To the Ancient Irish, the Twelve Days of Christmas were once known as Omen Days, or “Lae na Cealmhaine." On each day between December 26th and January 6th, the landscape was closely observed for signs. These are days of prediction for the upcoming year. Each of the twelve days was assigned to a month, offering an opportunity to foresee events that would occur in each month.
This practice stems from a time when our ancestors understood our interconnectedness within the web of life. This period after the winter solstice, is liminal, open to the ancestors and the spiritual realm. Everything around us, especially in the landscape, communicates and speaks to us but we have to be paying attention. Pair these observations with intention, and we can gather signs and omens from the world around us to divine the year to come.
As these days unfold, I'm going to update this post with the predictions I make based on the Omens I see. Let's see how they play out. :)))
Omen Day 1- December 26 - January - I didn't pay attention
Omen Day 2 - December 27 - February - " "
Omen Day 3 - December 28 - March - A light, gentle rain. Prediction for March: It is a time to replenish, and fill our reservoirs.
Omen Day 4 - December 29 - April - Unseasonably warm weather, causing altocumulus clouds that occur when warm air hits cold in the upper atmosphere. The warmth brought out a honey bee - that flew around me. These are messengers from the departed. Prediction for April: There will be a lot of hot air, but hidden/unseen forces are working to cool things down.
Omen Day 5 - December 30 - May - I noticed a lot of chatter among small birds (sparrows) - across the street, in small groups. Sparrows symbolize resilience, adaptability, joy, community, freedom, protection, and hope. The big birds (pigeons) were quiet but watching as I passed. They're a symbol of peace, freedom, and love. Prediction: May will be a time of regrouping and community building.
Omen Day 6 - December 31 - June - there were groups of different species of birds congregating on the building across the street. Sparrows, blackbirds, and pigeons. Each, having a turn being on the top - on the roof, and then each dropping down onto the window sills. When you see diverse groups of birds grouping together in nature, it's for increased protection from predators as they can collectively watch for danger. Prediction for June: People start to organize around ideas of equity.
Omen Day 7 - January 1 - July - We saw four slim, long-winged birds that we still haven't identified - circling overhead in a group. They were hunting, hovering, looking for prey. On the flip side of the June prediction, where the birds were sticking together to protect themselves from prey, these were the predators. Prediction for July: We will need to prepare to fight back.
Omen Day 8 - January 2 - August I noticed a large group of pigeons looking out from atop a very tall building. There were other groups of them flying in swarms through the air.
Prediction for August: People are on edge, those that hold peace and hope in their hearts are standing by, watching out for others.
Omen Day 9 - January 3 - September - Prediction for September: A lot of infighting, blame-casting, name-calling, and lack of communication.
Omen Day 10 -January 4 - October - Prediction for October: Looking outward, shifting the focus off the interpersonal, taking the world in, and acknowledging our blessings.
Omen Day 11 -January 5 - November - In the morning...everything is quiet, no birds, no animals out. It's cold and windy. In the afternoon - as we walked outside, we were dive-bombed by a pigeon - it just missed our heads and landed in front of us. As we continued our walk, we came upon a tree full of very loud sparrows, chittering and chattering. (See the video on my Instagram.) UPDATE: Prediction for November - The early part of the month is going to be calm but hold onto your hats for the second half. Those who have remained silent and peaceful, now feel threatened and will let loose.
Omen Day 12 -January 6 - December - Snow, cold, windy. Prediction for December: Hope, a fresh start, liberation.
It was customary to go out into the landscape and take time to observe. This included listening to birds, observing the movement and behavior of animals, or sometimes just watching how the day unfolded. Sometimes, the Omen will provide a clear message; other times, reflection and journaling are necessary.
These days were added to the calendar as intercalary days to align the solar calendar with the Roman calendar. As such, this practice represents a time out of time, where each day holds prophetic significance for the month ahead. Spend some quiet time outside each day and watch closely for your Omens. By honoring these traditions, we tap into the rich tapestry of ancestral wisdom that continues to resonate today.
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