Dr. Olivia Bennett

Last updated: March 7, 2025 By Dr. Olivia Bennett, Research Fellow at the Institute for Consciousness Studies, specializing in sensory spiritual experiences across cultures Important Health Consideration: This article explores spiritual and cultural interpretations of cedar and its aromatic properties. While we discuss traditional and contemporary wellness applications, this information is not intended as medical … Read more

Updated March 25, 2025 by Sarah Collins, Science Writer and Cultural Researcher Note to readers: This article explores both the scientific understanding of meteors and their cultural interpretations across various traditions. While the scientific information is based on current astronomical research, the cultural and spiritual interpretations represent historical perspectives and traditional beliefs rather than scientific … Read more

Last Updated: March 3, 2025 Written by Sarah Wilson, Comparative Religion Researcher with a focus on seasonal spirituality. Reviewed by Dr. Olivia Bennett “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice.” — T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding” The changing of the calendar from December 31st to January 1st … Read more

Last Updated: March 5, 2025 Written by Sarah Wilson, Comparative Religion Researcher with a focus on seasonal spirituality. Reviewed by Dr. Olivia Bennett Saint Basil’s Day, celebrated on January 1st in the Eastern Orthodox Church and on January 2nd in the Western Church, commemorates one of Christianity’s most influential saints and theologians. The day honors … Read more

Last Updated: February 2025 “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” — Brad Paisley, American singer-songwriter The spiritual meaning of New Year’s Eve extends far beyond parties and celebrations. Across cultures and traditions, this pivotal moment represents renewal, introspection, and the universal hope for a brighter future. This … Read more

Last Updated: March 2, 2025 “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” — Mother Teresa On December 26th, as the glow of Christmas celebrations begins to fade, many countries in the Commonwealth observe Boxing Day—a holiday with rich historical roots that has evolved to embody principles of generosity, … Read more

Last Updated: December 16, 2023 | Originally Published: December 15, 2023By SpiritualMeanings.net Editorial Team “God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther, 16th-century Protestant reformer The Christmas tree stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday … Read more

Last Updated: March 3, 2025 Written by Sarah Wilson, Comparative Religion Researcher with a focus on seasonal spirituality. Reviewed by Dr. Olivia Bennett “It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.” — Pope Benedict XVI As darkness falls on December … Read more

Last Updated: March 22, 2025 December occupies a unique place in our cultural and spiritual consciousness as both the culmination of the annual cycle and a gateway to new beginnings. This article examines December’s rich tapestry of meanings across diverse traditions, analyzing its historical significance, spiritual elements, and psychological dimensions. Drawing from anthropological research, religious … Read more

Published: December 12, 2023 | Last Updated: February 21, 2025 by Dr. Olivia Bennett, Ph.D., Research Fellow at the Institute for Consciousness Studies and lead researcher on the Sensory-Spiritual Experience Research Project. Her work has been published in the Journal of Consciousness Studies and Frontiers in Psychology. Peer-reviewed by Dr. William Parker, Ph.D., specialist in … Read more

“October is the opal month of the year. It is the month of glory, of ripeness. It is the picture-month.” Henry Ward Beecher The spiritual meaning of October is a profound blend of transformation, introspection, and connection to the mystical realms of nature and the universe. This month symbolizes a period of significant spiritual awakening … Read more

Last updated: March 25, 2025 | Peer-reviewed by the Cultural Symbolism Research Panel “By all these lovely tokens, September days are here, with summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best of cheer.”— Helen Hunt Jackson, American poet (1830-1885) Research Context This article examines September symbolism through cultural, historical, and comparative research methodologies. Our analysis draws … Read more

Last Updated: March 3, 2025 Written by Sarah Wilson, Comparative Religion Researcher with a focus on seasonal spirituality. Reviewed by Dr. Olivia Bennett “August is like the Sunday of summer: the last sip of wine, the final burst of laughter, a lingering warmth, and a soft whisper of what’s to come.” — Anonymous August stands … Read more

Last Updated: March 4, 2025 Written by Sarah Wilson, Comparative Religion Researcher with a focus on seasonal spirituality. Reviewed by Dr. Olivia Bennett “July is a symphony of permanence and change.” – Bonaro W. Overstreet July occupies a unique position in our calendar and consciousness. As the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar, it stands … Read more

“June is the gateway to summer.” Jean Hersey June’s Mystique: Ancient Roots and Modern Spiritual Significance The month of June carries profound spiritual significance across cultures, anchored in celestial events, agricultural cycles, and historical traditions. Named after the Roman goddess Juno—protector of women and marriage—June has evolved from its ancient origins to represent a period … Read more