The time of darkness is past. . . . The winter solstice brings the victory of light. . . . After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. . . . The movement is natural, arising spontaneously. For this reason, the transformation of the old becomes easy. . . .The idea of RETURN is based on the course of nature. The movement is cyclical, and the course completes itself. Therefore, it is not necessary to hasten anything artificially. Everything comes of itself at the appointed time. This is the meaning of heaven and earth. . . .
The winter solstice has always been celebrated in China as the resting time of the year. . . . In winter, the life energy is still underground. Movement is just at its beginning; therefore it must be strengthened by rest, so that it will not be dissipated by being used prematurely. . . . The return of health and vibrancy after illness, the return of understanding after estrangement: everything must be treated tenderly and with care at the beginning, so that the return may lead to a flowering.
I Ching - (Hexagram 24, Fu (The Return or Turning Point)
For a wealth of Yuletide lore and traditions and much happy reading, visit my friend Waverly Fitzgerald at the School of the Seasons, and be sure to browse through Theresa Ruano's magnificent Candlegrove. Visit Dr. Kathleen Jenks at Mything Links too.
1 comment:
Good morning kerrdelune,
This is a useful insight for me. I've never thought of the dissonance between our linear way of thought in the West, and they cyclical path of Nature. That's a beautiful photograph. Bless your eyes.
PS: Thank you for the links, I know you always select them carefully. I'm at work, so I'll click them when I get home tonight.
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