Emotional Focus: Depression
Physical Setting: Find a quiet place where you can be fully supported - perhaps wrapped in a warm blanket or seated against a tree. Have soft things nearby - moss, feathers, or gentle fabrics. If possible, position yourself where you can see both earth and sky without needing to move. Let your body be fully held.
Opening - Deep Holding
"A Mhàthair na Talmhainn, cum mi nad ghràdh" (Mother of Earth, hold me in your love)
"Tha mo chridhe trom" (My heart is heavy)
Feel the profound holding of winter earth beneath you, supporting you completely.
"Mar craobh ann an geamhradh" (Like a tree in winter)
"Tha mi a' fois san dorchadas" (I rest in the darkness)
Body - Nature's Holding
"Tha an talamh gam chumail" (The earth holds me)
Let yourself be held like a seed in winter soil, no need to be anything other than what you are.
"Mar shneachd a' còmhdach na talmhainn" (Like snow covering the earth)
"Tha fois domhain agam" (I have deep rest)
Feel the quiet strength of being held in the Mother's embrace.
"Gach anail na thìodhlac" (Each breath a gift)
"Mar geamhradh a' cumail a rùin" (Like winter holding its secrets)
Body Deepening - Winter's Wisdom
Rest in winter's deep knowing:
"Tha an dorchadas a' teagasg" (The darkness teaches)
"Mar oidhche a' gleidheadh na gealaich" (Like night cradling the moon)
"Gach sàmhchair na ùrnaigh" (Each silence a prayer)
Sacred Darkness
Honor the quiet in each direction:
"Ear - camhanaich chiùin" (East - quiet dawn) "Mar solus air bhith-beatha" (Like light on being)
"Deas - fois meadhan-latha" (South - midday rest) "Mar grian tro cheò" (Like sun through mist)
"Iar - sìth an fheasgair" (West - evening peace) "Mar dath a' dol às an speur" (Like color leaving the sky)
"Tuath - gliocas na h-oidhche" (North - night's wisdom) "Mar reultan os cionn sneachd" (Like stars above snow)
Deep Peace
Rest with the elements:
"Le sàmhchair na talmhainn" (With earth's silence) "A' cumail mo chorp" (Holding my body)
"Le anail na gaoithe" (With wind's breath) "A' slànachadh m' anama" (Healing my soul)
"Le sìth an uisge" (With water's peace) "A' glanadh mo chridhe" (Cleansing my heart)
"Le blàths an teine" (With fire's warmth) "A' cumail mo spioraid" (Keeping my spirit)
Closing - Gentle Heart
"Tha mi a' gabhail ri mo staid" (I accept my state)
Let yourself be held like twilight holds the stars.
"Mo chridhe mar lochan samhach" (My heart like a quiet pool)
"Mar gheamhradh a' cumail gealladh an earraich" (Like winter holding spring's promise)
Final Blessing
"A Mhàthair na Fois, fan còmhla rium" (Mother of Rest, stay with me)
"Tha mi taingeil airson do làthaireachd" (I am grateful for your presence)
"Mar a chumas an oidhche na reultan" (As the night holds the stars)
"Mar sin cum thusa mise" (So may you hold me)
Closing Thoughts
How can you be as gentle with yourself as winter is with sleeping seeds? What wisdom whispers in your quiet moments? How can you honor both your need for rest and the slow stirring of life within?