We are entering dark times. Today we slide into the shadiest week of the year (in the northern hemisphere), leading up to that most monumental and hopeful day on the calendar, the December 21st event of Winter Solstice.
Up till then the Sun appears to be marching relentlessly to the dark side, and us, powerless to stop its trajectory. That sounds like a familiar theme these days. And then, we see at Solstice that our life-supporting energy source is not going to abandon us permanently. It is a time of rebirth and renewal.
Things are dark in human affairs as well. But we can be assured that reason and compassion are similarly not gone for good, despite what we see around us. The light will return.
Mayan prophesies predicted this long ago, and even took the time and effort to etch their message in stone for the benefit of those of us who would be around past the 2012 turning point. According to the Long Count Mayan calendar, Solstice 2012 marked the end of one civilization and the beginning of another.
It predicts a spiritual transition towards a new consciousness, and while it may not get much press coverage, such a transition has been taking place, quietly, relentlessly, here and there in pockets of awareness the world over.
Certain forces of human darkness can slow human evolution - or are we going backwards at this point? - but they can't stop it. Most of us choose light. Many of us are lighting candles. Or starting bonfires.
The Mayans told us that humanity must eventually choose between disappearing as a species that threatens to destroy the planet, or evolve towards integration with the planet, and everything else.
I know what my choice is.
Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia at the 67th session of the UN General Assembly explained the special significance of Solstice 2012:
"The scientists know very well that this marks the end of an anthropocentric life and the beginning of a bio-centric life.
It is the end of hatred and the beginning of love, the end of lies and beginning of truth.
It is the end of sadness and the beginning of happiness, it is the end of division and the beginning of unity, and this is a theme to be developed.”
That makes a nice list of lightness for the new year. Put it in your daytimer, or calendar, or on your fridge.
Bring on the light.
Things To Do in 2018
1) Honour the Earth and all life.
2) End hatred/promote love.
3) Steer lies toward truth.
4) Comfort sadness, be the source of happiness.
5) End division/focus on unity.
Note: no need to wait until the new year to start.
I'm holding on to the hope that light will return. Every day the news seems worse and it's got to the stage where I don't want to read or listen anyway. My mind boggles at the irrational, disturbing behaviour by those in power who are meant to lead by example. Some of them are true contenders for the Darwin Awards I think! We can only hope. Either way I also sense how so many people are changing and some groups are starting to come together towards a gentler, kinder way of living. I plan to be there with them. The alternative doesn't bear thinking about.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
DeleteI think that the other side is so vocal because there are so many changes taking place right now. When they are quiet I worry because that probably means they are happy. And if they are happy, probably the rest of us are not.
But they are trying to stand in front of an avalanche and stop it. It can not be stopped this time.
"One kind word can warm three winter months." - Japanese proverb
ReplyDeleteA very cozy, calm, and simple winter solstice to all. I hope the coming year is one with brighter flames of goodness, truth, and light throughout the world! -Erin
Erin,
DeleteWe have to continue to think good thoughts. Toward all. The proverb shows us the power of positivity.
Thank you for this. I've been trying to stay positive in all this but it's a struggle. It's good to know there are like-minded folks out there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that there is hope, light and goodness in the world. I have to believe that we are changing for the better.
ReplyDeleteMarla,
DeleteLove and light. It is all about love and light, and neither will be stifled. I do believe the general trend is toward improved conditions for more people, although we are currently experiencing a nasty backlash. Not to worry - we will resume control.
Happy Solstice to you. Love and Light.
Heard this today: Stop the violence. Increase peace. Improve quality of life for all. Basically the same as in your list. Those are good themes for the upcoming year, starting now. It makes me feel good to think about them. It makes me want to behave better too.
ReplyDeleteWith transitions, there is a middle place. The space between the old and the new. We can get stuck in between too. They say that when we left the Age of Capricorn and entered the Age of Aquarius, there was roughly a 40 year transition period. The end and beginning is vaguely defined. Maybe it's like this with the Mayan prophesies.
The art work you chose for this post is exquisite. I love everything about it.
Terri,
DeleteCouldn't we all behave better? If everyone had that goal in mind, the world would change overnight.
I have remembered the Age of Aquarius since hearing of it in the lyrics of "Hair". It turned me into a 10 year old hippy, and I have never been the same since. It saved me from a life of quiet desperation plugged into the System. I saw that there were less restrictive ways of living that were more peaceful, loving and less damaging to the Earth.
These things are vaguely defined, perhaps on purpose. Are they ambiguous in order to put us into a liminal phase (the middle place)? All sorts of things happen in this uncomfortable yet necessary state of being, including moving us from disorientation to integration.
This is true of us as individuals and as a society and civilization. The in-between phase can be difficult and challenging, but allows for creativity to emerge. Many possibilities, much hope in this phase. Solstices are also liminal spaces, so this is a powerful time of year.
"Hair" and so much that was expressed in the musical was significant in a liminal space, "the dawning of the Age of Aquarius..." I didn't know about the term "liminal." Looked it up and discovered a whole new way of seeing things. I learn so much here. Winter solstice seems more powerful to me than summer solstice or spring and fall equinoxes.
ReplyDeleteThe artist that penciled the art you chose for this post is Jaine Rose. She lives in the UK and spends a lot of time traveling in her campervan! She has a piece I think you will like. It's called Bluemoon and features a turtle. She has another piece with a turtle too. I found her work fascinating!
https://www.jainerose.uk/product/blue-moon/