The Cycle of Spirit

Meditate on birth, initiation, consummation, repose, death, rebirth.

-Dark Mirror: The Inner Work of Witchcraft by Yvonne Aburrow

The cycle, or spiral that the spirit journeys through has been on my mind for quite a while. There is obviously the pattern of birth, life, and death. As I began to understand the wheel of the year, which is often related back to this cycle, I felt there was at least one more phase of the journey as there are four seasons to the year. 

I kept reflecting back on some of the teachings shared by some mediums that the spirit has some time of reflection when they are back with source after a life lived. I believe in reincarnation, past lives, and that each life has purpose with lessons we are to learn. It seemed natural that there would be more than just birth, life, and death.

When I came across a chapter and prompt above in “The Night Journey”, the pieces of my thoughts began to fall into place. Abburow shared how the journey of a spirit can be reflected in the Pentagram, showing five phases defined as: 

Birth/rebirth

Initiation

Consummation

Repose

Death

The cycle isn't always linear depending on the way it is contextualized, actual human life versus spirit. Sometimes events can be considered more than one of these phases. Below is how I have begun to contextualize these phases.

Birth/Rebirth

Birth is the beginning. Of a human life, of an idea. It is the arrival. Spirit has decided to show up after a long journey. When spirit has completed the cycle they return in a rebirth.

Initiation

Birth can be considered an initiation. Initiations involve ritual and ceremony. They often mark events in which a specific intention was made. It could be when we find our purpose and we mindfully initiate what we need to do to accomplish it. Initiation is a dedicated start on a specific journey.

Consummation

Physical birth cannot happen without consummation. There is a sense of union that must occur. When looking at different definitions of consummation, I felt drawn to "fulfillment." This leg of the journey has come to an end. I think of graduations, promotions, retirement.

Repose

Repose is rest. We have made it through initiation and fulfilled our tasks, so we can rest. There is peace and contentment.

Death

Death is death. The final ending not just for physical people, but ways of being/thoughts/behaviors that are no longer serving us. This leads us back to the beginning towards rebirth.

These phases can be found in the wheel of the year. Below is my interpretation of when they can be honored.

March: The Spring Equinox traditionally celebrates birth as the world welcomes back hibernating animals and budding flora.

April: There is no specific Wiccan Sabbat in this month, so I feel initiation can be honored this month. It can be a time to really set into the goals set for the year. Really dedicate yourself to what you hope to accomplish. This notion aligns with Aries season, the first sign of the zodiac, naturals at initiation. Maybe do a ritual to dedicate yourself to a certain task, deities you are called to. It could also be a time to connect with the energy of the waxing moon.

May: Beltane is full of passion and joy of being along for the ride of this life. Time to have fun and soak in simple pleasures.

June: Summer Equinox is the height of power. It can be seen as the biggest push to get certain goals met on the longest day of the year.

July: Again, there is no specific Wiccan Sabbat in July, and I feel consummation can be reflected during this time. The power of the sun is waning. Many goals have been fulfilled. If there are still loose ends, begin considering how to accomplish them. Find a time to connect with the energy of the full moon!

August: Lammas. Who doesn't like taking a moment to enjoy the harvest and a good slice of bread. A nice way to relax.

October: Samhain is a time we begin to consider death in spiritual terms. We honor ancestors and the Mighty Dead. There is a time in life we begin considering our end.

November: Another month with no Sabbat. It is a perfect time to reflect upon the spiritual "death". This time of year lends itself to shadow work and it could be the time for reflecting on the parts of ourselves that need to be let go. The energy of the waning moon could resonate at this time of year.

December: Yule is probably my favorite time of year. It is full of magic and wonder. For me, it seems like heaven. Being reunited with family, the joy is beautiful much like I imagine the afterlife.

January: While many get to work on new resolutions as is tradition, I find a sense of repose at this time of year. I link the arrival to heaven or the afterlife to Yule followed by a time of repose in which spirits review their life on earth, rest, and decide on details of the next reincarnation. During this time, it could be beneficial to explore the energies of the dark moon. Look within to the unknown of yourself and see what you find...what can be called to the surface as you go forward.

February: Imbolc, which can translate to "in the belly," brings us to the stage of rebirth. The spirit transforms into a soul as it inhabits a new body within the womb. At least, that is how I picture things. Traditionally, witches begin to plan for spring gardens and tune into the sparks of goals that begin to form within their hearts and minds.

I wonder if this all makes any sense to someone else. I hope these words can inspire some ritual ideas, especially for months that are not marked by a Sabbat. I wish I could provide more examples, but I am still exploring my practice. It is good to take time to make celebrating the wheel and the cycle of your spirit personal and meaningful to yourself.

How do you find birth/rebirth, initiation, consummation, repose, death playing a role in your day to day life? What phase do you feel most drawn to spiritually at this time?