Welcoming the Sun

“One way of celebrating the Solstice is to consider it a sacred time of reflection, release, restoration, and renewal.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach

In the Celtic tradition of the wheel of life, the Summer Solstice, when the sun is at its highest point, is a time when the shadow is more fully revealed (literally and metaphysically) and the Winter Solstice, when the sun is at its lowest point, is a time when the light is more easily seen (literally and metaphysically). Here in the Northeast, we welcomed the sun and the start of summer this weekend. Blessings of the solstice to all.

In the ancient cultures, the child of light (our light) is born of the dark goddess (the winter solstice) and the child of darkness (our shadow) is born from the light goddess (the summer solstice). What I believe these myths and traditions teach me about my nature is that I am both light and shadow; and in the journey to wholeness it is important that I honor and embrace both aspects of my nature.

I have the opportunity to not only engage with my own shadow but with the collective shadow of humanity. To me, that makes it even more urgent that I explore my shadow so I can more readily embody the light. It’s yet another moment in which I can discover my limiting beliefs, thought patterns, judgments or irritations that need to be brought up from the shadow to be released, healed and transformed. And, of course, I always encounter ones I thought I had already healed – a reminder that healing is an iterative process of evolution as I journey through life.

Several years ago, I created a meditation to welcome the sun, to embody it and experience my inner light - the small sun that I am, as are you. On this weekend of the summer solstice I offer it as my gift to you.

With Love,

Cathleen