The Coming Solstice

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Psalm 84:3

The snow is really falling, since I began typing I’ve seen an inch of snow added to the railing outside.  Solstice is just a few days away. Its hard to believe that the darkness has already advanced this far.  In just a little bit the days will begin growing longer again opening up to spring.  This year I plan to mark a place in the woods on my land with a circle or an earth alter.  I intend to have a sacred space set aside for reflection and a place to celebrate the changing of the seasons. 

I will unfortunately be in Austin on the Solstice.  The idea of returning there is very difficult to stomach.  I made my peace with the land last May, and thanked it for the time it supported me, but let it know that I had moved on and that my home was now elsewhere.  After this trip I hope it will be a long time before I have to return.  It will be nice to see so many of the people that have supported me and the other victim’s through out this ordeal, but knowing that my parents are so close physically but so far away emotionally, will be trying.  Austin is so small in a way too, there is always a fear that you may run into someone from the cult. When the girls were leaving there after they pressed charges they nearly bumped into the Treasurer and chief financial supporter of the cult as they walked through the airport.  But the fears will be countered by the handful of people who have gone out of their way to support us.  These few people are so amazing.  They were willing to face some very difficult realities and didn’t just walk away from the group, but united in a front to help bring justice to the victims of this groups spiritual and moral fraud. Hooray for those that have courage!

Anyhow, perhaps while in Austin on the Solstice I can recognize it as way to put so much of the pain and struggle behind me and prepare for the gestation and birth of a new era for myself, my friends, and my remaining and adopted family.

Out side a troup of Dark-Eyed Juncos has landed in the Platter Magnolia branches.  They are chirping and rustling up little piles of snow as they land.  I guess they came down out of the mountains to try and get a respite from the cold weather.   They are called snowbirds, I guess because one often only sees them when the snow is falling.  I tossed them a pile of corn bread crumbs that quickly settled into the snow.  I hope they find it.  Its cold outside and the flurries continue.