Welcome to the 22nd issue of The Magic Heron Newsletter, a fortnightly newsletter with a focus on journaling, writing, and learning nature’s wisdom through midlife. Thanks for being here. I appreciate you.

Texas, December 19, 2021

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Hi there!

This week has been windy! We’ve had 2 high wind days within a week. Wind gusts up to 70/80 mph that blow semi trucks over on their sides, stir up dangerous grass fires that can eat up hundreds if not thousands of acres of grasslands, and fill the sky with thick dust reminiscent of the Dust Bowl Days. One town got hit with 90 mph winds!

I’m finally making headway with my new book project! I’ll be releasing details soon. Keep your fingers crossed I don’t have any more delays. 

This week is the Winter Solstice and what better Spirit Animal to meditate and reflect on than the Reindeer? Below, I share symbolism and facts about this beloved animal and a video of the Sami Reindeer Herders.

This week’s newsletter Spirit Animal

Reindeer/Caribou Symbolism and Meanings:

While the names “reindeer” and “caribou” both describe the same species, Rangifer tarandus, they are not used interchangeably. In North America, they are called caribou. In Eurasia, they are called reindeer. 

Both male and female reindeer grow antlers. And they are fast runners, clocking in at 60 miles per hour. 

Reindeer/Caribou Symbolism:

• Travel
• Surety
• Service
• Guidance
• Sensitivity
• Advantage
• Exploration
• Opportunity

For symbolic lessons, we can start with the reindeer’s physical makeup. They eke out a decent living in the cold terrain. They are sure-footed, teaching us to use traction to maneuver slick situations. In winter, their footpads constrict, becoming tight, rough, and leathery. This gives them friction to navigate on snow and ice. 

In summer, their footpads are soft and spongy, allowing easy movement through muddy, sloggy terrain. We can learn to utilize our internal advantages to get a sure footing in any situation to easily walk through challenges. Reindeer teaches us to be sure-footed and to stay grounded. Travel your path with the unique resources you are equipped with and you will travel easily. 

Reindeer symbolize travel and are the furthest travelers of the deer clan. They migrate up to 3,000 miles in a season. So, if you are going on a trip, moving to a new location, connect with reindeer for guidance.

Reindeer have adapted to cold conditions through their nose. Their noses are splayed out, allowing them to warm the cold air they inhale. Their nose and body heat convert bitter cold into warm moisture. 

Symbolically, this “breath” translates to “spirit”. If you look at the very air you inhale as a benevolent spirit entering your body solely to warm you, and when you exhale it is your own spirit giving itself back out to the world, we can look at each of our breaths as an exchange of gifts of spirit. 

The First Flying Reindeer

There are many prehistoric rock paintings in caves across Europe and Asia of reindeer flying across the cave walls. Reindeer were considered spirit guides and messengers. Being fleet-of-foot, early man believed reindeer to be able to fly their messages to the heavens. For us today, reindeer energy can carry our desires and intentions out into the universe.

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Recently Published . . .

1. Christmas Journal Printables, Use the Journal Prompt Pages with your Planner, Junk Journal, and Christmas Journal Words, Digital Download

2. Homestead Printable, Reading Checklist, Homestead Planner, Books to Read, Bookmarks, Homestead Gifts, Farmhouse, Cottagecore, Book Tracker

3. Printable Weekly Planner Monday Start Planner Calendars Work Planner Everyday Planner Seascape Ocean Animals Watercolor Letter 8.5×11

Other Promotions That Might Be of Interest . . . 

Herbal Academy Course Holiday Sale

All of The Herbal Academy’s Online Courses are on sale 40% off from December 1, 2021 – January 2, 2022!

Herbal Academy Course Holiday Sale

Here is a list of their courses:

1. Mastering Herbal Formulations Course

Evolve from recipe follower to recipe developer by advancing your herbal formulation skills! Master your skills with 40% off!

2. Natural Perfumery Course

A truly scent-sational course, learn how to blend, infuse, tinker, and spritz your way to natural perfumery! Learn the art for under $40!

3. Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course

A wonderful entry point into herbalism covering everyday safe herbs and how to use them in teas, tinctures, oils, and more! Start your journey at $29.99!

FOUNDATIONAL COURSES FOR EVERY LEARNER

1. Introductory Herbal Course

Have little or no herbal experience? Our ultimate beginners course is our most popular course, designed just for you! Enjoy $50 off!

2. Intermediate Herbal Course

Have you already laid the groundwork for your adventures in the boundless world of herbalism? Take the next step! Enjoy $100 off!

3. Advanced Herbal Course

Ready to work towards a career as a professional herbal practitioner? Intermediate-level graduates, it’s time to dive in deep! Enjoy ≈$250 off!

FOR GOAL-ORIENTED ASPIRING HERBALISTS

1. Botanical Skin Care Course

Learn how to make your luxurious creams, soaps, salts, and more in this topic-specific course with over 200 recipes! Enroll with $50 off!

2. Entrepreneur Herbalist Path

Build the confidence and skills needed to run the successful herbal business of your dreams in this 3-Course Path. Register with savings!

3. Clinical Herbalist Path

Dream of working in or owning an herbal clinic, but just starting? This extensive 3-Course Path will help you set your foundation. Enroll with $400 off!

Interesting links . . .

Here are some interesting links I came across on my ventures through Internet Land this week that I thought you might enjoy:

1. Is There a Difference Between Soup and Stew?

2. HERBAL CHAPSTICK RECIPE FOR DRY WINTER LIPS

3. WARMING WINTER RITUALS: HERBAL TRUFFLES FOR GOOD CIRCULATION

4. In the Pinterest Age, Family Recipe Cards Become Priceless Heirlooms

5. Why You Should Braid Your Onions Like a Pioneer Woman

6. Yule and Winter Solstice 2021 Rituals, History, and Traditions You Need To Know

***I use Mountain Rose Herbs for ordering all the herbs I use. Every order I’ve received has always been fresh and gorgeous. Click here to order the herbs you need for your teas, infusions, spices, and other ingredients for your kitchen:

Mountain Rose Herbs

Journaling Inspiration . . .

1. Yule Winter Solstice Holiday Journal and Grimoire

2. What’s the Point of a Junk Journal?

3. THE JOURNAL DIARIES- ELLINA’S COMMONPLACE NOTEBOOK

4. 10 Ideas for your Creative Journal

5. Combining Planning & Journaling

Random Nature Fact . . .

The chevrotain is an animal that looks like a tiny deer with fangs!

Nature Journal Video . . .

Join John Muir Laws, Anne Chadwick, (Point Blue Conservations Science), John Chadwick (Antarctic Researcher), and the Nature Journal community for a discussion of our December Solstice observations, penguin research, and the experience of working in the Antarctic during the solstice. See how different journalers documented the solstice!

Winter Solstice After Party

Nature Journal Prompt . . .

Reindeer/Caribou facts:

Lifespan: 15 years in the wild, 20 years in captivity

Scientific name: Rangifer tarandus

Weight: Males: 143 to 529 lbs, Females: 121 to 308 lbs

Habitat: Some inhabit vast, open tundra, others along the edges and in forests, both in the polar regions 

What it eats: lichen, leaves, grasses, flowering plants, mushrooms

What eats it: golden eagles, gray wolves, brown bears, Arctic foxes, mountain lions, coyotes, lynx, dholes

Did you know? 

The only domesticated deer in the world, reindeer are kept in Russia, Norway, Finland, and Sweden for meat production, milk production, antler size, to pull sleds, and to ride. 

Video:

My Day with a Sami Reindeer Herder | Norway Nomad Stories | World Nomads

What I’m watching . . .

1. My daughter loves this movie and I’m watching it with her.

Hogfather (Trailer)

What I’m reading . . .

I’ve started using the Pomodoro app set for 25 minutes to get some early morning reading in. It is helping me get back my concentration and enjoy reading again!

1. One of my many favorite movies is Practical Magic, and my daughter suggested I read the book series. So I’m reading the first one and am loving it!

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

Quote I’m pondering . . .

“The winter solstice has always been special to me as a barren darkness that gives birth to a verdant future beyond imagination, a time of pain and withdrawal that produces something joyfully inconceivable, like a monarch butterfly masterfully extracting itself from the confines of its cocoon, bursting forth into unexpected glory.”

— Gary Zukav

Questions I’m considering journaling on . . .

Meditating with reindeer energy, how can I become more “sure-footed” and grounded so that I can have stability from my own unique resources that I came into this life with? Am I listening to all my senses and awareness? 

Journal Prompt . . .

As we move through the Winter Solstice / Yule / Christmas / and many other celebrations in the coming weeks and all the hectic energy that comes with it, reflect on the deeper aspect of this season. 

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. This is the darkest time of the year. It is for resting, for dreaming and for manifesting.

Winter is a time of slowing down, going within to reflect on the past year and plan for the new one. Journal what you are learning from the growing darkness of winter and what that symbolizes for you. 

Or journal with these prompts:

1. What do you want to leave behind with the old year?

2. What are your hopes and wishes for the new year?

Happy Journaling!

. . . Shanna

P.S. Is there something you like or would rather see in the newsletter? Hit reply and let me know!

I’ll be back on January 2nd.

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Links

Shanna Lea Author website
Books on Amazon
Magic Heron Creations Notebooks on Amazon
Magic Heron Creations Etsy Shop

. . . Shanna Lea Author

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