Hello! This post originally appeared on mountain-things.com. Since then, I have moved websites, but I wanted to ensure that this content was still available. Enjoy!

I’m not sure about you, but the last few months of the year go by so quickly that I barely have any time for my own creative endeavors; and even though these next few months are winter’s coldest (at least in Colorado), it’s the perfect excuse to reignite our inner creative beings.

If you are short on inspiration or finding it difficult to start (or finish) a project, there are endless ways to spark creativity in a short amount of time. That being said, my resolution for this year is to let myself become swept up in my own creativity. For two years, I have waited for things to "go back to normal," but we're kidding ourselves if we think that's happening anytime soon. Instead, I'm going to let this freak flag fly. Below are a few rituals for creative energy.

5-MINUTE CANDLE RITUAL FOR CREATIVITY

What you’ll need:

One Orange Candle & Candle Holder
Signifier Tarot Card
- The Empress card is great to focus on creativity, but I have also used the Queen of Cups, which I feel represents me in everyday situations. Use whatever card you feel best represents your aspirational self.
Small Piece of Paper & Pen
An Elemental Altar
- This can be easily created by placing the four elements in their respective cardinal positions on a flat surface, such as a desk or dresser. The positions are as follows: Earth, North; Air, East; Fire, South; Water, West.

Begin by placing your signifier tarot card in the center of your altar. Using the pen and paper, write down as many words as possible that represent the way you feel when you are at your most creative. Some examples include: productive, ignited, whole, transformative, and patient. Place the paper face-up on the signifier card, followed by the candle in the candle holder. Light the candle and visualize the creative energy flowing inward. Allow the candle to burn completely and stash the paper away in your creative workspace, such as a desk drawer or in a sewing kit. Now, go create!

5-MINUTE DANCE RITUAL FOR CREATIVITY

This dance ritual for creativity is the simplest way to recharge your brain juices and requires little to no extra equipment.

What you’ll need:

Your Favorite Upbeat Song
A Private Space
Optional Cinnamon Incense

Go to a private area of your home where you feel safe to express yourself. Light the incense and play your favorite upbeat track from your phone, computer, record player — whatever you have. Begin dancing. It may feel silly at first, but remember that you have no audience to impress. Move your arms freely, twist and turn; all while visualizing your moments “shaking off the dust.” Do this as many times as needed.

MUGWORT TEA DREAMING RITUAL

Our dreams are an often overlooked source of inspiration. Ignite your dreams with a simple brew of mugwort tea and tap into your subconscious for creative inspiration.

What you’ll need:

2 tsp Dried Mugwort Tea Blend
Tea Diffuser or Teapot
Optional Honey or Sweetener
Optional Amethyst

Pour hot, but not boiling, water over a tea diffuser or teapot filled with a mugwort tea blend. Add in your favorite sweetener, if desired. Sip the tea within an hour of going to sleep. Place the optional amethyst on your bedside table or beneath your pillow to promote sleep and dreaming. If you have insightful dreams, take a moment in the morning to write them down in a journal prior to starting your daily routine.