately, this simple act of focusing on gratitude for a small pocket of time can lead to profound changes in your mindset and overall well-being like some of the benefits we will explore more below.

Gratitude aligns your with the flow of abundance

When we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings, big or small, that surround us, we invite abundance into our lives. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is plentiful, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment allowing us to enter into the flow of abundance. Once in the flow, we are able to connect to the generosity of the multiverse and have all of our needs met.

Gratitude creates a life attracting positivity

Practicing gratitude not only has a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being but also attracts more positivity into our existence. By expressing thanks for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences we have encountered along our journey, we create space for greater joy and success to manifest. Embracing a mindset of gratitude transforms challenges into valuable lessons and setbacks into steppingstones toward growth and achievement.

Focusing on gratitude builds resilience

Gratitude and having a daily practice focused on it, can help individuals build resilience by encouraging them to find silver lining in challenging situations. When you’re able to see the good even in difficult times, you become more emotionally resilient and better equipped to cope with problems or life changing events as they arise. By acknowledging and appreciating the good, you develop a more balanced perspective, making it easier to cope with challenges by allowing you to access wise mind and use the DBT skills that will be the most effective.

Gratitude reframes our perspective

By focusing more on a habit of gratitude, you learn to reframe your thinking and concentrate on the positive aspects of your life. Our brains have a natural tendency to dwell on negativity, a phenomenon known as the negativity bias. It is an evolutionary survival mechanism that once served a purpose but can now hinder our well-being. In our day and age we don’t always have to be on alert for dangers in the wild to be able to survive and provide for our families. Of course we have a new set of issues nowadays, but our bodies do not have to constantly be in fight or flight mode. By consciously redirecting our attention towards gratitude, we counteract this bias and retrain our brains to notice and appreciate the good things around us. This shift in perspective can significantly improve mental well-being.

Gratitude helps us heal from childhood trauma, abuse, and pain

Learning how to practice gratitude after childhood trauma can help in your healing journey immensely by helping you reach radical acceptance. I know how hard it may seem to practice gratitude, especially when you’ve experienced childhood abuse and trauma. It’s hard to be grateful when we’re born into an unloving home with toxic or abusive parents that makes us doubt our self worth. It seems insensitive or perhaps even offensive to suggest. However, the benefits of gratitude, and practicing gratitude can help with healing from trauma. Also, gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the fact that bad things did and do happen. It’s possible to feel grateful yet still find that life’s hard sometimes. It isn’t easy, but it can make a difference.

Other benefits of practicing gratitude

  • Feeling grounded, especially during challenging times
  • Boosting your mental health and well-being
  • Allowing your mind to focus on the positive things
  • Making you more optimistic
  • Developing a new-found appreciation for the simple things
  • Cultivating a healthy work-life balance
  • Relieving stress and overwhelm
  • Decreasing anxiety and depression
  • Fewer physical symptoms of illness
  • Forming a deeper connection with yourself, your surroundings and others

Ways to connect to Gratitude

Gratitude has more power to make our lives happier and healthier than we have ever imagined. Spending a little time each day to practice gratitude makes you consciously and intentionally focus on becoming more grateful for everything around you. It is also a great way to practice being more mindful and helping you shape a reality where you thrive. Feeling and expressing gratitude changed my life. I have more confidence in myself and I see people and situations in my life more compassionately. I have more peace of mind than ever before and I’m more certain that I can design the life I want for myself while maintaining wise mind and duality.

Discover some simple and powerful gratitude rituals below to transform your daily routine and boost your mental well-being. These easy gratitude practices help cultivate mindfulness, positivity, and emotional resilience. Whether you’re new to gratitude practices or looking to deepen your daily routine, these rituals are perfect for anyone seeking peace, happiness, and a life where you thrive in wise mind. Start and/or end your day with a grateful heart and watch how your mindset shifts. When you practice gratitude, it becomes part of all areas of your life. Join me on this 7 day gratitude challenge below and watch your reality become what you truly want and your perspective be reframed.

1.Keep a Daily Gratitude journal

Gratitude means, “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” So to practice gratitude is to show your own appreciation of things. Either in your head, out loud or on paper. The most popular form of practicing gratitude comes with journaling and keeping a daily gratitude journal. A gratitude journal is more than just a diary; it’s a dedicated space where you regularly record things you’re thankful for. This simple yet profound practice encourages you to focus on the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. By doing so, you train your mind to see the good in everyday situations, fostering a more optimistic outlook on life.

So, for day 1 of this gratitude challenge we are going to start are very own daily gratitude journal practice. When you do this find a quiet place you can sit down and simply answer the questions below, Writing down the things, people, surroundings, etc, you are grateful for at that exact moment as you reflect on your day. Try to do your best to make this part of your daily routine from here on out. Here is a link to this gratitude journal for you to download and use as many times as you would like too!

2. Create a gratitude list through a brain dump

For day 2 of this challenge to help us reframe our life with gratitude, we will focus on getting a bigger picture of the things in our life we have to be grateful for. Doing this allows us to reframe our perspective even wider looking past just the day we had today to further beyond. Today’s challenge task is an easy one – make a list of everything you’re grateful for. You have wonderful things in your life already. It’s up to you to notice it. Think about everything you currently have going on in your life (or don’t have going on – in a good way). Take a moment to reflect on these blessings. There is nothing too small for you to be grateful for. You can be grateful for that cup of hot tea you get to enjoy every morning, that playtime with your child, your cat purring as they lay sleeping near by… List everything you can think of in a journal for you to see in one place. Allowing it all to sink in. Each and every single thing you have to be grateful for in your life as a whole.

3.Create a gratitude Jar

For day 3 of this challenge to help us reframe our life with gratitude, we will focus on that bigger picture again. While creating a way for us to come back to it in times of doubt or hardship when we need a little reminder of what we have to be grateful for. We will do this by creating a gratitude jar. So, what is a gratitude jar? A gratitude jar is a manifestation exercise where you add notes of gratitude to a container of your choice. Now, there are a few ways to use this tool of gratitude and a few ways to make it, First way you can choose is to take the list you made in day 2 of this challenge and either cut it into smaller pieces. Or write each thing written there onto sticky notes or smaller cut pieces of paper. Then you can take those pieces place them inside a jar, and leave it in your home somewhere you can see it. That way when you have moments of doubts when you are thinking life is too dark and you can’t go on because you have nothing to hold on for, you can pull as many of those little papers out. Then read them to help you reframe your unwanted and emotional thoughts.

The other option for how you can make this tool today and start using it to reframe your perspective brings more attention to your gratitude practice each day. Take one piece of paper and sit down and think of something that happened or someone who made your day worth being grateful for today. Once you have that in mind write in on your piece of paper then place it inside your jar, coming back every single day to do the same thing. Then whenever you would like come back and open your jar to read all the things you took the time each day to write down you were grateful for. You can go back in a week, at the end of the month, or what is common is to to wait until the end of the year on New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget either you can get creative and decorate your gratitude jar in any way you want as well bringing more joy to this daily practice of gratitude.

4. Express thanks to others in your life

For day 4 of this challenge to help us reframe our life with gratitude is to focus on expressing thanks to others in our life. Think about people that have done something for you at any point in your life. It can be today, yesterday, or even decades ago. Typically, people are grateful for their parents, guardians, caregivers, other family members, spouses, children, and friends. Let me remind you though that you don’t have to be grateful for people who have hurt you, even out of obligation or blood ties. (unless you want to be). So, think about those in your life that have held you up, supported you, and allowed you to grow into the beautiful human that you are. Then find a way to express your gratitude and thanks to them and do it. Whether that be by sending them a random text, getting them a card, or by giving them a gift. Do little and big things for them as they’d do for you. Spend quality time with loved ones. Connect and bond. Savor the moments you get to spend together. Don’t take any of it for granted because you never know how much time you have left with someone. So cherish it while you can. The goal is to make sure they feel your appreciation and how much your think they are truly worth. But, remember a simple “thank you” is usually enough for those who support you with their love. Plus it could also be a small act of kindness to brighten up someone’s otherwise dark day.

5. Prioritize and practice self care

When you practice gratitude you promote self care and end up prioritizing yourself. Because when you practice gratitude you are building a deeper connection with yourself. You are committing to self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-compassion and these are essential tools for supporting your personal growth, mental health and overall well-being. It allows you to truly connect with yourself on a raw, wholehearted level and changes your perspective on things. So, for day 5 of this gratitude challenge I want you to pick an activity that you consider self care and you are grateful you have the ability to do today. Then be as mindful and present as you can while you enjoy and soak up the time of self care you have today. Take in and notice how when you focus on self care it allows you to connect to parts of yourself and things you have to be grateful for in your life. For me when I slow down and focus on me it really allows me to open my eyes, and reframe what I see. Opening me up to more that I have to be grateful and thankful for. To learn more about self care and how vital that is in your life and how it promotes self love as well as gratitude click the link to read my guide here.

6. Spread gratitude through acts of kindness

For day 6 of this gratitude challenge we are going to use a little bit of DBT and bring our focus to gratitude by spreading it to someone else. Sometimes it’s hard to see what we can be grateful for because of life circumstances or our mental sate. If you are having a hard time in life or you are feeling anxious and/or depressed seeing things you can be grateful for may be clouded or something you simply don’t want to do. So, today we are going to use opposite action if we need to and instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what we have lost get out and spread kindness to bring us something to be grateful for. That feeling in our heart that glows and brings us joy plus the smile on the other person’s face is more then enough to be grateful for today.

For day 5 of the challenge today get out and give yourself something to be grateful for by being kind to others today. Spend 30 minutes doing something kind for someone else. This can be something extremely small like leaving a note on their doorstep, sending an email to thank them for all they do, making breakfast for someone, or volunteering your time. Do whatever it is that comes from the heart and makes you feel good inside.

7. Use affirmations of gratitude

For the last and final day of this challenge we are going to use simple yet very affective tool; gratitude affirmations. Gratitude affirmations are a simple tool you can use daily to help you see the beauty that life has to offer. So what are gratitude affirmations? Gratitude affirmations are positive statements that you repeat regularly to stay in wise mind and cultivate a mindset of gratitude. There are so many ways you can use gratitude affirmations in your life. For day 7 of this challenge pick one of the ways you feel called to use them below. Then pick some of the affirmations in the graphic to begin using today. I personally love to say mine out loud when I wake up in the morning and before I close my eyes at night.

  • Write them in your journal
  • Choose a new affirmation for each day of the week, then write it on a post-it note to keep by your desk
  • Choose 3 affirmations to focus on each day and say them out loud to yourself
  • Set up automated reminders on your phone so you get notified with an affirmation or multiple affirmations throughout the day
  • Get creative and draw or write an affirmation in your bullet journal

8. Bonus- Shadow work prompts for deepening your gratitude through journaling

Shadow work through journaling focused on gratitude and what we have to be grateful for can bring about a greater sense of contentment. It encourages you to see the glass as half full, which can have a profound impact on your attitudes and overall perspective of life. It brings you to a place where you are able to let of of fear and meet yourself and your life fully. When we journal and do shadow work based on gratitude it helps you become aware of all the goodness in your life. Even the things you may not see as things to be grateful for right now because they live deep within the shadows of your heart. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.

If you want to deepen your journey with gratitude beyond this challenge you can access these bonus shadow work prompts in my FREE shadow work journal here!

Final Thoughts


Showing appreciation for things doesn’t always look like journaling or making a gratitude list. Sometimes it can be as simple as making a language shift. So instead of saying “I have to do this” and feeling resentful or unexcited, change it to “I get to do this” for an instant positive mindset shift. Remember, you don’t “have” to do anything. No one is forcing you. You are the one in control of the choices you make. You “get” to do what you want to do, so feel excited and grateful for these opportunities and life you get to live each and every day.

Don’t forget to also be grateful for yourself! During this gratitude challenge make sure when you go through each day to include things that are only about you. Being grateful for yourself or anything about you is probably one of the hardest things to be grateful for. I know as a childhood abuse and trauma survivor it is for myself. So, if that is please make sure to make this part a priority. No matter how you feel about yourself or how someone else made you feel. There IS something about yourself that you can find to be grateful for. You just have to look for it. Use this challenge to find it and bring it to light in appreciation.

It’s true what they say: gratitude really does have the power to transform your world. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself, like me, realizing that gratitude was one of the missing pieces all along.

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

Facebook
Patreon
Pinterest
Email

About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

© 2024, Modgepodgemystic LLC