Aroni – Adventures of A Mage In Miami

The following article is one of the best. It’s about how they prepare for the coming of Toshigami. Also called Ōtoshi-no-kami (大年神). His name means “God of Harvests”. And because he was honored on the New Year, the word for harvest, became the word for year.

I’m doing my own version of the rituals at my home. Well, except for the part about ringing the bells 100+ times to symbolize the “sins of humanity“. Yeah…..I think I’ll ring my singing bell once for the dismal of all bad spirits. As well as the invitation of all good spirits. That should be enough.

All holiday decorations were removed on the 28th of December (the last day you’re allowed to have them by Toshigami). Because he gets offended at things from the old year. It’s like you invited him to your house only to insult him. Which means bad or unclean energy from the old year won’t be removed by him. He may even make it worse.

The house is being cleansed along with my idols. And I’m celebrating the last holidays of the last day of the year. Including the feast of Ossian, the Orisha of Nature and the Mountains. I’m also honoring his companion the God, Aroni. I am also celebrating the Sunday of the Holy Family, St. Sylvester, and St. Catherine Laboure.

And of course the Feast of lady Sekmet. The Goddess of War and Healing. She before whom all evil trembles. In her honor, I’m eating fish with my family. Later I am giving her some dulce de leche wafers since the Kemetan people were fond of sweets and deserts. But the Tuatha Dé Danann let me know they expect SPECIAL offerings given to them.

And they’re telling me they want all the other Gods I worship to receive them equally too. As usual, they humble me. And make me laugh with their bad temper. And good cheer (love you guys). So, I’m going to take my bag of food, and leave it on every shrine for a half an hour or so.

And let them accept the offerings. Infused with my prayers. But also, ask them to bless the offerings with their own particular energy. So they can share the offerings with the spirits when I leave them on the crossroads tonight. This is so that the Crossroads Gods and other Gatekeepers can open the doors at Midnight for us.

Especially Lord Ianus (Janus). The God of the Roman God of the double doors. He guards and protects all doorways. And opens the road for all peoples who serve him. He was also called upon for victory during war.

Since controlling and ruling the doorways also control destiny. I’m also preparing the offerings for all New Year’s Gods of all cultures. So look out for my New Year’s Report. It’s going to be a long article. Watch out for that.

It may take a day or two. Though sometimes I have it done by the very first day. The article on Ōmisoka is here. And here are some amazing Midwinter Meditations by the Druid Teacher, Nimue Brown. One of the two writers of the Druid Life blog.

And here we have the Folklore of New Year’s Eve. By blogger Raven Wood. Blessings to everyone on this new year. I hope it’s no where near as shitty as the past year. But I’m not holding my breath.

So hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Happy Holidays everyone,