Monthly Memo
Dearest Reader,
Hello January
Here is your annual reminder that the Gregorian calendar was invented by a man, and Life does not rebirth in January.
January is not a beginning. It is winter's menstrual phase - dark, quiet, and still. Nature is still regenerating.
The North is sleeping. Seeds are underground. Sap is low. Animals rest or gestate. Nothing is "new" yet.
The pressure to rebirth in January is not natural - it is a systemic attack on Nature's rhythm, with the intention to profit off our disconnect. The Earth's real new year has always been Spring - when light returns, soil warms, and life actually emerges.
It was once common to celebrate renewal at the Equinox: when balance is restored, fertility awakens, and creation begins.
Winter is for:
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reflection, restoration
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composing old stories
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tending the inner fire
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dreaming what will grow
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feeding our roots
If January feels heavy, slow, or resistant - nothing is wrong with you. You are listening to the Earth. Honor winter.
Rest without guilt. Dream without pressure. Your rebirth comes with Spring. Reject linear time. Return to Nature's pace.
Warmest Wellness Wishes,
Petra
Wellness Classes & Events in January
Reiki 1 Certification Class - Saturday 1/10 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Learn the essence of Reiki. You leave class with a certificate, and notebook, fully trained to do Reiki on yourself, others, plants and animals.
In this Level 1 training—designed for beginners to experienced practitioners—expand your healing abilities as you explore how Reiki can reduce stress, relieve pain, balance emotions, and facilitate personal healing and spiritual growth. Regular $300. December Savings $250.
In Level 1:
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Explore the history and applications of Reiki
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Receive attunements to empower yourself as a conduit for channeling life-force energy
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Practice Reiki on yourself and others.
Reiki 2 Certification Class - Sunday 1/11 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Reiki 2 focuses and intensifies Reiki 1 energy. Learn ancient, powerful, healing symbols and protocols to strengthen your Reiki skills, send Reiki long-distance, heal emotions, and soothe and comfort yourself and others. These sacred symbols are the key to why Reiki is a path that can lead to enlightenment and inner peace. You receive the Reiki 2 attunement, and learn a special technique for manifesting intentions. In Level 2, you learn
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Ancient Reiki symbols and how to apply them for additional empowerment. Highly effective, these symbols support healing and expansion in all areas of life, both for yourself and others
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To access cellular memory to heal challenging emotional situations
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To offer Reiki to people and situations at a distance.
Yomassage January Class - Sunday 1/25 from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
This is a fusion of Restorative Yoga and Petra's combining of Massage and Reiki to bring you into deep relaxation while being completely supported into rejuvenation. More details on Yomassage page.
Yoga ~ Weekly
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You are welcome 15 minutes before class; to get settled in and have a quite meditation space.
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Sign-up is required, as space is limited: PetrasWellnessStudio@gmail.com
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All equipment provided
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$20 per class
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Check in on Snow Storm days (classes canceled in Studio, but maybe offered on Zoom).
- These classes are at Petra's Wellness Studio and through Zoom, contact Petra for Zoom link.
Wednesday Yoga - Chair
January - 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Chair Yoga is a modified form of Yoga where traditional Yoga poses are practiced while sitting in a chair or using a chair for support. It is an accessible and gentle way for people of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of Yoga, including increased flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation.
Thursday Yoga - Kripalu
January - 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM
The class begins with a centering meditation practice, (breathing) pranayama exercises and gentle stretches followed by (movement/poses) asana practice (on the mat and standing) and ending with final relaxation.
Special Saturday Yoga - Restorative with Reiki
January - 1/17, 1/24, 1/31 from 3:00 to 4:15 PM, $40 per class.
Deep relaxation healing practice. To assist the body in releasing tension by using the support of props. To be completely comfortable fully relax into a yoga pose for several minutes, and receiving Reiki from Petra to restore balance and harmony.
Reiki Share
JANUARY ~ Sunday, 1/25 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Reconnect. Recharge. Realign your energy in community.
Join us for a Reiki Share at Petra's Wellness Studio, co-hosting with Kelly McDermott-Burns of Heart Song Reiki. Together, we will co-create a healing space where everyone both gives and receives Reiki, recharging your spirit and strengthening your flow. A nurturing space for practitioners to exchange energy, deepen connection, and receive support from fellow healers.
This circle is open to Reiki practitioners of all levels. It is a group healing session as we take turns in receiving Reiki and giving others Reiki. It is perfect for those who work in the healing space who often find themselves with little time to practice their own spiritual health. The event encourages community and connection in an equal exchange of energy.
Come as you are. Bring your presence, your hands, and your heart. Themes, tea, gentle music and equipment included. Feel free to bring your favorite things to share, or any donations of cash will be given to the Rutland County Humane Society and donations of can goods accepted for the Food Shelf.
Wellness Wednesday
Wellness Wednesday ~ the first Wednesday 1/7 at 7:00 PM ~ is a free monthly online gathering where we come together to breathe, reflect, and reset.
Through meditation, intention setting, and themed discussion, you will create space for clarity and calm.
Contact Petra for the Zoom link
January
Get A Balanced Life Month
Many people are interested in getting their lives into some sort of a balanced state, be it getting our work in order, keeping track of the kids birthdays and gifts, or even day to day activities like housework. Get A Balanced Life Month is here to act as a reminder that humans are not machines that are meant to work all the time, but there are times and places for everything!
Celebration of Life Month
It is the beginning of a new year, and that makes it the perfect time to start appreciating the lives that we lead, and the blessings that come to us every day. Part of that recognition is appreciating the physical carriage that is our bodies, and preparing to celebrate the year ahead. Celebration of Life Month is the perfect opportunity for you to unwind from the holidays, take a few days to rest, and prepare yourself for the next journey around the sun.
Mental Wellness Month, a time to focus on emotional, physical, and social well-being, encouraging self-care, stress reduction, and setting healthy goals after the busy holiday season. It emphasizes proactive steps like mindfulness, exercise, and good nutrition to build resilience and manage life's challenges.
National Hot Tea Month, steaming cups, soothing sips, and a delightful escape from the daily hustle, tea's diverse flavors offer a moment of calm in every cup. You are welcome to a cup of tea at the Studio after your session or class.
January 3, 2026 - Super Full Moon in Cancer (13° Cancer)
Sabian Symbol: A Very Old Man Facing a Vast Dark Space to the Northeast
The year begins tenderly, sentimentally, and honestly. This Cancer Super moon brings emotional culmination - completing cycles tied to home, safety, family, and inner security. You may feel the weight of what you’ve been carrying, inherited patterns included.
Emotions rise not to overwhelm, but to be felt and released. Ignoring intuition now comes at a cost. Mars opposing the Moon pulls between action and instinct. The invitation is equilibrium - not clinging, not raging.
Venus mediates the tension, linking desire to purpose. Attraction becomes guidance. This isn’t only romantic - it’s directional.
Despite the Moon in Cancer, Capricorn themes dominate: structure, responsibility, stability, and long-term security. The cosmic lesson is not “this or that,” but “this and that.”
Release completed obligations. Make space. Flow between inner safety and outer stability. This Full Moon clears the field for what comes next.
January 18, 2026 - New Moon in Capricorn (28° Capricorn)
Sabian Symbol: A Woman Reading Tea Leaves
This is where the year actually begins.
The Sea-Goat bridges the spiritual and the practical - as above, so below. This lunation is heavy, yes. Practical, yes. Responsibility-focused, absolutely. And that’s exactly why it works.
At 28°, urgency is present. There is no time to waste.
Saturn, Capricorn’s ruler, is in a near-perfect sextile to the Moon, strengthening this lunation tenfold. Neptune angles in, adding creative magic. Uranus trines the Sun and Moon, bringing innovation without chaos.
This is a rare moment where: • Old and new merge
• Tradition and innovation cooperate
• Structure supports magic
We become the magicians - feet on the ground, arms to the sky - drawing intention into form.
This is one of the best New Moons of the year for work, vocation, and long-term goals.
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Book: The Yamas & Niyamas, by Deborah Adele (monthly theme in Yoga Class) ~ https://deborahadele.com/
Book: Shift Happens! By Robert Holden, Ph.D. on: https://www.discover.hayhouse.com/unlimitedaudioapp/
Book: One Word That Will Change Your Life, by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, Jimmy Page
https://jongordon.com/book/one-word/
Book: Breath ~ The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-book
Book: The Vital Spark by Lisa Marchiano LCSW
Books by Doug Tallamy - Nature's Best Hope and Bringing Nature Home
https://nationaltoday.com/national-vermont-day/
https://www.vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org/onlinemarket
Wellness Appointments
Sessions are scheduled by appointment only.
PetrasWellnessStudio@gmail.com or (802)345-5244
Petra's Wellness Studio is located at The Dana Center, 41 East Center Street, Rutland, Vermont.
Petra O’Neill, Petra‘s Wellness Studio's sole practitioner has provided holistic integrated therapeutic wellness in Vermont since 1996.