“Look round and round this bare bleak plain, and see even here, upon a winter’s day, how beautiful the shadows are! Alas! It is the nature of their kind to be so. The lovliest things in life, Tom, are but shadows; and they come and go, and change and fade away, as rapidly as these!” Charles Dickens
The holidays are over, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and all the other special occasions that happen in December. (Pity the person who schedules a house move 2 days after Christmas) Amidst all this hustle and bustle is a favorite time of mine-Winter Solstice. Recently this night has become a more popular time to celebrate with like minded people. However, it is a gift and celebration that I give to myself in solitude each year.
It seems that I have worked each winter solstice night for many years now. I sometimes listen to the rebroadcast of the Paul Winter and Friends concert, at St. John the Divine in New York, on my way home late that night. The air is crisp. The sky is clear. You can see the heavens overflowing with sparkling points of light to an extent that is terrifyingly beautiful.
This is a turning point, the longest, darkest night of the year. The world hovers on a pinpoint. I have a feeling that the door to all in the Universe is open. That is if you wanted to, you could travel anywhere, see everything, speak to anyone, understand all. Every possibility is available to you. Only on this night is this gate visible and open to everyone. The rest of the year if you have worked hard enough and have gained the password you might win entry.
It is a time of wonder and meditation. It is a moment of quiet in the blur of holiday activities. Pay attention and experience.
all rights reserved © Diane Kern 2012
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Ooooh Diane, I love how you have written this. It’s very spiritual and makes me reflect on the possibilities. Normally I would just be excited about gaining the extra light in the days that follow, but now I shall remember this special time of year. ~Lili
Diane, Lovely, magical description. Beautiful photos and lyrical writing that makes you feel as if, on that one night, anything and everything is possible. An awareness of the Universe, of the known and unknown, and how we’re surrounded, as Dickens so aptly put it, with beautiful shadows.
Lili I know that feeling of, at last… the days will be longer. I used to wait for that day in Maine with great anticipation. Thank you for your kind words.
Penelope thank you for your very lyrical comments. I’m glad that I was able to convey that feeling of magic to you. The first photo is Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia, second was the view from my home.