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CIRCLE OF THE GREEN

Monthly Journal Assignments

You will be expected to keep a journal where you record your dreams, meditations, interpretations, random spiritual thoughts, questions, etc. which you will be asked to share with your mentor/facilitator once a month. It is recommended that you have one individual notebook to be used only for this curriculum. See below for monthly journal assignments.

The assignments you start with depend on the month of your dedication. You will be expected to complete at least six months of journal work. Each entry should be clearly dated and descriptively titled as to what the entry refers to. If at any time you are uncomfortable sharing your journal please talk to your mentor/facilitator to make other arrangements. Be assured that your private thoughts will not be shared among the membership as this would be completely unethical.  

Monthly Assignments: It is wise to pick the same date every month to write in your journal. The full moon or a day at the end of the month may be a good time for this. The below exercise should be done every month in addition to or in conjunction with your monthly assignments.

Every month spend some time observing Nature. What is happening to the Earth at this time? What has the weather been like? Have the stars been exceptionally bright? What phase is the moon in as you write and reflect?

Compare how you feel, both physically and spiritually, to the weather and the happenings of Nature. For example: has it been very windy? Is the Maiden reaching out to you through the winds – removing the dust of your mind and spirit?

No matter how silly the interpretation may seem, come to some conclusions about what the Goddess may be trying to teach you through Nature.

Notes on Monthly Assignments: Stretch, reach, and look deep with yourself during these exercises. If you feel that you have nothing to contribute at any given month, reflect on why that might be. Are the reasons beneficial or harmful? Try to remember that there are reasons for all situations and there is always something to learn even if the lesson is not obvious to you. 

January – Winter is upon us and it is a quiet time. Spend some time in meditation and write an original prayer to the Goddess. Include an explanation of the processes that brought these words to you. Do you feel they were divinely inspired? Do you even believe in divine inspiration?

February – With the coming of Imbolc the Goddess will resurface to the Earth once more. Beneath the snow cover life will begin to stir. What is lying in wait within you? Examine yourself and realize that you possess endless potential. What projects or goals have you been dreaming about but have not yet taken action towards attaining? How will you make these desires into reality? Also note your reflections on the Sabbat of High Winter or Imbolc.     

March – Spring begins this month and with it the Earth will change to allow for growth. How will you change? What conscious changes can you make to further your spiritual endeavors? What seeds can you plant within yourself to allow for your own personal growth? Do a mental spring cleaning and make note of the things you can add or remove from yourself and your life to perpetuate positive change. Also note your reflections on the Sabbat of the Vernal Equinox or Ostara.

April – While we are in the midst of spring find a way to commune with nature. Discuss alternatives for city dwelling people to connect with the natural world. What are some methods of connection that can be used besides the typical “hike in the woods” scenario? The weather may still be too cold to spend much time outside so discuss ways to connect indoors as well. Why should we spend time connected with Nature? What do we learn by doing this?

May – This is the end of the seed time; the last of the planting months. Have you planted all that you wanted to within yourself? If so, make a concise list of the things you hope will manifest within the coming months. If not, take the time now to meditate and mentally “plant” your own personal seeds of change before creating your list. Put notes next to each item on your list to designate which are very long term goals and which can be attained by the harvest season. Try to have at least one item that can manifest by the last harvest in October. Also note your reflections on the Sabbat of High Spring or Beltane.

June – The growing time has begun. What has grown so far within you? If this is your first month with the curriculum how do you plan to grow? Experience beauty in the everyday and learn to see things with new eyes. Find something that is typically considered ugly and find its hidden beauty. Describe the “ugly” thing and explain why to you it can be beautiful. Also note your reflections on the Sabbat of the Summer Solstice or Midsummer/Litha.

July – The harvest will be upon us soon. It is time to make sure those seeds you planted in the spring are growing well. If this is your first month on the curriculum think about something that was planted in the past that is still growing within you. Assess your personal relationships and consciously care for them during this time. Make note of any changes; improvements or declines, in your personal life and ponder why these changes may have occurred.

August – This month marks the time of the first harvest. Are you able to “harvest” anything at this time or are all of your seeds still growing? The weather is typically very warm at this time of year and the sun’s decline is not yet noticeable. Ponder for a time what the sun represents to you. It can be harsh and nurturing all at once. Come to a conclusion about the sun as a symbol of compassion. Why might this be? What other qualities might the sun represent? Also note your reflections of the Sabbat of High Summer or Lughnasadh.   

September – Last month began the period of decline or death which we are now in the middle of. Spend some time in meditation then express your feelings on death and what it means as a part of life. This is also the time of the second harvest and of giving thanks. What are you thankful for? Write a “gratitude” entry in your journal, paying special attention to the things you normally take for granted. Also note your reflections on the Sabbat of the Autumnal Equinox or Mabon.

October – This is the season of ancestors and remembrance of those who have gone before. If you have lost someone, recount your feelings of that loss and how it changed you. If you have not lost anyone close to you, reflect on those you come from. Do some simple research on your family members; your grandparents, their parents, and so on. Look into your cultural backgrounds as well. Also note your reflections on the Sabbat of High Autumn or Samhain.

November – High Autumn (Samhain) marked the beginning of the time of Completion. As the time of the Winter Solstice approaches and the American Holiday Season gets underway, take some time to find real meaning in this time. What could be some other reasons for the tradition of gift giving? What do the symbols of the season really mean to you?