Solstice: Yes, and...

Reflections on the places the Light and Dark meet...

Summer solstice is almost upon us.

A lot of people love this celebration.

I do not.

My mind focuses on the fact it means it’s getting incrementally darker every day again.

Though, as I write this it makes me smile cuz I love the dark as much as the light.

The dark is where the magic is born.

The dark is where everything is formed.

The dark is where anything is possible.

The dark is where I can hide.

I have had some phenomenal experiences on summer solstice. Painted skies and union with God and ceremonial times.

I would not change them.

And yet…

Perhaps I’m made for equinoxes and not solstices.

The equinoxes are quieter. They don’t get as much attention.

Perhaps that’s also why I am drawn to them more; I never like full attention.

Perhaps I like the balance.

Perhaps I like the equality.

Perhaps I like the gentleness.

I always think I love the extremes.

Sometimes that can be too much.

Sometimes full frontal light can feel too exposing, too confronting.

Sometimes I don’t want to be full colour, self-championing, glory to the sun.

Sometimes I need softer things.

Sometimes I need more time.

Sometimes I need evenness, and rhythm and equanimity.

So I will remember:

Even in the lightest places this solstice, the sun will still go down and rise again.

The dark will return.

The mystery is still there.

The Unknown still sings Her song over us, even whilst we dance around the midsummer maypole.

Always both.

Always yes, and.