Consider the Magi…They studied the planets and stars, not for mere facts and figures about the planets, but because they pursued deeper meaning. They attended to the stars, in a loving and wondering search for wisdom.

Ester Lightcap Meek

The Magi are said to be the Eastern equivalent of the Druids. Some ancient Irish translations refer to Three Wise Druids, others refer to Seven Sages. History tells us it is likely the Magi traveled by horse with a large entourage in a caravan that included camels to carry their luggage – their trip may have taken years. Magi were astronomers and astrologers, people who studied ancient scriptures from their own and other lands, to offer meaningful advice to their leaders. There is no reason to believe that there were not wise women among them. The Bible and the Quran both carry narratives that closely mirror the Magi story. The Queen of Sheba – in 1000 B.C. – travels from Arabia to Israel and offers King Solomon a caravan of frankincense and gold in exchange for him sharing his access to ancient wisdom with her. The historical record tells us the wise-beyond-her-years, politically-astute 18-year old Cleopatra comes into power in 51 B.C. She uses her charms strategically, along with gifts like frankincense and gold to attain the allegiance of both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony.

An epiphany can be a sudden insight, an intuitive grasp of reality, or an illuminating discovery. Here are some practices that can help you tap into your inner wisdom: 

• Meditate: Do this meditation to activate your Crown Chakra to guide our inner wisdom and spiritual intellect. Set a pleasant chime on your phone to allow you a 10-minute meditation. Find a silent place and sit in a chair with your feet on the ground or cross-legged against a wall. Rest the back of your hands on your knees with thumb and pointer finger touching in this classic meditation pose. Soften or close your eyes and slow your breath. Follow your breath – imagining it as white as you inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.

• Stargaze: If you have clear weather this is the perfect time for stargazing. We have a new moon and it gets dark early. Bundle up and find a place to lie down outside and watch the stars and planets come out. This can be on a blanket at a beach or park, or a lounge chair in your backyard. Contemplate the vastness of the universe and the miracle that is you. Focus your attention on one star or planet and make it yours for the night. Imagine that you are sending it your pain or frustration and it sending you back what it is you need to move on.

• Anoint Yourself: Any nice smelling oil will do – but grab some with Frankincense in it or add a few drops if you can. This is nice to do before bed in a candlelit bath or any cozy warm place with soft light. Add a drop of oil to each thumb and lightly spread it across the tips of your fingers as you inhale the scent. Then place your thumbs at your temples and fingertips at the center of your forehead. Slowly massage in an upward motion – fingers over your skull – while thumbs rotate around the ears. Add another drop of oil whenever you feel you need to.