Bright blessings in this dark night.
Happy Solstice, one and all!
I was struggling with what to say about this solar hinge-pin, as I walked around my house, lighting the candles and turning off the electric lights. So I think I'm going to cheat a bit, and give you last year's words first.
~~~
It's the darkest night of the year, when the light is very dim and prone to wavering in the black. But small does not mean GONE. This is as dark as it gets - past this night, the light increases and begins to gather in its strength and warmth once more. For me, this holiday is one of hope... which is so necessary when the bulk of winter still stretches before us North-dwelling types.
Myth-wise, for me this day belongs to Tricksters, especially to Raven, the Sun Thief. Here's a version of the Pacific North West Tale, Raven Steals the Light. And here's a pop culture version of the story - From Northern Exposure. [As it's from youtube, the quality ain't the best.]
~~~
"And from then on, we no longer live in darkness."
That's the part that I'm really focusing on this year. I've been digging out candles and dusting the holders throughout this week. Yesterday I bought a big bag of tealights - which I can't remember ever doing before [I'm more of a seven day candle/pillar candle/votive sort]. But there's something about those reflective silver cups tea lights come in that really appeals right now. It's the additional bit of illumination, fire's glow intensified by metal's shine, that's so attractive.
This past year has been one of literal darkness - I'd gotten out of the candle-burning habit, and hadn't even realized it. But now... now, every room of the flat has candles, bringing light to dim corners. And each flame is a reflection of the greater lights, the bright spirits I see out in the world.
Happy Solstice to you and yours, my favorite bright spirits. ♥
I was struggling with what to say about this solar hinge-pin, as I walked around my house, lighting the candles and turning off the electric lights. So I think I'm going to cheat a bit, and give you last year's words first.
~~~
It's the darkest night of the year, when the light is very dim and prone to wavering in the black. But small does not mean GONE. This is as dark as it gets - past this night, the light increases and begins to gather in its strength and warmth once more. For me, this holiday is one of hope... which is so necessary when the bulk of winter still stretches before us North-dwelling types.
Myth-wise, for me this day belongs to Tricksters, especially to Raven, the Sun Thief. Here's a version of the Pacific North West Tale, Raven Steals the Light. And here's a pop culture version of the story - From Northern Exposure. [As it's from youtube, the quality ain't the best.]
Click to view~~~
"And from then on, we no longer live in darkness."
That's the part that I'm really focusing on this year. I've been digging out candles and dusting the holders throughout this week. Yesterday I bought a big bag of tealights - which I can't remember ever doing before [I'm more of a seven day candle/pillar candle/votive sort]. But there's something about those reflective silver cups tea lights come in that really appeals right now. It's the additional bit of illumination, fire's glow intensified by metal's shine, that's so attractive.
This past year has been one of literal darkness - I'd gotten out of the candle-burning habit, and hadn't even realized it. But now... now, every room of the flat has candles, bringing light to dim corners. And each flame is a reflection of the greater lights, the bright spirits I see out in the world.
Happy Solstice to you and yours, my favorite bright spirits. ♥