The Hanged Man and the Black Moon
Hello, lovely ones
I hope this blog finds you feeling satisfied after the winter feasting we’ve all been indulging in! I just devoured a huge bowl of roasted veggies with baked camembert poured on top. Heck yes. Yesterday, I used leftover Christmas pudding in an apple crumble too. I might have burned the top a smidge, but it was still super tasty.
Now that we’ve settled into the heart of the holiday season, full of cheeses and delicious food, we might feel a little flat as well. All the effort of the past few weeks culminated on Christmas, and now we find ourselves in this in-between time with 2025 looming. 2024 was quite the challenge too. How did time travel so fast?
There might be pressure to set restrictive goals for 2025 and to "turn over a new leaf" as soon as the 1st of January hits. Afterall, 2024 wasn’t amazing, but maybe 2025 will be completely different. Sadly, I don’t think it works like that. And while ambition is a part of growth, remember to nurture habits that bring you happiness too. Slow and steady progress takes you the furthest. Right now, as part of Yule, rest and reflection are at the heart of the season, and it’s okay to continue leaning into that as we move into January. Because…
2024 has certainly been challenging
It’s asked a lot of patience from us. Just about everyone I know has been humbled in some way, and there hasn’t been one person who ‘coasted’ through. It’s been a rough-and-tumble year, but I believe, on a personal level, that we’re better for it. We’ve had to submit and go with the flow, and sit with difficulty and not fight it. A lot of change has been thrust upon us, and I’ve seen so many of you embrace that with full hearts.
This energy reminds me of The Hanged Man. He hangs from the Tree of Life with relative comfort, his crown illuminated. What does he know that we don’t? When it shows up for me, The Hanged Man is one of those "easier said than done" cards. I can see the wisdom in its message but folding that energy into my life can feel like a struggle. I’m starting to recognise it on a deeper level.
The Hanged Man invites us to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and to find new ways to grow in that space.
Winter reflects this same wisdom: rest and renewal are as vital as action and growth. We live in a society that doesn’t align easily with these natural rhythms, or hang upside-down for a fresh perspective.
The Hanged Man asks us to do it anyway. There’s so much pressure to hit the ground running in January, full steam ahead. But it’s okay to take your time and encourage others to slow down too.
Growth and change is a natural part of life, but let’s try and make things easier where we can.
How can your goals move with you, rather than against you?
That’s how The Hanged Man chooses to live, and we can too. My sense is that 2025 will be a year of exploration and expansion, but also one of retreat and deep connection. Get familiar with appreciating yourself - from noting how you showed up for yourself, to where you took accountability for something difficult, and finding ways to celebrate yourself every day. It’s not about appearing to be perfect, but exploring who we are with care and space.
But before that, we have to say goodbye to 2024. To help us round off this intense year, we have a second new moon of December on the 30th. A second new moon in a month is called a Black Moon. A Black Moon is rare and powerful. It’s a chance for deep introspection and new beginnings. Perfect timing.
Here are a few suggestions on how to embrace the energy of The Hanged Man and The Black Moon:
Clear your space: Tidy up, declutter, and let go of what no longer serves you. At the very least, a vacuum, dust and declutter will help clear stagnant energy in your home.
Light a special candle you might have gotten for Christmas! (ideally soy or beeswax). Or burn incense. If you have frankincense resin, this is a wonderful time to use it. Don’t forget to open your windows to let fresh air in, as the smoke carries away unwanted energy.
Reflect and journal: If you’ve received a new diary or notebook, grab a nice pen and get cosy. Explore what you are ready to release from 2024. What troubled you that you want to leave behind? What seeds of intention do you want to plant for 2025? What energy do you want to cultivate?
Tackle lingering tasks: Clear any unpaid bills or unfinished personal admin. Starting 2025 with a clean slate will feel so rewarding. I have a bill to pay and some money to move around to know I’m in good stead.
Consider your energy: What attitude do you want to carry into the new year? Focus on who you’re becoming, not just what you’re achieving. It’s not about just chasing happiness, but accepting all our emotions and parts of ourselves.
Honour the season: Remember, we’re still in winter, and it lasts until March. Patience and rest will still be essential as the year begins.
Burn it with fire. Write down limiting beliefs, regrets, or emotional baggage you want to leave behind in 2024. Safely burn the paper in a fireproof dish or your fireplace, watching the smoke carry these away.
Be gentle with your body. Use this as a time to release stress and gently stretch out tension in the body. Take your time to gently relax each muscle. I love a Yoga Nidra for this. Magnesium supplements are handy too. If you’re able, why not book yourself in for a massage in Jan?
Make time for Tarot. Pull a card for insight into the lessons you’re carrying into 2025. Spend time journaling about how it relates to your experiences. I’m also offering a new year tarot reading for anyone looking to step into 2025 with a boost.
Write yourself a letter. Write to yourself in the Summer. You can thank future you for showing up, persevering, and being uniquely yourself. Talk about goals to grow into, and places you want to see. Set a date in your calendar to open it.
This Black Moon, paired with the energy of The Hanged Man, is an invitation to surrender and trust the process as we move from one year to the next. I always say this, but growth doesn’t happen overnight. It often unfolds quietly in the spaces where we allow ourselves to simply be. This is the time to allow and accept yourself.
