And here we are again, coming to the close of a six-month slide into darkness, culminating in the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and one that signifies the return of the coveted light of the sun. It will be another six-month trip back around until we get to the summer solstice and the longest day of the year, spring, summer, fall, winter, and on into infinity, or at least what infinity feels like to humans who only have a hundred years, give or take, to watch it unfold.
The fall season of the harvest gives way to a winter of introspection. Covid has driven us away from each other this year, but rather than curse our luck, let’s use the time to go within, analyze our lives and see where our spiritual health lies. What is working? What brings us joy? While the earth sleeps under a blanket of snow, we count our blessings, joys, and sorrows, and give thanks for that which sustains us, polishing up those parts we still adore and Marie Kondo-ing the rest.
If Covid-19 has taught me anything, it’s that I just don’t need the superfluous anymore.
You can get a little celestial help from Jupiter and Saturn. They’ll be visible in the night sky on the winter solstice, forming a great conjunction as scientists call it, a possible explanation for the Star of Bethlehem. While Jupiter passes Saturn about every 20 years or so, the last time these two planets had such a close encounter was almost 400 years ago, and the last time the conjunction appeared in the night sky was in 1226 during the Middle Ages!
Could this conjunction be the Star of Bethlehem? NASA scientist Henry Throop says it’s possible there was a conjunction like this during the 6th or 7th century, but thinks said Star could also be attributed to comets, novas, supernovas and planets aligning with other stars in our solar system.
Maybe we’ll never know, but I prefer to look at such a momentous alignment as an auspicious beginning, one where men (used in the generic sense) are led from darkness into the light, much like the Medieval times led to the Renaissance.
Let us use this time of introspection, peace, and solitude to set our finest intentions for the coming decade(s).
The stars are aligning. A Great Conjunction is upon us. Darkness falls away and light returns. Decide who it is you want to be and bring the best of you forward into the new light.
If not now, when?
Happy Winter Solstice.
pam lazos 12.21.20
Green Life Blue Water 
HELLOOOOOO! Oh, I was so bummed when we couldn’t see the Christmas Star–Wisconsin was cloud-covered that night. 😦 But so far 2021 has had some lights of hope, I think. Crazy lights, but lights. 🙂 Hope you and yours are well both at school and at home! How is your sister’s repurposing business coming?
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PS–awesome sunset picture, by the way xxxxxx
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Thank you, my dear.
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Same here, Jean, and I am embarrassed to admit that the next night with clear skies for about 60 seconds I thought I could see it – you were still supposed to be able to see something a bit before and a bit after — and there it was in all its glory as I was walking the dog. I got so excited. To think I was laying eyes on the Christmas star, and then — it was a satellite, or maybe a plane up very high, I don’t know. I laughed out loud. It was like the universe didn’t want me to miss it so it sent a substitute. 😂😘
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Aw! Hey, those moments are still awesome, too, because they lift the heart. 🙂 I’m looking forward to some good stargazing for summer with the kids! xxxxxx
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I know because for a moment I was thinking 🤔 THE STAR ⭐️ THE STAR!!🥳
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The solstice is a comfort, a reliable event.
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What a great way to put it, Michael.
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I’m this upcoming year, 2021, is better for all of us. Have a great New Year, Pam!
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Amen to that, Ka!
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Not sure how the word “hoping” was missing! But you understood me well!
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Yep, I did. xo
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Yes, a new age renaissance is called for.
From Medieval to Renaissance
From Computer Science to Renaissance
Happy Holidays and a FABULOUS New Year!
Resa ❦❦
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You, too, dear Resa!
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Hi Pam – so much going on … we had full cloud … so couldn’t see much – but equally am very happy to see others’ post blogs and videos … life is interesting – and I guess we’re probably not living in an odd time, compared to other eras. We just have so much chit chat access to … so for now … I’ll wish you a happy seasonal time … and sincerely hope next year is kinder to us all – and we can get back to what I’d call a normal life! Take care … and with thoughts – Hilary
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Same here, Hilary, and after three nights of trying, I got nary a glimpse of a “Christmas Star”! Sad, but true. Maybe tonight? I’m not sure how much longer it will be visible, but sad to miss it. I wish you and yours a very wonderful holiday season with all the best for the coming year. Things can only get better, eh?! xox
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Happy Winter Solstice back at you Pam … as you stated, now we will begin the slow crawl, a few seconds at a time to Summer. That’s sure a happy thought on the shortest day of the year. Unfortunately we’ve had rain here in SE Michigan since the afternoon and clouds, both which will mar our peak view of the conjunction. After waiting 800 years to see this potential North Star, what a bummer to have clouds. Sigh. Have a Merry Christmas Pam and best wishes for a new year that will likewise slowly crawl back to normalcy.
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I know, it’s been cloudy here to and I fear I’ve missed it as well. Bummer, right, Linda. 😂
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Happy Solstice Pam! (Btw I think you meant northern hemisphere not Western Hemisphere? I once said equinox instead of solstice in a blog some time ago. Thankfully it was pointed out to me!) Which ever way, the wheel turns. The shortest night here in the Southern Hemisphere. We went looking for the Star, but too cloudy. So from my phone to yours 💕💥💕💥
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Haha! That’s what happens when you sleep through astronomy, Susan. It was so hard to stay awake because they kept shutting off the lights. 😂😂😂
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Beautiful and hopeful message, Pam ❤
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Thank you, friend. 🥰
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Good words Pam, my dear friend. We need this in our hard situation right now, we must make the best of it. And if the clouds there above in the sky, will let us (here in our town in Germany it is all covered and will be rainy!) we can look at this phenomenal event and wonder. Take care and happy Winter Solstice. 🙏💖🌹
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I couldn’t see a dang thing, Aladin. Too much cloud cover these last few nights. Maybe tomorrow night!😍
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Thank you Pam, for a wonderful, colour-filled winter solstice post – most unexpected. Hope you enjoy the day/night 🙂
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You, too, Cath! 🙏🥰
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A very happy, peaceful, Winter Solstice to you too Pam xo
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For all of us, I hope, Michele. We could use a little solace this season. xo
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