Winter Blessings and Beauties, Day 8: Winter Treats Kit

 The Five of Cups card from (L-R) The Rider-Waite Tarot, The Forest of Enchantment Tarot, The Druidcraft Tarot, The Gaian Tarot, The Morgan-Greer Tarot

In the Tarot, one meaning of the Five of Cups card is focussing on what you've lost or don't have instead of looking at what you do have. In the cards illustrated above, the figure depicted in the Rider-Waite, Druidcraft and Morgan Greer Tarots is dismayed by the cups of wine that have been spilled - completely overlooking the fact that he still has two perfectly good cups of wine left. In the Forest of Enchantment Tarot, the princess is thinking only of the loss of her golden ball - never imagining the wonderful adventures with a talking frog that will result from this seeming catastrophe. In the Gaian Tarot, a woman sits gloomily in a foggy landscape, completely immersed in her sadness - overlooking the fact that there is a boat behind her in which she could sail away from the problems that consume her.

The Five of Cups depicts one attitude we could take to winter. Instead of putting our focus on the positive things we could be enjoying about the season, we all too often put all the emphasis on the things we can't do because it isn't summer any more. Let's not make that mistake. Instead of mourning the cups of wine that have spilt, let's turn our attention to the brimming cups that it is still possible for us to enjoy.

There is absolutely no doubt that some winter days will be harder to get through than others. But by putting the emphasis on things you can enjoy about the season, even the gloomiest days can be brightened. Prepare a Winter Treats Kit ahead of time and you'll be ready to tackle any dreary days head-on. 

Winter Blessings and Beauties: Day 8

Winter Treats Kit 

Choose a special basket, box or tin, or set aside a drawer to keep your Winter Treats in. Fill it with those things that will lift your heart and put a smile on your face on a dismal day. Only you know what those things will be, but here's a few ideas to get you thinking.

• A special candle - perhaps a pure beeswax one or a deliciously scented one.
• Art supplies, journal and pens or a colouring book
• A tin of top-quality drinking chocolate, gourmet coffee or your favourite tea
• A favourite stuffed animal
• A DVD of your favourite TV show or happy movie
• Favourite crystals
• An uplifting essential oil blend. My favourite uplifting oils are the citrus ones - lemon, orange, bergamot, and soft florals like rose geranium. Soothing fragrances like rose, lavender, frankincense, benzoin, vetiver and sandalwood may also be worth considering
• A photo of your loved ones, family or pets
• A soft, cosy throw, blanket or shawl you can snuggle up in
• Something delicious to snack on, especially if it's something a bit luxurious that you don't eat every day. My choices would include dried mango strips, honey-roasted nuts or a small box of florentines.
• A copy of your favourite book or magazine

You may also find some of the ideas in this BBC article helpful.