Solstice

It is certainly a blessing to live an aware life.

Most people go about their days without ever taking a single moment to witness the wonders that happen around them. Tiny bits of magic that go unnoticed. In the growing coldness of Winter, I suppose it is quite easy to dismiss the return journey of the Earth towards the Sun and the lengthening of days. It is important to see and understand things that are outside the realm of our perceived daily lives. The world turns with or without us, and whether we honour the changing of the seasons or not, they still change. It is up to us to recognize that truth. And I do. I welcome the the return of the Sun and all the promise it brings with it.

Snowfall on the Mystic

The Yuletide is finally upon us.

Another year has turned and I am now living through my 39th winter, and with the turning of age, I tend to look backward at the life I have lived thus far and forward to what is to come. But I must always look and see the here and now; be mindful of the present. "The middle way" as Buddhists refer to it. And so I shall. I gaze out the small window from our cozy nook and I see the white flakes gently falling in the dark sky. By the hedge there is a quick shadow. Who is it? In this new home and landscape I look for the familiar spirits and I wonder who is there.

Perhaps Sionnach has followed my footprints...

Fire and Light

It is truly midwinter now.

The blessed festival of Brighid has past and the fires of new life and inspiration have been lit. Honour was given the Mother and wishes made to the Source, and already there is evidence of the turning of the Wheel. I meandered through the mud and melting snow down to the Nemeton yesterday and took in the change that has come upon the valley and the forest. Animal tracks were numerous and I followed them in and amongst the swaying trees. Rain fell from the cold sky and the wind began to howl around me, but I still managed to smile whilst relishing the smell and feel of the world around me.

savour the time spent in darkness
for there is muted solace
in candle flame and divine wisdom ...

Birdsong

The Wheel has turned.

Wintertide has come, the festivities of Yule have been celebrated, and as the Solstice promised, light is slowly returning. I long for Spring, and though it is still a few months away, I can feel its imminent arrival even now. The Sunshine, ever absent these past weeks, has begun to grace me with its brilliant light and warmth more and more. The air is quite chill, but the light is returning. The spirits of the land have felt the shift as well. This morning I awoke to hear a bird singing in the pine tree outside. A crow flew over the barn, and the footprints of animals are everywhere in the white snow.

The Wheel is turning...