The word Solstice comes from Latin and literally means "sun stands still". It seems little else stands still at winter anymore: calendars are filled but checkbook balances dwindle along with patience, and peace.
As I looked out our window this morning I saw some trees bending and swaying; dancing in the rhythms of the wind. Five months ago when we moved here these trees were lush with heavy foliage. Had those leaves still been there today the tree would surely have broken under the wetness and stresses. When leaves give up their color and fall, it sometimes seems like a mournful time, but there is a Wisdom and Protection behind these rolling seasonal changes.
Yesterday our house purchase became official and, as a sort of Christmas present, we are now able to begin settling in and feeling planted here. Our leaves are bare but amidst the pressures of the holiday season this is a good thing. Had we been encumbered with other responsibilities and duties our branches would surely have broken by now.
There is a natural quiet and peace in our hearts as our dreams lie dormant and yet so very alive, resting and abiding; listening to the Wind and the Water.
