Today (December 26) begins The Twelve Days of Christmas which ends on the Epiphany, January 6. I love this ritual! In old traditions, Christmas was the time for receiving spiritual gifts while Epiphany was the day for exchanging physical gifts – the day the Magi came bearing gifts for the Christ child. Each of the twelve days that follows Christmas corresponds to a sign of the zodiac beginning with Aries (the first sign) on December 26, followed my Taurus on December 27 and so on, ending on the Epiphany on January 6.

The coming year can be foreseen by observing the conditions on each on these twelve days. Pay attention to dreams, omens and signs during the days ahead for this is the year in embryo. The word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek, meaning “to manifest.” In Old England it was said of Epiphany, “On the charms of this night will the harvest depend.” What do you want to bring into manifestation in 2014? There is no better time to pray for your own epiphany! These twelve days are a kind of preparation and an opportunity to set the tone for the coming year.