Ritual 50: Monday, December 10, 2007

Waxing Moon

Miracles are the hallmark of the winter season's religious holidays. Pagans celebrate the miracle of the sun's return on Solstice. Christians celebrate the miracle of Mary's virgin birth to Christ on Christmas. On Hanukkah, Jews celebrate the miracle of long lasting light during the re-consecration of their Temple after a successful rebellion against an oppressive regime.

Since this Monday falls during the last days of this Jewish holiday, let the Hanukkah story inspire some Moonday magic on the theme of miracles. As the story goes, after Jerusalem and its Temple were recovered from the destructive reign of Syrians around 165 BCE, the Temple needed to be cleansed and rededicated. Unfortunately, the oil needed for this sacred ritual had been defiled. Only enough holy oil remained to light the Temple lamps for one day. Miraculously, by the grace of Spirit, this oil lasted for eight days — enough time to prepare a fresh supply of purified oil. Hanukkah rituals include the lighting of candles on eight days to commemorate this miracle. More than the miracle of light, however, Hanukkah celebrates liberation from oppression.

Tonight, light a candle and tell the story of one of your own life's miracles. Share your miracle tale in the company of friends, or write it down in your journal.

A miracle can be huge and life-altering — the angel-in-human-clothing who saved you from drowning when you were six. A miracle can be small and easily missed — the insistent unfurling of a flower's fragile petals after an unexpected drought. When you tune your consciousness to the presence of miracles, your polish the treasure of faith. Life itself becomes a miraculous event.

Celebrate your miracle tonight, and look underneath the symbols of your story for the miracle's true meaning. What are you truly celebrating? Not merely light, but liberation. Not merely birth, but redemption. Not merely natural cycles, but the immanent divine.

After the ritual, share your experience in our community section.