At this time of year, as we move into what many celebrate as a season of giving, it’s a good time to work magic over ideals of service and altruism.

Wash your hands before you begin, using a favorite soap and drying with a clean towel. Admire your hands, envisioning their strength, experience, and wisdom.

Using a piece of white paper, write down the great works your hands have done. Perhaps they’ve knit sweaters to keep people warm, cooked meals to nourish others, played music, nursed people back to health, tilled gardens, or even built houses. Now list the volunteer efforts you’ll carry out in the coming year.

Fold this paper and tuck it into a journal or a corner of your altar space so it’s available to review. Anoint your hands with a favorite lotion or a dab of oil, repeating:

May these hands, so able and
strong, give help to others,
through seasons long.