Here we are at a cosmic portal:

the dark of the moon, 

at the darkest time of the year, 

about to embark on the longest night. 

And the darkness around us on the world scene is deep, as deep as most of us have seen in our lifetime.

Yet, we also know light never leaves, and that after the longest night (or the dark moon) begins a slow burgeoning of light.

If we pause and let the darkness hold us, let our souls catch up with our human lives, replenish our inner spark with the warmth of companionship, laughter and wonder, then  together and individually we “bring back the light,” as our ancestors did. We ignite each other, kindling a fire strong and bright enough to show us a future we yearn for, and to quicken our steps in that direction.  May it be so.

Solstice Poem

This is the solstice, the still point
of the sun, its cusp and midnight,
the year’s threshold
and unlocking, where the past
lets go of and becomes the future;
the place of caught breath, the door
of a vanished house left ajar.

Margaret Atwood

Blessings of the season to you!