Anne Key's Blog - Posts Tagged "seasons"
Summer Solstice
Today is Mid-Summer, the Summer Solstice. This is a time of magic and love, as penned by Shakespeare. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are living in the moments of the most light of the year. Solstice means “sun ceases” (originally from Latin), and it is at this point that the sun stills, rising and setting at its northernmost position on the horizon the few days before and after Mid-summer, drenching us in almost unrelenting light.
This year, the inescapable light of Summer Solstice shines in every corner of ourselves, radiating our luminous selves and illuminating the dark hidden spaces deep within. This is the moment to embrace ourselves as whole—to love, honor, and cherish each thread of our cloth.
In this moment of solstice, in this moment of stillness in the unremitting Light, spend a moment to find your center. Breathe in to that place, feeding it with love and support; for with a strong stance in our center, we can open wide. Open to being grateful for everything that has been illuminated, the desirable and the difficult. Expand to encompass the wholeness, the holiness, of it all.
This Mid-Summer day, let’s hold precious each thread of our existence; breathe in the magic that is the cloth as whole, as holy, and unfurl ourselves to what only we can be. For therein lies the gift to the all.
Blessings of the Light to you this Mid-Summer’s Day!
This year, the inescapable light of Summer Solstice shines in every corner of ourselves, radiating our luminous selves and illuminating the dark hidden spaces deep within. This is the moment to embrace ourselves as whole—to love, honor, and cherish each thread of our cloth.
In this moment of solstice, in this moment of stillness in the unremitting Light, spend a moment to find your center. Breathe in to that place, feeding it with love and support; for with a strong stance in our center, we can open wide. Open to being grateful for everything that has been illuminated, the desirable and the difficult. Expand to encompass the wholeness, the holiness, of it all.
This Mid-Summer day, let’s hold precious each thread of our existence; breathe in the magic that is the cloth as whole, as holy, and unfurl ourselves to what only we can be. For therein lies the gift to the all.
Blessings of the Light to you this Mid-Summer’s Day!
Lammas 2013
Today is the midpoint between Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox, at the cross of the quarters, marking the first day of autumn. Here in Albuquerque, we are in the midst of the monsoon season. Every afternoon the clouds begin to gather over the Sandia Mountains, and then move across the city, bringing a show of lightning and splatters of rain.
I am caught at this time of year – part of me wants to lounge in the warmth, sip wine, and watch the lightning. Another part of me wants to keep things moving, get everything done before turning inward at winter. My urgency is at direct odds with my desire to stretch out on the chaise. Maybe part of this season’s lessons is balance and prioritization, because really, only so much can get done. The reclining in August is oh so sweet, and not to be missed.
Take a moment to be in your moment, whether that is full steam ahead or stretching out in the shade. We only have this time now, so breathe it in fully.
Brightest Blessings to you at the turn of the season -- Anne
N.B.: This cross-quarter festival is commonly called Lammas (from the Anglo-Saxon for “loaf mass”) or Lughnasadh (from the Irish god Lugh), traditionally celebrated August 1st. Astrologically, the First Day of Fall may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Leo, which currently Falls around August 6th and 7th.
I am caught at this time of year – part of me wants to lounge in the warmth, sip wine, and watch the lightning. Another part of me wants to keep things moving, get everything done before turning inward at winter. My urgency is at direct odds with my desire to stretch out on the chaise. Maybe part of this season’s lessons is balance and prioritization, because really, only so much can get done. The reclining in August is oh so sweet, and not to be missed.
Take a moment to be in your moment, whether that is full steam ahead or stretching out in the shade. We only have this time now, so breathe it in fully.
Brightest Blessings to you at the turn of the season -- Anne
N.B.: This cross-quarter festival is commonly called Lammas (from the Anglo-Saxon for “loaf mass”) or Lughnasadh (from the Irish god Lugh), traditionally celebrated August 1st. Astrologically, the First Day of Fall may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Leo, which currently Falls around August 6th and 7th.
The First Day of Winter
Today is the cross-quarter day between Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice, often called Samhain, the first day of Winter. This day heralds the beginning the Season of the Dark. Welcome the nights as they grow long, for this is the season for contemplation, examination – the season for inward exploration. In this season we have the chance to fully and consciously walk each step of our inner journey.
I feel so scattered at this important juncture. I’m finding it difficult to sit down and concentrate; so many directions are pulling me in so many ways. I need to take this moment as I find myself before the Gate of Winter and dig-in, and find my root. All of the unanswered questions, the undone tasks—those will have to wait. For now, it is encircling myself around the cord that runs through me and connects me to the all.
For the last few days, through the haze of copal and bright orange marigolds, I have seen those that have already crossed over and journeyed through the unconscious, the relatives and friends, the lineage of ancestors that help me on my path. I do not forget them, and hope they do not forget me.
Stop and prepare as we enter the season of the Dark. Take root; know your connection. Welcome those that have already crossed over with a bit of their favorite food or drink along with a candle and flowers next to their photo. Seek their advice, and show gratitude for their protective presence in our lives.
Once rooted, savor the long nights; this is our opportunity to focus deep within ourselves. When we return this Spring, may our inner light shine through unobscured, with the lustrous brilliance and clarity of inner wisdom.
Blessings to us all as we enter the Winter -- Anne
A note on seasons, names and dates: The Greeting of the Dark is the first day of Winter, celebrated on the cross-quarter day at the midpoint between Mid-Autumn and Mid-Winter. This day is at the cross of the quarters, the quarters of the year being the equinoxes and solstices. Astrologically, the First Day of Winter may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Scorpio, which currently Falls around November 6th and 7th (Other methods for determining the cross-quarter days and charts showing the date ranges for the seasons can be found at: http://www.archaeoastronomy.com.) This festival is commonly called Samhain (pronounced sow' en, from the Gaelic, meaning “the end of summer”), traditionally celebrated October 31st. The term Halloween, common parlance in the United States, descends from the Catholic tradition of All Hallows Eve, or Hallowe’en, which is observed on October 31st, literally the “eve” of All Hallows Day. All Saints' Day, or All Hallows Day, occurs on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd.
I feel so scattered at this important juncture. I’m finding it difficult to sit down and concentrate; so many directions are pulling me in so many ways. I need to take this moment as I find myself before the Gate of Winter and dig-in, and find my root. All of the unanswered questions, the undone tasks—those will have to wait. For now, it is encircling myself around the cord that runs through me and connects me to the all.
For the last few days, through the haze of copal and bright orange marigolds, I have seen those that have already crossed over and journeyed through the unconscious, the relatives and friends, the lineage of ancestors that help me on my path. I do not forget them, and hope they do not forget me.
Stop and prepare as we enter the season of the Dark. Take root; know your connection. Welcome those that have already crossed over with a bit of their favorite food or drink along with a candle and flowers next to their photo. Seek their advice, and show gratitude for their protective presence in our lives.
Once rooted, savor the long nights; this is our opportunity to focus deep within ourselves. When we return this Spring, may our inner light shine through unobscured, with the lustrous brilliance and clarity of inner wisdom.
Blessings to us all as we enter the Winter -- Anne
A note on seasons, names and dates: The Greeting of the Dark is the first day of Winter, celebrated on the cross-quarter day at the midpoint between Mid-Autumn and Mid-Winter. This day is at the cross of the quarters, the quarters of the year being the equinoxes and solstices. Astrologically, the First Day of Winter may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Scorpio, which currently Falls around November 6th and 7th (Other methods for determining the cross-quarter days and charts showing the date ranges for the seasons can be found at: http://www.archaeoastronomy.com.) This festival is commonly called Samhain (pronounced sow' en, from the Gaelic, meaning “the end of summer”), traditionally celebrated October 31st. The term Halloween, common parlance in the United States, descends from the Catholic tradition of All Hallows Eve, or Hallowe’en, which is observed on October 31st, literally the “eve” of All Hallows Day. All Saints' Day, or All Hallows Day, occurs on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd.
