Day 24 - Great Release Program 2025 by Silver RavenWolf

Day 24

Theme:  Winter Tradition

Reward: 20 Stars

Belschnickel comes out of old German winter tradition—especially the Palatinate region—carried across the ocean in the suitcases and stories of immigrants, and it took root so deeply in Pennsylvania Dutch country that, for a lot of us, he never felt like a “legend,” he felt like a possibility. My Pennsylvania Dutch grandparents spoke of him the way you’d speak of weather: you didn’t argue whether he was real, you just minded your manners in case he showed up. In our household, Belschnickel was the fur-cloaked visitor who didn’t sneak in like Santa; he arrived, and his message was simple—do what you said you’d do. Sometimes he left oranges and candy like bright little suns in the winter gloom, but if you hadn’t lived up to your promises or you let your chores slide, you might find a lump of coal in your stocking instead—and in south central Pennsylvania, where coal-burning furnaces were common, that wasn’t some mythical threat. Coal was real, heavy, and plentiful… which made the lesson land with a very practical thump.

To me, Belschnickel has always felt like Saturn in a fur coat—because Saturn is the planet that shows up with the lantern and the ledger, not to spoil joy, but to make sure joy has a sturdy floor beneath it. Saturn asks one simple question: did you do what you said you would do? That’s the same honest energy Belschnickel brings to the door, checking promises and chores with a sharp eye and a practical heart. And yes, Saturn carries consequence, because life runs on receipts—but people forget Saturn can also reward generously. Saturn’s rewards aren’t flimsy or flashy; they’re lasting, supportive, and real—like the difference between random candy and the oranges and sweets you receive because you showed up, followed through, and became trustworthy in your own life.

This is the Capricorn Season with the ruling planet of … you guessed it… Saturn!  A time when we naturally review the year as it unfolded.  The Great Release Program is definitely Saturnian!  Acknowledge.  Release.  Reward.  You can’t get any more Saturnesque than that!

Magickal Moment:  The cold has teeth tonight, the kind that makes the snow squeak underfoot and turns every breath into a little ghost in the dark. Boogie Knight Castle sits hushed and glittering, windows warm as honey against the winter’s blue-black hush.  A sound rolls down the corridor—three hard knocks on the huge front doors, not polite, not timid, but certain. The Belsnickel stamps his feet, waiting for the doors to swing open.  Dressed from head to foot in black fur and wool, he slowly enters the great hall, leaving puddles of melted ice in his wake.  Beside him walks a little black and white cow.  Her bell chimes softly as she moves, its notes recalling old songs and the warm breath of the blessing of life. The Ten Little Boogers—who have been very good all year (well…sort of)—pile into the entry hall like curious bats in bright pajamas, then snap into a line as the Countess claps her hands. Someone whispers, “One, two, three,” and suddenly the castle is ringing with it—bright, wobbly, earnest voices singing Jingle Bells straight at Belschnickel like a charm meant to soften even the strictest winter spirit.

Belschnickel’s eyes crinkle at the corners while Liesel gives a pleased little moo, as if she approves of proper caroling. When the last “Hey!” bounces up into the rafters, he lets the silence hang for a heartbeat, just long enough to make them wonder, then he reaches into his sack. He produces ten small paper bags, each one tied with twine and smelling of orange peel, spice, and sugar. “For trying,” he says, and the words ring warm as the fire blazing in the great hearth. He presses a bag into each little Booger’s hands—candy and nuts and bright, crinkly treasures—and as they clutch their prizes, Liesel’s bell gives a soft chime and the air seems to sparkle at the edges, like good fortune settling in for the night. “Remember,” Belschnickel adds, eyes bright as candleflame, “sweetness tastes best when it’s earned.”

Main Release Task — One-Minute Holiday Sweep

It’s December 24. You’re allowed to be tender with yourself. Today’s task is tiny on purpose: do a one-minute sweep of your “stress hotspot,” the place that makes your shoulders rise the minute you look at it—kitchen counter corner, the chair that became a laundry mountain, the entryway, the sink, the passenger seat. Set a timer for sixty seconds, clear only what you can in that minute, and stop when the timer stops. Then do one finishing touch that feels like peace: wipe the surface, toss the bag, stack the mail, or set out a candle, a small bowl of cloves and oranges, or a sprig of evergreen—something that tells your home, We’re safe, we’re here, we’re ready. Belschnickel doesn’t demand perfection on Christmas Eve; he wants you to claim one clean square of space and one calm breath, and let that be enough.

Challenge #2 – Develop your own “Winter Tradition” – share in the comments section.  We would love to hear!

Astro Snapshot — December 24, 2025

The Sun is in Capricorn, keeping the day practical and “let’s make it real” oriented, while the Moon is waxing crescent—still young, still building—moving through Aquarius until later in the day, then slipping into Pisces for a softer late-evening tide. Meanwhile, Venus enters Capricorn (love and values get serious, steady, and commitment-minded), and the bigger backdrop still includes Jupiter retrograde in Cancer and Uranus retrograde in Taurus—reviewing what truly nurtures you, and what needs to change in the “real world” foundations.

Treat Yourself! Sit back, relax, and embrace the joy of this sweet night.

Today’s Reward: 

After your one-minute sweep (or whatever tiny “make it nicer” you managed), give yourself a Belschnickel-style blessing—something sweet, simple, and earned. Pour a warm drink, eat a small treat, and light a candle (or switch on twinkle lights) as a signal that the work is done for tonight. If you want a touch of castle magick, set an orange on the counter or tuck a pinch of cinnamon/clove in a little dish and say, “Good fortune, good health, good rest,” then let yourself stop—because the real reward on December 24 is peace you can actually feel.

Many Blessings This Sweet Night! Peace with the Gods Peace with Nature Peace Within! Silver!