Without Darkness, There Is No Light

As we step into winter and the solstice, we find ourselves in darkness. Nature calls us into silence and stillness at the same time that culture calls us into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The recent full moon in Gemini underscores the conflicts we find in these two directions. How might we synthesize them to find a little more silence and stillness in the holiday season?

We have gradually moved from the traditional Thanksgiving celebration to a celebration of Indigenous cultures. All of us have indigenous roots. Together we researched and identified the history of the land on which we live. We read stories and view films to expand our awareness. This year we added an anointing of the earth in gratitude for the water, air, food and shelter she provides to sustain us.

Our grandchildren amazed me during our first virtual holiday celebration. We began by remembering children hospitalized and unable to celebrate with their families. We explained that their first gifts were donations to St. Jude’s hospital in their names. They stood hugging each other and spinning in circles until they fell to the ground. We have made this a tradition since then.

We keep the fire ring accessible for Solstice. The grandchildren love to start and feed the fire. While we sit and listen to it crackle, they ask all kinds of questions under the beautiful, black, New Moon sky. Their curiosity and generosity of spirit is inspiring. Why did Creator make the earth? Why is there war? Why are flames different colors? Do you want another marshmallow (usually a clue that they would like more), yet still an opportunity for further discussion. Darkness by its nature provides stillness and space in which our hearts may open and align.