Sagittarius Season Self Care
Sagittarius season officially starts today (November 22 at 9:02A- EST) and brings with it the busiest time of year! Sagittarius, the archetype of the healer, is the transitional sign that takes us from the end of fall to the beginning of winter. A fire sign ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius is all about expanding our horizons especially through new adventures, travel and learning. A spiritual sign as well, this season asks us to take time and connect to those things that soothe our soul, spend time in nature and to release anything that isn’t aligned with our deeper purpose.
As I intentionally work toward more seasonally aligned living, Sagittarius season asks me to look at where I can take purposeful action to stay more balanced and supported during this month especially as it encompasses the bulk of the holiday season and birthdays of close family members and friends. I need to ask myself to be intentional about where I chose to spend my energy and to take time for my own health and spirituality, so I can remain grounded and be my best self for those in my life.
Over the last two years, two practices have made the biggest difference in helping me feel more joy, less over extended and more energized during this time of year. The first practice occurs while I am planning the season. I sit down and create a list of all the things I feel I am expected to do and/or I always do, and also list things I think I might want to do. Then I ask myself the following questions for each one:
1) When preparing for this last year, how did I feel?
2) During it, did it bring me joy?
3) After it, was I happy I did it?
4) If it’s a new thing, how do I think this will make me feel and answer these questions if I do it?
Don’t forget to include everything from attending events and decorating the house to baking those treats and hosting guests. I do this without thinking about other family member’s answers to these questions while reminding myself that is not my job to make everyone else happy, especially at the expense of my own joy, mental and/or physical health. As recovering people pleaser so this is a key step for me.
Once I have my answers, it becomes easier to see the things that need to come off of the list and maybe, what needs to be added. For you, it may also be time to discuss some of the items with your nearest and dearest and see how they feel. Maybe in the end an item doesn’t come off of the list completely, but it gets adapted in a way that enables you to have more positive answers to the questions above. What if something you didn’t know about in advance comes up? Take the time to ask yourself the questions above before you commit. If any of these items come with a side of obligation attached to them, this is a red flag that you may need to take a closer look before you say yes and possibly put some new boundaries in place.
The second practice starts with my planning session as well but then continues on during the month. I schedule in time to take walks and be in nature, for my morning spiritual journaling sessions and time to check-in with how things are going and how I feel. Each week, I take fifteen minutes to make sure I am not only doing these things to care for myself but also actively making changes to them if my check-in indicates the need for an adjustment. Neither of these two practices take a lot of time, but they ensure I am able to fully show up for those I care for without putting myself last.
By prioritizing what’s important to me, setting boundaries and making time for things that fill my cup, I am able to enjoy all the fun of the season while maintaining my own health and wellness.