Summer Solstice

The calendar along with the radio announced that today is the first day of summer; however, it looks and feels rather like the first day of spring. I'm not sure if we've been spoiled with an entire decade of el nino's that ended in 2009, but this year "2010" feels VERY different. Perhaps this phenomenon signals a segue into the age of Aquarius or the shift of the ages, as I recently heard it called. All I do know is what I feel, and something strange is blowing in the wind.

Today is the longest day of 2010. From this day forward the sun will set earlier and earlier, and rise later and later. The sun will rise at a point further southeast each morning, and set at a point further southwest each evening--traveling a shorter and shorter distance across the sky with each advancing day.

We now have an unobstructed 360 degree view. So tracking the sun, moon, stars, seasons, and weather seems natural. I now understand how astrology as well as mythology might have begun--the sky beckons your attention and teases your imagination. Simply by looking up we have the equivalent of a large screen projection. Points of light move across the night sky in consistent arrangements; the sun and moon rise and set following predictable patterns. Also revealed on a clear night--satellites, shooting stars, the milky way, and occasionally the northern lights.

Welcome back, summer. We look forward to enjoying the gift of light. All is well.