Everything that is in the heavens, on earth, and under the earth is penetrated with relatedness. Hildegard of Bingen
(Bronze Shepherdess Statue of Rosa. Photo taken in February 2020 at Hildegard Haus in Ohio)
During the days in between Christmas and The Twelfth Day, Women’s Christmas, I went for several nature walks. Looking for an aspect of nature that has a message for me about each month ahead in the new year. Taking a picture of every encounter allowed me to record my reflections later.
I began this journey on December 28th, 2024. I backtracked, on the 28th, to provide a photo for the two previous days. Here are all my entries.
December 26th for January
Nature’s Incarnation: Dormant Maple Tree Buds.
Interpretation: Even when my life might feel dormant sometimes, there is still so much activity going on deep below the surface readying for the new.
December 27th for February
Nature’s Incarnation: Green Lichen On Tree Trunk.
Interpretation: Despite winter dragging on, life always finds a home on trees and in my life.
December 28th for March
Nature’s Incarnation: Stems and leaves From a Possible Daffodil Bulb.
Interpretation: Strive to keep growing even when there are obstacles in the way.
December 29th for April
Nature’s Incarnation: Cherry Tree Stump.
Interpretation: Similar to the rings inside of this stump, I am always encircled by Holy Mystery.
December 30th for May
Nature’s Incarnation: White Elm Tree Roots Peaking Out Above Ground.
Interpretation: Thresholds and Thin Places are just below the surface of my awareness waiting to be noticed.
Interpretation: Many trees are conjoined in Threes. Triad relationships must be easier for our standing friends.
January 2nd for August
Nature’s Incarnation: Brown Squirrel with cheeks full of nuts.
Interpretation: Collect what is needed for dry spells.
January 3rd for September
Nature’s Incarnation: Blue Spruce Pinecones.
Interpretation: Be open to when the rain clears.
January 4th for October
Nature’s Incarnation: Dried Oak Leaves.
Interpretation: Hang in there with Lady Wisdom.
January 5th for November
Nature’s Incarnation: Blue Spruce Branch Sprouting out on her Trunk.
Interpretation: Sprout Out in New and Unexpected Directions.
January 6th for December
Nature’s Incarnation: Defiant Green Clover Leaves.
Interpretation: Viriditas, (Latin for Greenness). The force of greening happens despite the unlikely conditions.
Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think.” Hildegard of Bingen.
When contemplating nature’s messages on my journey, during the frigid days in between Christmas and Women’s Christmas, I noticed what She wants to say to me about each of the months of 2025. Unrestrained by dormancy, nature communicates to us about her life which we are all part of. Life always finds a home. Thriving activity continues unseen below the surface. Push through obstacles! Holy Mystery always encircles us. Sometimes, Thresholds and Thin Places reveal themselves above The Otherworld’s cover. Often, they are just below the surface of my awareness. Undeterred by empty and gray days of winter, the great outdoors causes unexpected opportunities of bursting forth. I desire to mimic her patterns! Now, more consciousness of Her as I walked, I observed how often tree trunks are conjoined as triplets and quadruplets. Always, standing together, sharing their wisdom on how to get along in close quarters! My ability to move, like a squirrel, allows for collecting, and storing needed items as I proceed along the way. Pinecones close in the rain and snow teaching me to tuck away when needed. During the days of January and February, I too might feel closed in but soon to open with the increasing sunlight! Sometimes trees hold onto their dry leaves despite winter’s challenges. Oak leaves are reminders to hang in there with Lady Wisdom. My strolls gave me a new appreciation for tree trunks. In Celtic thought, the trunks stand with us in our realm while the roots are deep in the otherworld and branches are reaching up to the heavens. Regardless, the little Blue Spruce sprout poking out on the trunk caught my attention inviting me to take unexpected directions. Finally, I was amazed by the patch of green clovers thriving even now! Reminded of Hildegard of Bingen’s recognition of “Veriditas” (where ee tas, Latin, greening). This force of greening happens despite the obstacles. Walking in nature, in between Christmas and Women’s Christmas, gave me a new yearning to resemble her aliveness even during the bleakness of wintertime.
An Invitation to write your future self an email. Set the delivery to your inbox for January 2026. Now may be a better time to do this after the holidays have passed.
Camera Tip: During my nature walks, I learned that when I pushed my already taken photo up on my phone to find the location setting, the same area will tell me the species of plant that I took a picture of. I am delighted that my camera will provide this information!
Awaiting more evidence of the lengthening of Daylight!
In Loving Memory of and surrounded by My Four Irish Great-Grandmothers.
