On this  solstice,

marking the beginning of winter

with

the longest night,

the shortest day,

may you draw blessings and strengths from this season,

a winter like no other

after a spring, summer and fall

like no other,

a solstice unlike any since 

the 13th century,

when Jupiter and Saturn

last appeared so close together in the sky

as to be One 

Brilliant Shining.

even as we carry with us into this season

our losses, our grieving,

our numbness,

our fed-upness,

these planets invite us 

to marry beneficence and expansiveness 

with  soundness, integrity 

and nuanced discernment.

a season for introspection,

for restoring body and spirit,

and for savoring 

friendship,

quiet,

nourishment, 

generosity,

for seeing ourselves

among the sheer beauty of nature’s forms,

stripped as we are of all finery,

for attending to

the still small voice within,

the warmth of heart,

hands outstretched.