Forgiveness, A Year and a Day, and Jubilee

First of all, Happy 1/11! 1/11/10 … I do love my 1’s and 11’s. Always have. When we were kids, our parents had one of those pre-digital flip clocks and whenever it said 11:11, the word Japan appeared. My sister and I used to stake out the clock every morning (and at night if we had a babysitter and could stay up that late). Whenever it flipped to 11:11, we would jump and dance and scream, “Yay! 11:11, party Japan! Party Japan!”

Well, it’s not 11:11, but even 1/11 offers a potent time for intending and manifesting. As such, I thought today would be great day to write about a theme that keeps arising in Intuitive Coaching sessions, namely “Forgiveness.” I’ve drawn the Rune of Forgiveness for more than one person this week, and the theme peeks through in other readings, too. With Mercury still Retrograde for a few more days, we have some nice, supportive energy for looking back. What better time to review and release those things that keep us tied to pasts and presents that no longer serve us?

Lines about forgiveness are some of the most widely translated ones of the Lord’s Prayer:

“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

What does it all mean? Debts, boundary violations, sins (literally “missing the mark”) … none of these situations feels good, and yet all too many of us continue to lug them around for years, even lifetimes! Forgiveness, or the lack thereof, forms the basis of 90% of the past life work I do. It’s a serious thing that can affect us on all levels — emotional, physical, spiritual and mental. The ongoing “need” to punish ourselves or others for perceived slights and misdeeds separates us more profoundly from bliss and oneness than any other single factor.

I guess that makes sense, considering the Creation myth about the Tree of Knowledge. Did anything actually change in Paradise after eating the fruit? Or did humans just start judging themselves? Whatever your cosmology or religion, forgiveness for “things done or left undone” provides a powerful catalyst to healing.

Traditionally, governments employed the idea of a “year and a day” during which time a sin or crime could be forgiven. If only we limited judgments to that short time period! A runaway serf also received his or her freedom after a year and a day, underscoring the freedom that comes from forgiveness and time.

But why take even that long? We live in accelerated times these days. Why waste anymore time in agony and judgment? I’ve always loved the word Jubilee and have lately become attracted to the concept. It began on February 22, 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII declared a holy year. He literally opened the doors to forgiveness, and any and all sins could be completely forgiven and resolved with Confession during that time. Originally intended as a once per century occurrence, Jubilees have happened more often, the most recent being in the year 2000 and 2008.

I personally would like to suggest a daily Jubilee, or, at the very least a 1/11 Jubilee. According to Doreen Virtue, 111 is a message from the angels:

“111 – Monitor your thoughts carefully, and be sure to only think about what you want, not what you don’t want. This sequence is a sign that there is a gate of opportunity opening up, and your thoughts are manifesting into form at record speeds. The 111 is like the bright light of a flash bulb. It means the universe has just taken a snapshot of your thoughts and is manifesting them into form. Are you pleased with what thoughts the universe has captured? If not, correct your thoughts (ask your angels to help you with this if you have difficulty controlling or monitoring your thoughts).”

So, let’s monitor our thoughts. Let’s create the kind of lives and experiences we want to create. The kind of lives we feel called to create, joyful to receive and share. Because we deserve it, and the world deserves it. Let your light so shine!

Namaste.