Speaking of Spirit

Photo: (c) 2017 L M R Neas Winter Solstice will soon be here - the longest, darkest day of the year. Let us embrace this time of darkness. Let us use this day of nighttime to reflect on the year past. Let us look to the evergreens that surround us and remember that they hold the promise that spring will return. They also remind us that Life continues, always. Let us give sincere thanks for the bounty that sustains us as the Earth slowly warms again, allowing us to plant another harvest.   As the sun rises on the 21st, let us be ever grateful for the lengthening of days to come.  May we all be blessed by both the Light and the Dark, which is a constant duality in our lives. May we learn to embrace both, finding respite and healing in the dark and rejuvenating, creative energy in the light. Many blessings to all as this Winter Solstice passes over us.  Blessings!

December Super Moon (c) 2017 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas Light is an important symbol in all cultures. Whether it is the sun, the moon, a lighthouse, or a candle, images of light have been in our culture since humans first communicated. But, why? For some, light was symbolic of Creator, for others, light represented understanding ("see the light").  The symbolism of light represents life, goodness, wisdom, purity, Divine Power, intuition, love and hope. Depending on your culture, you may have seen, read, or heard of light being used in one or more of these metaphors. During the winter days ahead, you may light candles on a menorah, advent wreath or a kinara. You might dance around a bonfire or float candles on little boats down a river. You may even decorate your home with tiny lights. Whatever way you use light during this Season of Light and Love, think about the symbolism.  Why are you doing this? May the lights we ignite during the darkening days ahead fil...

There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen   In September, the season of Light, Love and Gratitude began. This month, people around the world celebrate - the harvest (Sukkot), grateful for the bounty they have been given; the Light (Diwali), observing Light and darkness; and the love of ancestors (All Soul's Day/All Hallows' Eve), remembering our dead and giving thanks for their lives with us. As we move forward towards the end of the year, the feasts and festivals of Light, Love and Gratitude continue.   This year, there is a greater need to observe these days, together. The world is very "dark" in so many places due to natural disasters, hate, oppression, and greed. Observing these Holy days, reminds us that even in the darkest night the Light of millions of stars illuminates the sky. These times together remind us that Love is eternal; that those who shared our lives are always with us. These celebrations remind u...

Georg Flegel [Public domain],  via Wikimedia Commons We find ourselves in the seasons celebrating harvest, remembrance and light. Each faith tradition or spiritual path has celebrations or observances during the months of October, November and December.  These are the dark months, the months where we in the northern hemisphere prepare for winter.  These are the months of harvest and of remembering that at some point in this life, our "light" will cease to shine.  We will return to the Creator. And, so, we remember those who have gone ahead, praying that they have found eternal Light.  We pray that we will meet again, when our time comes.  We give thanks for what we have been given and pray that it will sustain us until the days are long once more. So, as we pass through these dark months, let us light a candle and pray - Creator, great Harvester of Light and Love, hear us as we prepare for the darkened days, hear us as we light our way ...