> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.astrologywithdenise.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Preparing for the 12 Holy Nights Ritual - URL: https://www.astrologywithdenise.com/preparing-for-the-12-holy-nights/ - Published: 2024-12-24T22:43:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-03T00:03:37.000Z - Description: Go minimalist or set an elaborate altar? - Author: Denise Hancock, PhD, RN - Tags: 12 Holy Nights > "Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? How can I make it attractive? How can I make it easy? How can I make it satisfying?" > > *\- James Clear, from Atomic Habits* Routine is not my strong suit, so when I commit to a multi-day practice or ritual, I find it helpful to physically carve out a space, making it attractive and easy. It also puts me into *pre-contemplation mode* whenideas start bubbling in the background of my mind. I’m lucky to have a large table in a rarely used room, so this afternoon, I laid out a makeshift altar and supplies to begin the *12 Holy Nights* ritual tomorrow. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/4e/0e4e46f8-bae4-4376-bff3-f7cf14459eb9/content/images/2026/07/70dcd2b7-e83c-4bb9-a208-75e98fc7245d_2619x3022-jpeg.jpg) My preparation I started the 12 Holy Nights practice in December 2020 after a year of intense astrology studies with [Sam Reynolds.](https://www.unlockastrology.com/?ref=astrologywithdenise.com) His Nitty Gritty classes provided a strong foundation for me in pre-modern astrological theory and practice, which significantly influenced how I synthesize and interpret charts. Since 2020, I’ve used the same spiral notebook to journal my annual *12 Holy Nights* experiences. It’s almost full. As I opened the pages, it struck me as a beautiful synchronicity that I began this journal at the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and will finish it at the waxing square (1/4 through the cycle). When Jupiter and Saturn met in the 1st degree of Aquarius at the Winter Solstice of 2020, the idea of becoming a professional astrologer was taking root in my mind. Six months later, in June 2021, I leaped with a simple Facebook post offering readings. Four years later, I see fruit developing at the **first quarter phase of the Jupiter-Saturn cycle.** The power of planetary cycles never ceases to amaze me. It caused me to reflect on some of the milestones in my astrology practice in 2024: - My client business continued to grow, primarily through repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals. My passion is helping everyday people find comfort and clarity with astrology. - Astro.com published my article about [Chiron’s Influence in Astrology.](https://www.astro.com/astrology/opa%5Farticle240221%5Fe.htm?ref=astrologywithdenise.com) - My proposal to speak at an international astrology conference was accepted! Watch for details on the AstroBiz Conference from the O[rganization for Professional Astrologers](https://opaastrology.org/?ref=astrologywithdenise.com) in April 2025. - I read birth charts and spoke at festivals from Florida to Kansas, forming new collaborations and friendships. - I completed my 3rd year as Senior Editor for OPA’s The Evolving Astrologer magazine and managed the [December Solstice 2024 issue.](https://opaastrology.org/magazine/OPA-TEA-December-Solstice-2024.pdf?ref=astrologywithdenise.com) Reflecting on my growth since 2020, I’m optimistic about how things may develop by the time the Jupiter-Saturn cycle reaches its full phase (2029-2031). ## Resources for the 12 Holy Nights ritual Last year, I didn’t use a specific space or resources to contemplate the 12 zodiac signs. I was traveling and kept things to a minimum - me, my journal, and a pen. That’s enough to participate in the ritual! This year, I’m at home in New Orleans and have time and space, so I went through my office and chose resources I plan to use. Here is what I decided upon: - Tealight candles and frankincense incense will be used to open the space each day. To prep, I placed tealights onto each sign of a wooden zodiacal wheel I bought a few years ago. (You can find the wooden wheels on Etsy. I recently commissioned a gorgeous leather zodiacal wheel from [Teresa Gabrish.](https://www.facebook.com/teresa.gabrish) I love it and don’t want to risk damaging it with wax or heat.) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/4e/0e4e46f8-bae4-4376-bff3-f7cf14459eb9/content/images/2026/07/43baa93f-2e52-41ec-a6cf-daea8794cbbb_2521x2639-jpeg.jpg) - Art cards from The Zodiac Series of paintings by [Johfra Bosschart.](https://doorofperception.com/2018/09/johfra-bosschart-zodiac-paintings/?ref=astrologywithdenise.com) I aim to use these as inspiration; you can view the images online. - A Thoth Tarot Deck, with the bool, *Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot*by the brilliant T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen. This year, I’m inspired to consider tarot images corresponding to the zodiac signs. I have not used tarot in this ritual before, but my interest in tarot has reignited in the past couple of years. - Demetra George’s book, *Ancient Astrology: Volume 1* for Hellenistic resources on the zodiac signs. I’ve used other authors and astrological traditions in previous years as inspiration-led. While my practice is grounded in traditional methods, I’ve learned much from modern psychological and evolutionary approaches. - Flowers, a beautiful glass paperweight with a spiral pattern, and an owl found their way to the altar. Those just felt right. Thank you for joining me in this practice. Tomorrow, we will begin with a contemplation of the Cardinal Earth sign, Capricorn. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/4e/0e4e46f8-bae4-4376-bff3-f7cf14459eb9/content/images/2026/06/val-vesa-KgEf0H_8SqI-unsplash.jpg) ## Sign up for Astrology with Denise Welcome to Denise Hancock's Astrology services. 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