December 21 2025 Winter Solstice

Today is Winter Solstice and is the longest night and the shortest day.  When you consider that the daylight hours totally disappear in the Northern Hemisphere — that is, the sun does not appear above the horizon at a latitude of 66 degrees 34 North and South, you can understand why the ancestors believed that the sun might never rise again.   A ritual that started in Norse countries is to create a wreath of the evergreen branches to shape a representation of the circle of the seasons and the circle of life. The Yule tree, what we now call the Christmas tree, was erected to represent the Tree of Life, and to show the Gods that we cared and that we asked for blessings or gifts such as the renewal of the Sun rising and setting, and prosperous hunts and good weather. Our world has changed so much.  Now, with the increase of greed and envy, and the constant harming of women and children, our wish for Winter Solstice is to send loving wishes to all.   As an experiment, the next time you are doing an errand, stuck in traffic, or standing in line at the supermarket, instead of being preoccupied with where you’re going or what needs to be done, take a moment to simply send loving wishes to all those around you. Often, there is an immediate and very remarkable shift as we feel more connected and more present.

                                          - Joseph Goldstein, "Triumph of the Heart"

This is a very cool thing to do – try to send loving wishes.  I was very surprised at the response.  Since we are in a great time of shifting in human consciousness, I cannot think of a better way to be a shining example of what I would like each person to be.

Blessings,

Judy

Star Fish - Spirit Animal

 

Picture of purple starfish from www.nefsc.noaa.gov

“There are 2,000 living species of starfish that occur in all the world's oceans, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian as well as in the Arctic and the Southern Ocean (i.e., Antarctic) regions. Starfish occur across a broad depth range from the intertidal to abyssal depths (>6000 m).”  from Wikipedia

When Starfish began to pop up in my meditations and thoughts, I realized that I knew nothing about this fascinating creature, other than it looked “nice”.  It is hard for me to think of it as a fish or an animal because, when we see it, it seems so still.  However, Starfish, like the other animals, shows up when it has a message.

Like the “Star” card in the Tarot decks, Starfish is about vision, hope, success, healing, and creativity.  Each time we look at the stars in the sky, we wish and hope for the best possible outcome for whatever new endeavour that we have started.  Starfish, is the stars in the sky, on the Earth. (As above, so below!)  She tells us that we are on the right path; that we have the correct vision because it corresponds with the vision in the Universe; that we will have joy in the new relationships (business and others) that we are forming; and, finally, that Light illuminates our path.

Starfish is symbolic of all that is great and good with Nature.  She symbolizes the perfection of Oneness by showing us the geometric design that are five perfect little triangles, stuck together. She may look like a slice from a Merkaba, or, she may be representative of the Tree of Life.  Whatever, she is all about optimism.

When Starfish shows up, she steps before us, imitating the “Hollywood Walk of Fame” that salutes the stars of the movies.  Starfish, is gracefully saluting us, and offering her support.  How much better can life be?

Wishing you many blessings,

Judy