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December Reflections 2024

Embracing Retrograde  Wisdom and Holiday Peace

Every year, the retrograde period rolls around and offers us a chance to pause, reflect, and reset.  This year’s retrograde, stretching from November 25th to December 25th, 2024, seems to have amplified the holiday season’s typical mix of chaos and contemplation.  It’s as if the cosmos itself is urging us to slow down and pay attention.  And truth be told, I’ve noticed the confusion and delays too—projects taking longer than expected, plans needing constant adjustment.  Yet, isn’t that part of life’s charm?  Learning to navigate the messiness with grace and gratitude?

So, here we are, in the midst of it all, wrapping up another year.  Despite the slowdowns and detours, it’s important to pause and appreciate all we’ve accomplished.  Even the smallest victories deserve acknowledgment.  As we step forward into the new year, our accumulated wisdom and generosity will light the way, helping us not just survive our mistakes but thrive because of them.

Owning Responsibility: A Humbling (and Humorous) Journey

This fall, my husband and I made a commitment—a solemn, slightly daunting vow to take full responsibility for our lives, our challenges, and yes, even our frustrations.  Let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure.  Imagine two adults debating who’s more at fault for a flat tire.  (“It’s my fault!” “No, it’s mine!“) It’s equal parts amusing and enlightening.  And while there’s humor in such moments, there’s also a profound truth: shifting away from a victim mentality is liberating.
Let’s face it—it’s easy, almost automatic, to blame external circumstances or other people when things go awry.  For me, one of the most glaring examples of this used to be my perpetual lateness.  I vividly remember the day a lunch partner gently called me out: “So, when you say lunch at 12, you mean 12:15, right?” Ouch.  That stung.  Not because she was wrong, but because she was spot on.

That experience sent me inward, asking the big “why.”  Why was I always trying to squeeze in one last task before leaving?  Why couldn’t I honor the time I’d agreed upon?  During a quiet meditation, my guides offered an answer that, frankly, I wasn’t ready to hear: I was acting as though my time was more valuable than hers.  Me?  More important than my lunch companion?  Surely not!  But the more I sat with it, the more it made sense.  By trying to do “just one more thing,”  I was prioritizing my agenda over the simple act of being on time.  It was a humbling realization, to say the least.

Unearthing the Roots of Our Disruptions

That moment was a turning point for me, a chance to reflect not just on my patterns but on the deeper beliefs driving them.  It made me wonder: what invisible baggage are we all carrying that causes disruptions in our lives?  And more importantly, how can we release it?

When we take the time to dig deep, to understand the roots of our behaviors, we open the door to transformation.  It’s not always easy, and it certainly isn’t quick, but the freedom that comes from clearing out those old, unhelpful patterns is worth every ounce of effort.

And yet, despite my progress in accepting full responsibility, I still catch myself slipping.  For instance, I’ve noticed I’m quick to blame technology when things don’t go smoothly—whether it’s a glitchy Zoom call or a misbehaving phone.  It’s a reminder that growth is an ongoing process.  Taking responsibility isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily practice.  And part of that practice is learning to be gentle with ourselves when we falter.

Slowing Down: A Retrograde Reminder

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received about navigating a retrograde comes from my astrologer friend, Madeline Gerwick.  She suggests intentionally scaling back during these periods—fewer appointments, more spacious schedules.  Why?  Because life during a retrograde has a way of throwing curveballs.  Traffic jams, computer glitches, last-minute changes… all par for the course.  By giving ourselves extra time, we can navigate these challenges with less stress and more grace.

And here’s the thing: when we slow down, we’re not just accommodating the retrogrades quirks. We’re giving ourselves the gift of presence.  We’re creating space to breathe, to connect, to savor the moments that make the holiday season special.  It’s a shift in perspective—from doing more to being more.

A Practical Approach to Holiday Peace

This holiday season, I’m taking Madeline’s advice to heart.  I’m paring back my commitments, leaving more wiggle room in my schedule, and—most importantly—allowing myself to fully experience the joy of the season.  Here are a few practical steps I’ve found helpful, and maybe you will too:

1. Simplify Your To-Do List:
2.  Prioritize what truly matters and let go of the rest.  The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
3. Plan for the Unexpected:
4.  Build extra time into your schedule.  Whether it’s an extra 15 minutes for travel or a buffer day between big commitments, a little cushion goes a long way.
5. Practice Gratitude:
6.  Amidst the hustle and bustle, take a moment to reflect on the good things—both big and small—that this year has brought.
7. Ask for Support:
8.  Whether it’s from your loved ones, your guides, or the universe itself, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Sometimes, just voicing a need can bring unexpected solutions.
9. Create Space for Joy:
10.  Whether it’s a cozy night by the fire, a spontaneous laugh with a friend, or a quiet moment of reflection, make room for the moments that fill your heart.

And let’s not forget one of my favorite practices: asking for a “Day of Heaven on Earth.”  Whether you’re asking for a day, a week, or even an entire month, this simple intention can create a ripple effect of peace and ease in your life.  It’s a beautiful reminder that we’re co-creators of our reality.  When we consciously invite grace into our days, we often find it waiting for us in unexpected ways.

Embracing the Season with Intention

The retrograde may slow us down, but perhaps that’s its gift.  In a world that often equates busyness with worth, it’s a gentle nudge to embrace a different rhythm.  To be intentional with our time.  To prioritize connection over perfection.  To recognize that the holidays are less about checking every box on our to-do list and more about the quality of the moments we create with ourselves and others.

This December, I challenge you—as I challenge myself—to embrace this slower, more deliberate pace.  Let’s step out of chaos and into the calm.  Lets honor the wisdom of the retrograde by letting go of what no longer serves us and making room for what truly matters.  So here’s to a holiday season filled with mindfulness, gratitude, and a touch of magic.  May we all find joy in the unexpected, peace in the present, and hope in the year ahead.  Wishing you a beautiful end to 2024 and a bright beginning to 2025.  Happy Holidays!

Written by,

Maureen St. Germain 12/1/2024