Solstice

Sunlight skims across the green moss on the old oak’s trunk around midday on this Solstice of 2020. The tree overlooks Pleasant Plain across the river, the plain also bathed in light, the higher mountains behind remaining hidden in dark fog.

Solstice has been observed throughout the world since distant times past as people became aware of this turning of seasons that brought longer days of light. With that realization came many celebrations of hope for light against the darkness.

In my ancient stories of Crete, feasting and dancing commemorate the day, while in Ireland the yule fire and decking of garlands add to festivities at this time marked by their great stone circles.

Today many of our own symbols of celebration echo these ancient tributes to the light.

In this year when a deadly plague has thrown a cloak of darkness over our world, our need for light feels especially keen. Yet even now, signs of hope arise. A vaccine. A triumph of science and dedication. The daring of brave healers and workers. The many kindnesses toward friends and family, even strangers. The calm efforts of caring for those around us, if only by staying home.

Remember the turning toward light this day and the hope it brings. Happy Solstice.

COMMENT

6 thoughts on “Solstice

  1. villaheather December 21, 2020 / 7:01 pm

    Dear Janet, Another wonderful blog post. Thanks! I miss seeing you in Sherm’s.  I have been working from home as a communications specialist for Douglas ESD (since April). Happy solstice. 🙂 Heather Villa

    Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

    • Janet Fisher December 22, 2020 / 10:10 am

      Thank you, Heather. Good to hear from you and to hear about your job. Congratulations. I miss you too.

  2. debbieburkewriter2016 December 22, 2020 / 5:27 pm

    Up here at latitude 48, today was a whiteout with four inches of snow…just in case we forgot it was winter.

    Thanks for the reminder that the days start getting longer from now on.

    Warm wishes for the holidays, Janet!

    • Janet Fisher December 22, 2020 / 9:27 pm

      Thank you, Debbie. A whiteout. Wow! I do remember those Montana winters. Warm wishes to you as well.

  3. Patricia Kellam December 24, 2020 / 3:47 pm

    Janet – enjoyed your Blog. Didn’t get a card out this year but wishing you a very happy Christmas – and hopefully for us all – a more hopeful 2021. (Can’t believe what’s happening!)
    Pat K

    • Janet Fisher December 24, 2020 / 8:24 pm

      Thank you, Pat, and thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. More hopeful, yes. Here’s to a better year come 2021!

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