Today’s the northern solstice, the longest night of the year and the shortest day. Tomorrow the days will start to get longer again. In the fiction of Ursula K. le Guin, this day is known as Sun-Return. Out of darkness, light.
I’m always surprised how many people are completely unaware of the solstice. You could argue it’s the most significant day of the calendar for us earthlings, cosmically speaking. It’s the reason we have all these celebrations around this time of year.
It seems New Orleans could use some solstice magic right about now. I’ve heard a number people, from personal friends to the Mayor, express the thought that a “tipping point” is right around the corner, that our collective efforts will finally get some traction, and the recovery finally accelerate.
I wish I shared that optimism. But even though I’m skeptical, I can sincerely say that’s my solstice wish: That we as a city, as a people, can see our way through this dark night together.
I share the same wish B. This is one of the two Sacred nights during the turn of the year.
Saw SDT dragging the tents of the homeless and throwing then in a garbage truck today. Running that compressor on these meager homes. This is a city that hates it’s citizens.
Isaiah 9
1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Merry Christmas. Even though the night now seems everlasting, the darkness cannot hold back the light for long.
The tipping point. I may be deluded, but i feel it too. Sol Invictus!