The Seven Days of Luminas

The following are only suggestions of how to spend the seven days of Luminas. They express the spirit of the holiday; clarification, fellowship, introspection (looking within), the giving of gifts, and the recognition that we are independent parts of an interdependent whole.

The important thing is to make Luminas your own by finding what is significant to you and observing it in the way you see for yourself.

As always, please be careful with candles and never leave them unattended.

 The following scenario utilizes an arrangement of seven candles; color, size and placement are entirely up to the individual. One large candle can also be used.

First Day- First Lighting

This is the day the first Luminas candle is lit. It is a day of deeply connecting to the world around you, opening your eyes and clearing your senses. 

Second Day- Service

On this day the flame of the second Luminas candle joins the first. The focus of this day is on service to others, be it giving blood, reading in a child’s class, serving at a senior center or helping a neighbor with a task or errand they can’t accomplish alone. Donate time, money, materials and energy any way you can. There is a great need of helpful hands in this world, so opportunities abound. The spirit of the day is to be of service in whatever situation we find ourselves to be.

Third Day- Meditation/Retreat/Introspection

The third day of Luminas is dedicated to introspection, turning the light of open awareness to ourselves. This could be done through a formal meditation retreat or session, taking a “personal day”, or just giving some time to considering the larger questions of life. No matter where we are, it is a day of re-examining our interaction with the universe.

Fourth Day- Celebration!

It’s a day of festivities, social gatherings, parties and good cheer! Have fun!

Fifth Day- Giving of Gifts

Gifts are exchanged between family, friends and loved ones.

Sixth Day- Relationships

This day is given over to considering our relationships with other, be it family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, our community or human society in general.

Seventh Day- Luminas Night of Light

On the last night of Luminas, the final candle is lit. It is the candle that is displayed outside symbolizing bringing light to the world. One day I envision groups of people, each one carrying a candle, going from house to house, singing songs of Luminas and wishing peace and goodwill to their fellow humans, but that’s in the future. For now, place a candle outside your door and spread good wishes to anyone you can.