Happy New Year to the Trees!

January can be a less than inspiring month. Much depends on the severity of the winter and also perhaps, how much we have overspent over recent festivities.

We are gentiles here at Norfolk Psychics but we also have Jewish ancestors and love the Kabbalah so today I'd thought I'd share with you a beautiful celebration for the end of January - Tu Bishvat, or the New Year of the Trees (Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot). Last year for the first time, I made a Tu Bishvat Seder (ceremonial dinner). This year it begins at sundown on the 24th January, why not celebrate yourself?

For the Kabbalist of the 16th century, the trees and their fruit became a great symbol for the possibility of transformation and spiritual attainment. There are a lot of metaphors that can be used here. You could use this evening to reflect on your roots and strengths. What might need pruning out of your life or what needs more nurturing, more love and food? You could plant the seeds of a new chapter in your life. Are there aspects of yourself that aren't getting enough sunlight? What flowers are hidden within, waiting to bloom?

It resonates well today with the international corporate and governmental destruction of our beautiful planet that we should honour the literal lungs of our world. The Jewish National Fund (JNF) reforests projects in Israel. Perhaps we could have a national tree planting day here over the same weekend?

If you enjoy the ritual side (and who doesn't?), why not create a Tu Bishvat evening dinner? Spread the table with a (preferably) white, clean cloth. Have both white and red wine (or grape juice) on the table. Adorn with little dishes of the fruits and nuts, which the trees gift to us - figs, pomegranate seeds, almonds, dates, walnuts, grapes and raisin etc. Light some candles. If you wish you can say a few blessings such as : Blessed are You, Source of all life, Creator of the fruit of the vine. Cook whatever you enjoy most, perhaps a nut roast with a colourful salad mixed with fruit. Just enjoy the the evening and the food.

We should all embrace other religions and I mean no disrespect to the ancients by honouring this minor festival with an honest heart and pure intentions. A celebration for the trees because they really are worth it. Happy New Year to the Trees!

Love, Annie x

#festival #trees #tradition #jewish #tubishvat