Sunday, December 22, 2013

Happy Summer Solstice!

 Happy Summer Solstice from the wild west coast of New Zealand.
Yesterday the little one and I wandered up the stream, looking for lupins. We couldn't find any, but we found plenty of other fiery flowers and leaves. And so, on the black sand, on a little island in the middle of the stream, I made you this.
 The little one was thoughtful, learning about Summer Solstice. After some time spend splashing in the stream, and gathering more flowers, she asked, 'What if there was a Winter Solstice?'
'Ah, but there is,' I replied. On the other side of the world it is the shortest and darkest day. It's very cold there right now, and it's snowing. Here, it is the longest and brightest day.'

The little one was glad we were here, and not there. I drew suns in the evening, to send warmth wherever it is needed.
And I am thinking of the other aspect of solstice. On this day, the seed of darkness is planted into our summery light. And for you, in the dark of winter solstice, the seed of light is planted.
From this day, our light will diminish and yours will increase.
Across the world, the dynamic flow of warmth and cold, light and dark continues.
So, Happy Solstice, wherever you are. And may you carry the light of the sun within you, whatever the season.

12 comments:

Hotly Spiced said...

I didn't realise we'd just had the longest day. I do love the long daylight hours. Hard to believe every day from now will be just that little bit shorter xx

Vicki Lane said...

Popping over from a dreary day-after Winter Solstice to enjoy your brilliant suns and take comfort in your lovely words.

This is one of the best things about the internet -- the reality of our round world is so vivid when we can get to know our neighbors on the other side.

Ruth P said...

A wonderful reminder of solstice living Juliet! I love the dynamism of Life that both solstices can remind us of, and the way they teach us that (apparently polar/extreme) opposites can also hold the seeds and existence of their Other. As with the seasons, so with Life ... a lovely reflection to carry across the festive season. Thanks for this beautiful post Juliet

Juliet said...

* Vicki, So glad the sun has cheered you up in the depths of winter. Yes, it's so wonderful that we can reach around the round world like this.

Juliet said...

* Charlie, don't know if my reply to you got posted. Nice to hear from you, thanks.

Juliet said...

* Ruth, the solstices are full of teachings. Thank you.

Penny O'Neill said...

Wonderful, Juliet.
I love the solstice, no matter which pole, for it heralds, to me, the rejuvenating or the the restful periods of life.
Thank you.

Juliet said...

* Penny, what a wonderful way to put this: 'rejuvenating or restful periods of life'. We are certainly being rejuvenated and expanded here as summer draws us out in so many ways. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely solstice celebration; gentle and quiet but heart-felt. I am reading your book as I have time; a page a day, sometimes. I am delighted you made a rubbish container from newspaper. How did you do that? It is one of my dreams; so far,I have been unsuccessful.

Juliet said...

silkannthreades, it was lovely. So glad you are having a nice slow read of my book. I found the instructions online for the paper rubbish container. Try googling and you might find it. It was quite easy to do along with the pictures. I would (google), but I'm on dialup and it is very slow.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Juliet .. I'm sure I commented here - but sometimes things go awry with my connectivity ... so perhaps it failed!

Lovely to see your depiction of the summer solstice ... and I'll be glad to see the lighter days - in the meantime the sun is making an appearance ... on and off today.

We are under floods .. we're ok here ... but rather a lot of rain has been coming down .. I just feel so sorry for the many who are dealing with the aftermath .. or will be - as another storm is due.

Have a lovely time out at the Bach ... Merry Christmas to you and the family and a healthy and prosperous New Year .. Hilary

Juliet said...

Hilary, hope the floods clear soon. We've had quite a bit of rain over Christmas Day and now Boxing Day. Happy Christmas and New Year to you too, and thanks for your comment.