Bear Hibernation Ritual by Cristina Fernandez

"...I also had an idea to write up a proposal for a Bear Hibernation Ritual (better done in winter, when hibernating/resting feels a better option).

Obviously, we are not bears that can curl up and forget the world for three months, but I feel we can get some "she-bear" energy going on to help us rest, acknowledge our emotions and give ourselves some time to just feel and honour ourselves."

Dress comfortably or even put on your most cosy pj's if you want to give it a try.

Purpose of this proposal: to anchor the protective, grounding, and ancient "She-bear" energy and to honour ourselves.

Time: Saturday (ruled by Saturn=Obsidian) or Monday at dusk (ruled by the Moon=moonstone), or when there is a New Moon to match the dark environment in a bear's cave, plus it's the best time for deep introspection and letting go of burdens, if you have any, before beginning a new cycle.

What you need:

a yoga mat, a blanket, a couple of cushions, Obsidian stone, moonstone, cedarwood, pine or franckincense resin/incense stick, a small bowl of salt and/or soil, a small bowl or cauldron with a couple of dried mugwort leaves, a candle and matches, a journal and pen, an anointing oil of your choice (something with an earthy sent or use my Bear oil recipe), a glass of water (if you have moon water, use it!)

Where: somewhere where you feel safe and can have some privacy to rest with no one bothering you

The ritual:

1.The cave set-up:

This would be your safe space, so create a nice warm "cave" space with your mat, cushions and blanket. Place your obsidian to your left (it doesn't have to be close up/right next to you) this is to create a boundary and absorb any negativity. To your right, place the moonstone, this is to open your intuitive sight and bring light to the darkness of your cave.

Place your journal and pen close by so that if you feel the need to write anything that comes to mind you can.

At the bottom of your mat put the bowl with the salt and or soil, the glass of water, next to it the cauldron with the mugwort and the candle, all of this is to connect with the Earth and Water elements of the Bear.

2. Light your chosen resin/incense and cleanse yourself and the room. Anoint your third eye with a drop of your chosen oil, close your eyes for a moment, take a deep breath and feel you are before the Bear's cave, just about to step inside. Call out, (mentally or out loud) and say with your heart:

"I call upon the spirit of the She-Bear, I am ...( tell her your name), and I would like you to bring here your strength, courage, deep wisdom and medicine into this space, for I come looking for rest, peace and to honour myself with your help".

Step in, sit down and light the candle and the mugwort (you just want some smoke for a few minutes, no bonfires please). Put one hand on the bowl with the salt/soil, and your other hand on the smouldering mugwort, close your eyes, and just sit in silence for a few minutes. Focus on your breathing from the abdomen, feeling your own internal cave of silence and the Bear's presence keeping you safe, warm and protected. 

(Note: If you feel the candle could catch anything on fire while resting, snuff it out, staying in the dark or instead use a battery-canle or turn on a small, warm, soft lighting lamp)

Lay down, get comfortable with the pillows, and cover yourself with your blanket. Notice how nice it is to be cozy and warm, you are in your safe-space and you can either write down anything that comes to mind, insights, messages from the bear or your spirits, or just for a moment contemplate how nice it is to do just nothing else than having some "me-time" to rest. If you feel the need to let go of anything in particular you can try roaring or growling like a bear, just let it out; it could be a small huff or a big, fierce,  "don't you dare touch my cubs" mama bear roar.

Take a moment to honour yourself by saying something nice that you'd like to hear, and believe it/empower it, like .... "I am beautiful, I am enough, I forgive myself, I am safe".

Connect with the wisdom of the bear, let her speak to you, and guide you to better understand yourself. If you feel like doing some shadow work, try listening to what matters to you, what doesn't, what you want to do, feel your emotions, and listen to your body. 

When you are ready to move on, take some deep breaths, stretch your whole body, yawn if needed, open your eyes and focus, and slowly sit up straight again. Take a moment to thank Bear for being your protector, your ally, your medicine during this hibernation in her cave.

Speak from your heart again and release her by saying:

"Thank you She-bear for protecting and nurturing me during this hibernation, I release you. Go with my love back to your forest"

You are now ready to get up, clean up your space, and then treat yourself to a nice warm cup of hot chocolate.

Summer Bear Road Opening Oil

This oil represents what bears embody to me: calm confidence, setting strong boundaries, the ability to more through the world without unnecessary conflict, but has the strength and courage to move what doesn't belong if needed. It's called summer bear also, as that's when bears are more active, gathering food and building strength.

You will need:

50ml carrier oil - either sweet almond or olive oil would be good options

5 drops bergamot essential oil - symbolically represents the path opening, joy and lifting heavy emotions

3 drops cedarwood essential oil -symbolically represents endurance, standing in your strength. This one is real "bear" essence

1 Tablespoon lemon verbena dried leaves or substitute for dried orange peels symbolically represents the clearing of the mind, moving forward. Plus, it complements the bergamots scent very nicely

½ tsp juniper berries - symbolically used for protection and purification; bears eat them too, so, they are also mean "what serves my path may enter"

1 tsp powdered ginger - used for gently courage and forward movement

Optional: 1 tsp dried fir or pine needles - for resilience, forest element, steady growth

Mix all the ingredients in a jar, leave to infuse for one week, ten days in a cupboard or away from direct sunlight. Strain and place in a dark coloured bottle. Use at your altar for road-opening rituals, ceremonies or for general protection. 

As a road opener use during the waning moon phase to remove anything standing in your path, and for general protection to help you walk with the bears strength, use with the waxing moon phase.