When language was young, when even the gods and goddesses had not yet entirely taken human form but still ran with the deer in the forest, or flew with the wings of crows, or were glimpsed in the depths of a numinous pool........even then, I think this was a holy day. The Sun was returning to the sleeping world.
Fires were lit to welcome the Shining One returning from the underworld. Stones aligned with the Sun's journey made a pathway, and food and drink were left to give the Young God the strength he would need.
Perhaps they danced through the long cold night, lighting fires for him, helping him on his way, keeping vigil.
These ancient roots are still found in many traditions, from the Lumaria of the Festival of Lights, to the lighting of the Menorah Candles at Hanukkah. Planet Earth turns her face toward her star again, she circles round, and we turn with her, every creat(e)ure within her fragile, azure skin. The light is returning! Happy Solstice!
I pledge allegiance
to the soil of Turtle Island,
and to the beings
who thereon dwell
one ecosystem in diversity
under the sun
With joyful
interpenetration for all.
Gary Snyder
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