There is no shortage of craftiness when it comes to Christmas. In fact my craftiness can be traced way back to grade school. One of my biggest projects was painting a large plastercraft nativity scene when I was 10 and it only snowballed from there!

As the December Oak Moon shines down upon us, the energy flow that began last month continues as Winter arrives. The oak is the mightiest of trees that can survive the harshest of weather, while observing the world through many ages. The ancient oak tree has roots planted deeply in the earth with its arms stretched high towards the heavens. This allows the oak to exist in two worlds at the same time — below ground, the place of birth and death, and above the ground where life is played out. Along with its ability to die and be reborn each year, this makes the tree a unique figure to link us to The Wheel of the Year as it affects us personally and the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

So too do we exist in two worlds – the physical and the spiritual. During this time of dormancy we continue to focus our attention on spirit and the inner workings of our bodies. Now is good time to meditate on the great tree, visualizing yourself as a tree with roots reaching far into the ground and arms stretching high into the heavens. Feel all sensation that a tree may feel and see what an ancient tree may bear witness to through the ages. Gather up the energy of earth, sun, wind and rain to nourish and give you strength to achieve your goals.

Last month you may have studied about new spiritual traditions or deeper aspects of the craft or your chosen path. The energy flowing from the Oak Moon will aid you in successfully putting new magical or spiritual workings into practical application.

ACTIVITIES
· Hug a tree *
· Visualize yourself as a tree in meditation, sensing the world as a tree may sense it
· Take up T’ai chi (mediation in motion) or other practice that merges two worlds
· Put new spiritual or magical practice to work
· A time for comfort food! Make a dish that warms your inside and fills you up

* How to Hug a Tree: Find a tree in a private spot that you feel drawn to. Ask it for permission to approach and join with it. If you feel the tree has given you a positive answer, approach reverently and embrace it. If you don’t feel as it has given permission, thank it and search for another tree. Like people, some trees are very receptive to “socializing” while others can generate a very grumpy “don’t bother me” energy. As you embrace the tree, close your eyes and place your cheek against the trunk. Feel the rhythm of the tree and allow your energy to join with it. Sometimes the tree may have a message to share with you. Other times you may just feel a calm easiness come over you. When finished, slowly back away from the tree and thank it for sharing its energy or message with you. It is always good to leave a token of thanks such as a flower, a pinch of a sacred herb or a blessing.

FULL MOON INCENSE (burn on incense charcoal or cast into the fire)
1 scoops sandalwood powder – protection, healing, spirituality
1 granule amber – renewal, alertness, cleansing, protection, purification
3 drops vanilla – love, lust, mental powers
1 part frankincense – protection, spirituality
1 part rosemary – powerful purifying and cleansing when burned, protection, healing, mental power, knowledge
1 part pine – purifying and cleansing, protection, healing, money
Bay – protection, psychic power, healing, purification, strength
3 drops patchouli – money, prosperity, fertility, lust