Winter Solstice
Last Night we went to a local church to participate in A Winter Solstice Celebration. As we arrived, we were given a small evergreen branch and invited into the sanctuary. There was an invitation to stand and "hail" or welcome the elements from the four directions and to also turn inward and bid welcome. I appreciated the words that helped me to connect with creation and why the welcome would be a part of the ceremony for this, the darkest day of the year in which we wait for the light. I do not know a lot about Winter Solstice, and was eager to learn. I was excited because it seemed that we would learn by "doing" this together. Being an experiential learner, I was glad for this. I was a little unsure how my husband would react. We would not really know. Other than being invited into a time of darkness and rest, and various people bringing in lights slowly afterwards, I don't know what else was going on. Maybe there isn't more to go on? In reading some about the celebration, there were places that said the light that came was the sun placing a baby in the womb of Virgin Mary. I am sure this wasn't represented, nor do I go for that explanation. I am a Christian. But I believe this holiday to be different from Christmas. At the same time, I hoped for a celebration of the earth and a way that I could thank God for the cycles of nature through unknown ways of old. I wonder if I missed it or if they did? I was expecting some greater demonstration or celebration? We left, feeling peaceful, and as if we might have fallen asleep somewhere in the cold woods, then wakened with the daylight and left the building. And perhaps, that is all that there is? Have I, amidst a multi-sensory, fast-paced world, lost my sense of simplicity? As a lover of camping and hiking, I don't think so? but I'm willing to entertain the possibility :)
Enjoy the seasons!
Celebrate the Light! In whatever form you celebrate and believe!