A Vision for A New Earth

'1st January' photograph by Shugaley Pavel

A Vision for A New Earth

• An Earth where chaos matures into growth and reality is a soul harmony vibrating to Love in synchronicity.
• Knowing through radical trust, silence and stillness that the dark is pierced by the Light, and fear and ignorance transformed into insight, love and wisdom.
• New leaders with spiritual vision unashamedly inspired by a loving connection to all life and a passionate caring for self, humanity and the environment lead the world to an unanimously agreed upon charter of peace.
• Religion is no longer fought over, but honored as expressions of divinity.
• Borders vanish to form one Circle of Light one earth – one vision - one garden – one economy – one humanity.
• Diversity is celebrated within the uniqueness of each individual’s culture, race and heart.
• Generosity and gratitude replace greed, and the desire to accumulate out of fear of scarcity, is replaced by knowing that all is provided for.
• Spirit is acknowledged in the radiance of each person’s being beyond all illusions.
• The creative potential of each person’s abilities unfold into expressions of joyous creations.
• All learning celebrates soul development, character, creativity and imagination.
• Sound, thought, light, feeling and color are understood as
  palettes of creation to manifest reality.
• Love is fostered as the elixir of life and Joy the blueprint for achievement.
• Beauty, compassion and forgiveness weave perception and create connection.
• Infinity is grasped as an awakening into the ever evolving mystery of the Now moment.
• Time is seen as a fractal of Infinity where the Now locates,
  attention focuses and intention directs.
• Nature is Light. Light is the interplay of the dance of particles in the known cosmos of Love. Light is the breath of The Divine.
  In Light, are the codes of all life playing a symphony of Love.
• Love is all there is. As you are in your heart. In Peace. In Love. Know that you are loved beyond measure.
• Know that we are in a New Earth where we all celebrate our magnificence.
• Dream it and it will Be.

~Author Unknown

Amazing photograph and wisdom... thanks for the visions!!!

~Bonnee

Kala - Yann Tiersen

Kala performed by Yann Tiersen, vocals by Liz Fraser

Lovely, light filled and sweet. Takes you on a journey without end, to places and places and places. Flowing, moving. Feels like the journey of the Soul through lifetimes... ever growing, ever experiencing. Just beautiful, thanks Yann and Liz for the moving journey.

Yann Tiersen, Song Kala, Album: Les Retrouvailles (2005), Label: Virgin. Les Retrouvailles includes a DVD with a short film: "La Traversée" directed by Aurélie du Boys. Website: www.yanntiersen.com. I was unable to find the lyrics to Kala.

Yann Tiersen (Guillaume Yann Tiersen) born June 23, 1970 in Brittany, France is an internationally known musician and composer. He is best known for composing the score to Amélie a movie directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. He most often creatively performs utilizing the piano, violin and accordion but also plays the guitar, melodica, xylophone, toy piano, ondes martenot, harpsichord, typewriter and more.

Elizabeth Fraser (Elizabeth Davidson Fraser) born August 29, 1963 in Grangemouth, Scotland is best known as the lead singer for Cocteau Twins'. She has also collaborated with numerous artists including Felt, Dif Juz, Orbital, Ian McCulloch and others. Her website is www.elizabethfraser.com is currently under construction.

~Bonnee

Inspired by Light - 2009 Trend Forcast

'Inspired by Light' photograph by Olivia Jordan

'Inspired by Light' is my name for this amazing photograph. In awe and wonder, outstretched hands hold Light. Grasping sun. Glistening rays circle. Star burst. The Light which illumines...  us. Magnificent reminder Olivia!

 

Economic Trend forecast for 2009?

A snippet of the prediction by Gerald Celente, Editor and Publisher, The Trends Journal, Rhinebeck, New York:

“In 2007, we predicted the Panic of 2008 and that was mostly in the financial areas. Now we're going to see it in the Collapse of 2009 spread beyond financials throughout society. It's underway. It's happening before our eyes. This is a collapse of monumental proportions. Every day the news is filled with one disaster after another. There's nothing, nothing, they can do to stop this - other than a productive capacity and maybe an alternative energy, something along the lines of the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel! (laughs) But it has to be really monumental. We can't do it by printing money.... you can read the full article at: earthfiles.com or see Celente's website Trends Research.

My thoughts...

There certainly is much fear in Celente's prediction. I read the 2008 trend forecast in January 2007. At that time he said based on the financial trends he saw, there would be an Economic 911 and it would start with one really big bank failure and go from there. He was right! In other years he predicted a boom and upsurge... he was in all the media from NBC News to The Wall Street Journal with that prediction. He was right then too. No one really wants to hear bad news.

I think his 2009 prediction is right on based on how it feels right now. There's a boiling undercurrent of frustration and disbelief, moving toward explosive anger. There is massive change in the wind. A revolution of sorts. And it's not about money... none of it ultimately is about the green stuff. The outcome will ultimately be based on what we want... everything is consciousness. So just like we turned the prophesy about Y2K around by shifting our consciousness... we can shift this too.

One very big factor which hasn't been taken into account in all of this is our Divinity and the power of thought and feeling. We are not helpless victims, nor are we the same peoples we were before the Great Depression. We have grown Spiritually... if you doubt that just look to the movie industry for some examples... we've got Spiritual Cinema Circle, The Secret, Celestine Prophesy, Conversations with God and so many more uplifting mind/spirit altering 'Creator films'. Today we are also more telepathic and more of us clearly see that which is untrue or trying to be hidden.

This is a global restructuring effecting all life. The questions arise...  do we want to shift? Do we believe we can? What do we want as an outcome? Which path do we WANT to take? What are appropriate actions? What is the highest good for All That Is? Nothing is ever written in stone. Perhaps this is our next collective test or assignment. We are all Masters... either of Divine Expression or Limitation... acting with Love or reacting from Fear. We hold the answers in our hearts and hands... inspired by Light. What do you choose?

~Bonnee

Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire

'Night Streaker' photo by Howard Edin. Captured from the Okie-Tex Star Party, September 30, 2008

'Night Streaker' is my name for this beautiful... awe filled sight. A fireball streaks by Orion through the night sky. Glorious displays lighting up the skies all over the world. Thank you Beloved Creator, thank you!

 

The American Meteor Society says it has had 45 separate fireballs reported to them so far in 2009. There were 40 fireballs reported during the month of January in 2008. In the last 90 days there have been sightings in: California, Sweden, New Zealand, Middle East, Canada, Africa, Argentina, Vancouver B.C., Colorado, West Virginia, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Ireland, Brazil, China... more.

January 19 - Fireball in Southern California
January 19, 2009 5:33pm PST a brilliant fireball was reported by over 24 people from California, Nevada and Arizona. It was reported to be as bright as the full moon magnitude -13.

 

January 17 - Fireball in Sweden

January 17, 2009 19:09 UT,  a beautiful brilliant blue sky was Creator's gift as a fireball lit the night in Scandinavia. It exploded with a rumbling boom. The photo is from a video. You can see videos, read reports and articles at TV2 ØST or SpaceWeather.com Scandinavian Fireball.

 

My thoughts...

Are there more fireballs? It seems like there are more sightings... but maybe we are just gazing at the sky more... aware... looking... waiting for something. When we see something we gasp in wonder, point and say, 'oh ah... amazing, glorious!' or 'ah oh... doom and gloom!' Are these sightings apocalyptic? Are they signs of the end?

I see them a signs... wonderful signs of change. More of Creator's gifts and blessings. Messages to get our attention... they say, 'Stop for a moment, watch... pause... breathe... Be'. When we are awe filled, in appreciation and wonder we are One... and in that moment we begin to feel and recognize our Oneness.

All of the glorious blessings Creator showers upon us daily are signs of change. Signs of the ending of old ways which no longer work. Like the snake sloughing off of old skin to be renewed or the phoenix being consumed by fire then reborn from its' own ash. Not end as in death or cataclysm... but end of a cycle. Now we are reborn into our full glory and majesty... as we were originally intended to be.

Now is the cycle or yuga of Light... 2,000 years of Peace. Christ has come...  Buddha is here... it is Us... we are That!  The waiting is over... today is 2012... the time we've been waiting for is NOW. It is not about a timeline or calendar date... it is about raising and changing consciousness. We have fully embraced ourselves, climbed the mountain and are standing on the peak saying, 'Who am I? Where am I? What am I?'.

Now we remake ourselves. From this moment... do all with joy. Remake yourself into what you have always dreamed. Create! This is the Grace of NOW!

Be the glorious greatness that you are my friend. Love from the depths of your being ... everything... all. Rejoice!

~Bonnee

Light Beam in Aspen

'Light beam' photo by Thomas O'Brien

'Light beam' is my name for these amazing photographs. A second sun floats just above the tree tops beaming Light to earth. It looks like a being of light floating above and behind the trees. An amazing gift and wonderful display. Images taken in Aspen, Colorado January 3, 2009 by Thomas O'Brien.

Thomas says about the images, 

'I had been seeing small sun reflections in the ground all day when riding the lifts last Sunday so i decided to hike around on the backside of the mountain to see if i could find a brighter one. it was incredibly hard to photograph, it was like i was shooting directly into 2 suns at once. getting a shot without lens flare was nearly impossible. I had seen much dimmer ones before but this one was incredible. '

Atmospheric Optics expert Les Cowley reports, "It is exactly like shooting into two suns at once because it is a subsun, a direct reflection of the sun by millions of ice crystals acting as mirrors. The crystals are flat plates drifting in the cold air. Subsuns can be blindingly bright, look for them while skiing or when flying."

Photo was featured on SpaceWeather.com January 11, 2009.

~Bonnee

Sun orb?

On January 16, 2009 MacGyver took this interesting photo  of sundogs in Chicago, IL. What is that pink ball and arc near the sun? It looks 3 dimensional. Is it a camera flare? Some other mechanical anomaly? Or maybe it's an energy orb?  WOW! You can see a larger version at Weather.com.

 

So many wonderful gifts from Creator. Space Weather has photos of diamond dust ice halos and/or sundogs from 6 different photographers today (January 17, 2009). Plus the Weather Channel featured one on it's home page. Baby it's cold outside!

Chris Haws from Faribault, MN captured another Creator's Wheel (ice halo and sundogs) January 13, 2009. He says, "It was a very cold morning, -20 degrees F, with a fine mist of ice crystals floating in the air," he says. "The sundogs were magnificent, truly almost false suns." Awesome!

Mark D. Marquette from Boones Creek, TN took the photo left of 'Frozen Flora' on January 13, 2009. He says, "A Tuesday morning fog and 21 degree temperatures caused some of the atmosphere to freeze out, as water vapor took icy form in East Tennessee. The Sun burned off the beautiful scene by 11 am--and I sure am grateful I can set my own work hours! I enjoyed capturing this rare sight in Dixie." How beautiful! I've never seen frozen fog before.

~Bonnee

Hanalei Mist

'Hanalei  Mist' photo by Patrick Smith  (Nov. 2008) 

Wow words cannot describe how this photo impacts me. I lived on the North Shore of Kauai, gazed at Hanalei Bay often when I walked. The colors, golden clouds, mists, light sparking on sand and crystal blue ocean take my breath away! Thank you beloved Creator for the enchantment of Kauai... I AM in awe. And thanks to Patrick for sharing this magical capture.

The picture evokes images of Puff the Magic Dragon frolicking in the mists...

"Puff the magic dragon lives by the sea and frolics in the autumn mists in a land called Hanalee." ~From the song 'Puff the Magic Dragon' sung by Peter, Paul and Mary

Patrick says about 'Hanalei Mist':

Clear skies would have been nice to walk under, but the mood would have been gone and the light would have been harsh. Hanalei Bay is a 3-mile long perfect crescent of sand surrounded by the world’s rainiest mountains. Over 500 inches of rain drench nearby Mt. Waialeale every year and about 100 inches fall on this beach. 5 of the 7 famous waterfalls can be seen here.

You can see more of Patricks beautiful images at his website patricksmithphotography.com or flickr.

~Bonnee

'Regal Bow' Double Rainbow

'Regal Bow' Double Rainbow photograph by Dan Bush

'Regal Bow' is my name for this sublime double rainbow which appeared February 2, 2006 in  Elam Bend. Dan Bush of McFall, Missouri took this perfect shot of it. You can see more of his photos and read his photo essay of the event at missouriskies.org

 

Regal Bow

cloudy gray

drenching cold

mists abound

breaking cloud

light rays peek

drops burst

light struck

sparkling colors

become bows

arching sky

magic sparkles

colors sing

blessing... all

regal bow

~Inspired by the photo above.

 

We are being blessed with so many rainbows. Left is a double that formed after winter storms in Lexington, NC taken by Rick Kilian January 7, 2009. You can see more rainbows at weather.com. More blessings from Creator. Thank you, thank you.

~Bonnee

Creator's Majesty

'Creator's Majesty' photo by Ryan Ridge

'Creator's Majesty' is my name for this amazing image. Ryan Ridge added this photograph to flickr January 7, 2009. A rainbow from his front porch near Homer, Alaska. Wow!

 

Creator's Majesty

Snow covered mountains peek through mists.

Light plays on drifting clouds.

Still waters shimmer, cold.

While dark pines guard lakes edge.

Rainbow streaks across the sky

The scene so full of wonder

Body shudders, mind expands

Tears fall on wetted cheek

Creator's Majesty! 

Words do no justice here

Simply awe...

~Inspired by the photo above.

 

You can read about Ryan's life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee

Heart on Fire

'Heart on Fire' photograph by Carlos Gutierrez

'Heart on Fire' is my name for this unbelievable photo. One of the series taken May 2, 2008 when Chile's Chaiten volcano awakened after 9,000 years of slumber. The ash cloud looks like a heart on fire, pierced by light and exploding with love.

The earth... everything, is getting more spectacular, more awesome and more majestic. I don't remember ever seeing so much awe, color, depth or events which WOW. 2008 was truly a year of movement.

 

Heart on fire

Earth trembles

Groans, rumbles

Mountain shakes

Bursting crust

Exploding gasses

Steam and ashes

Fire... lightening

Mother stirs

She awakens

From long slumber

And remembers

Glory bright

Patterns shatter

Heart on fire

Pierced by Light

Love pours forth

From crackling Earth

Mother wakes

with great Delight

~Inspired by the awesome images on this page.

  

Here are two more incredible photographs taken during the eruption by Carlos Gutierrez for UPI. The photo below right is the most famous. It has appeared in National Geographic Magazine and on many webpages. It is considered one of the best photographs taken in 2008. Trying to understand the lightening, the experts say, 'The mingling of lightning and ash as seen above may be a 'dirty thunderstorm'. The little-understood storms may be sparked when rock fragments, ash and ice particles in the plume collide to produce static charges just as ice particles collide to create charge in regular thunderstorms." You can read the full story at National Geographic or see more photographs at UniverSOUL Productions’ Weblog. I couldn't find any more information about Carlos.

~Bonnee

Fire and Ice

'Fire and Ice' photo by Ryan Ridge

'Fire and Ice' is my name for this magnificent photograph taken in Homer, Alaska. Another magical display... unbelievable beauty and majesty. Thank you beloved Creator... I remain in awe! Beautiful capture Ryan.

 

Fire and Ice

Cold black grays

with colorless colors

the night fades

to in between.

Bursting light

pierces clouds

and sweeping rays

brush waters bright.

Dark turns light

with fire and ice

and golden dawn

sets sky alight.

Morning comes

with glory bright

Creator's gift

is our delight.

~Inspired by the beautiful image above.

 

Photo originally called 'Morning Glory' uploaded to flickr October 2008. You can read about Ryan's life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee

Magic Moon

'Magic Moon' photograph by Jonathon Stone

'Magic Moon' is my name for this mystical image. On the night of January 7, 2009 a rainbow appeared around the moon (lunar corona)  in Auburn, Alabama. Jonathon Stone photographed it for us all to enjoy. 

We continue to be given beautiful displays which awe and amaze. Reminders of the sacredness of All That Is! Thank you Beloved Creator, thank you.

 

Magic Moon

Spectral colors encircle Light

With sparkling sisters at upper right

A sight inspired to delight

And trigger memories of our flight

The journey back to Self and Might

By gazing on this awesome sight

This Magic Moon in dark of night

We remember our own Light!

~Inspired by the photo above.

 

Jonathon Stone says,

"It was pretty cool a bright lunar corona appeared as these clouds drifted in front of the Moon. I didn't know the Moon would be so close to the Pleiades--but there they were."

The photograph was featured on the homepage of Space Weather.com on January 8. I was unable to find more information about Jonathon Stone.

~Bonnee

Light Portal, photo by Aigar Truhin

'Light Portal' photograph by Aigar Truhin (Dec. 2008)

'Light Portal' is my name for this amazing photograph taken December 28. A visible portal or columned pathway of White Light in the  night sky above Latvia. And between the columns at the end of the path can you see the face? Is it Christ? Or Buddha? Or God blessing our return?  I am in awe... thank you beloved Creator, thank you for this amazing blessing!

 

Pathways of Light

Pillars of Light

arched walkways

the path is formed

beckoning, remember...

come... come, walk... fly

we await you... come.

Inspired by the amazing photo above.

 

The wonderful photo above was taken by Aigar Truhin in Sigulda, Latvia on  Dec. 28, 2008. You can see more of his photos at flickr.com.

Aigar says of the image:

Last night air in the Sigulda was very cold and filled with small ice crystals, when we see bright Light Pillars in the sky. My son say: I know, The Aliens are coming!

Space Weather featured one of Truhin's photos on their home page January 2 & 3, 2009.  With the following explanation...

MYSTERY PILLARS: "Truhin's pillars, however, are not the ordinary kind. Even two leading experts in atmospheric optics can't quite figure them out: "These pillars are mysterious," say Les Cowley and Marko Riikonen. "They have unexplained curved tops and even curved arcs coming from their base. Arcs in rare displays like these could be from column crystals to give parts of tangent arcs, others could be the enigmatic Moilanan arc or even the recently discovered reflected Parry arc. We do not know – so take more photos on cold nights!"

~Bonnee

Nocturne, Secret Garden - Happy New Year!

Nocturne performed by Secret Garden, music video

A lovely song and music video filled with magic, love and longing. Simply beautiful! Wonderful music, haunting song, perfect vocals. Fabulous!

Band: Secret Garden, Song: Nocturne, Album: Songs From Secret Garden (1995). Nocturne won the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest. Lyrics in Norwegian by Petter Skavlan.

Secret Garden was formed when Rolf Løvland and Fionnuala Sherry met at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. Their mostly instrumental music is a combination of Celtic and Norwegian impressions. The vocals in 'Nocturne' are sung by Gunnhild Tvinnereim.

Sherry says, "The secret garden refers to a personal intimate musical idea and something natural and organic, something that comes from the heart. It's a place within all of us where we need to go to find balance and peace of mind and listen to the inner voice of our hearts."

 

God's Lovers

Standing, ever embracing

The lovers watch as sun sets.

Seasons pass... years... millennia...

And yet, there's only Now

For the lovers love, eternal.

~Inspired by this beautiful image

The lovely photo above of Lover's Rock Sunset, Sedona, AZ was taken  by Light. As we drove down the mountain from Flagstaff on I-17 I would always comment about the lovers watching the setting sun. One day he pulled over and took this amazing photo for me. Thanks Light!

Happy New Year, may all good things come to you!

 

Secret Garden - Rolf Løvland composer, producer, keyboardist was born April 19, 1955 in Kristiansand, Norway.  He studied at the Music Conservatory in Kristiansand and at the Norwegian Institute of Music in Oslo. Fionnuala Sherry violinist, born in Naas, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland. She graduated with honors from Trinity College in Dublin, and the College of Music. You can read news, listen to more music and buy CDs at their website www.secretgarden.no.

Light Traveler (August 1946 - July 2003)  photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler's gallery.

~Bonnee

12/28 Ave Maria - Sumi Jo

'Ave Maria' Caccini sung by Sumi Jo

Sweet, clear, magnificent performance. I can feel her heart as she sings praise and worship to Divine Mother - Mary... Ave Maria. Glorious!

Sumi Jo, Song: Ave Maria, Album: Prayers (2001), Label: Erato (Warner Classic), Video: Warner. Composed by: Giulio Caccini. Giulio Caccini born Oct 8, 1551 in Tivoli, Italy died Dec 10, 1618 in Florence, Italy composed the music for Ave Maria around the end of the 16th century. You can read more about him at allmusic.com.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family, a Roman Catholic celebration dedicated to the family of Jesus Christ and love they had for one another.

A Gift...

God painted pearlized rainbows in the sky. They danced with fire and with light. And although dark, they lit the night with this beautiful delight.

thank you Beloved God!

The stunning photo above of nacreous clouds was taken by James Guy, Oslo, Norway in Vigelands park (January 2008). You can see more of his beautiful photos at flickr.com.

Have a delightful day and a great New Year!

 

Sumi Jo born November 22, 1962 in Seoul, Korea is a lyric coloratura soprano. She started her studies of music at the age of 4 with piano lessons; adding voice at 6. Often she would spend eight hours a day practicing. In 1971 she enrolled at Sun Hwa Arts School majoring in piano and voice. Upon graduation she continued her musical studies at Seoul National University. While attending SNU she made her professional debut in several concerts at Korean Broadcasting System. Sumi Jo has 42 albums and many awards you can learn more at her official website josumi.com.   

~Bonnee

12/27 Ding Dong Merrily On High

'Ding Dong Merrily On High' performed by Celtic Woman

Happy, joyous and celebratory. A wonderful rendition with a Celtic feel. Glorious!

Celtic Woman, Song: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Album: A Christmas Celebration (2006), Label: Manhattan Records. Performed live at A Christmas Celebration 2007 in Helix Center in Dublin, Ireland aired on PBS. Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1848-1934, Music: Brane de l'Official, from Thoinot Arbeau's Orchesographie, (1588).

Today at 7:23 am EST is New Moon

Ding Dong Merrily On High was originally a dance tune that evolved to a carol. The the sixteenth century music was found in Piae Cantiones  a collection of Finnish tunes. Woodward rehabilitated the tune with 'Victorian era' words in Latin and English. You can read more at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

The photo above right I call 'God's Holiday Decorations'.

The cold night sky, dotted with stars... snow covered evergreen... illuminated.

Majestic. Thank you again beloved Creator for your beauty...  de-light-full. The photograph was taken by Ragnar & Einar Johnskås. You can see more of their great work at auroraborealis.vika.no.

 Have a delightful Holiday. May you ring in the New Year with Joy, Peace and Wonder. 

 

Celtic Woman was created by David Downes and Dave Kavanagh in 2004 and is composed of vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe and fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. Since their formation the group has enjoyed overwhelming success. They have released 4 albums to date, toured worldwide and done numerous TV specials. Their CD  'A New Journey' was number 1 on the world Music Charts for 95 consecutive weeks. You can read more about them at their official website celticwoman.com.

~Bonnee

12/22 Ha Nerot, Happy Hannukah

Ha Nerot sung by Chava Rachel Saban

Happy and filled with Light, a wonderful tribute to Hannukah.  Enjoy the Holy Lights of the menhora dancing to this joyful song!

Chava Rachel Saban, Song: Ha Nerot, album: Don't Give Up (2008), video by: Daniel Jacob Pearson

Ha-nerot hallalu  is an ancient chant mentioned in the Talmud (Soferim 20:6), which is a reminder of the sacred nature of the Hannukah lights. It is said after the candles are lit. Photo from history.com.

Hannukah (Heb. Judaism, Dedication) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It honors the victory of Judah the Maccabee, religious freedom and the 'miracle of holy oil' and celebrates the power of God. Hannukah begins at sundown the previous day and lasts for 8 days. This year it is celebrated 12/22 to 12/29.

Happy Hannukah! May your life be filled with miracles everyday.

 

Chava Rachel Saban says about herself,

"I was a junior in Yale college, pursuing a literature degree along with a musical career as a classical violinist, when a wheel flew off the car i was driving. the car flipped, i was knocked unconscious, and had my first spiritual awakening. i clearly experienced the next world, and felt the presence of a friend who had passed away. i heard a heavenly sound; the sound of myself playing the violin. it was the sweetest sound in the world. i began to realize that this sound was inside of me, the song of my soul. i began to realize that i had a soul. I began to sing in order to heal myself."

I wasn't able to find much about Chava Rachel Saban. Her webpage wasn't loading this morning 12/22. I linked her name to it in hopes it works again soon.

~Bonnee

12/21 'The Light', Winter Solstice

 

'The Light', Winter Solstice at New Grange, County Meath, Ireland photograph by Alan Betson

Only on Winter Solstice each year will the sunrise create this beautiful warm glow in the depths of the chamber at New Grange. In complete darkness (the womb or void) one sits in quiet contemplation until the sun's first rays bring the renewal of sweet light and life.  A reminder of the all the blessing it brings for another season. The photo looks a bit like 'light at the end of a tunnel', or 'a star at the top of an evergreen tree'. Spectacular!

Message... the Light increases multifold this day. Open to receive the blessings which are pouring forth. Come to me I await you. Let us dance in joy and celebrate the Glory and Majesty of God. Be of good cheer for it comes. Rejoice!

 

Celebration abounds...

12/21 - Winter begins, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Winter Solstice (12:04 am UTC).

Yule, Pagan and Wiccan holiday which ushers in the return of Light. It celebrates the return of the Sun God. It is a time of enlightenment, when light is reborn in the womb of darkness to begin another cycle.

The lighting of the Yule log (usually oak or pine), is a traditional custom for the Holiday. It symbolizes and honors the Sun God. Some of the log is kept to begin next years yule fire.
During Yule homes are decorated with fresh evergreens, holly, ivy and mistletoe commemorating the coming of light and life. Fresh greenery in winter is seen as a magical tool of growth. Yule is a reminder that the ultimate product of death is rebirth. The celebrations include much laughter, singing, dancing and feasting.

The painting above left is called 'Winter Solstice Fire Lord' by Steven Lucas (2008). Amazing, powerful image. I hear him say "Come within, warm self and dance with me... renew." Magnificent! You can read Steven's blog or see more of his works at fineartamerica.com.

 

12/21 to 12/25 - Pancha Ganapati, Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha the Five-Faced Maha Ganapati - Lord of Categories. The celebration is five days of festivities, feasts charity and gift-giving.  Daily chants, songs and bhajanas are sung and trays of sweets, fruits and incense are offered. After the daily puja, sweets are shared. Gifts are given to the children each day, who put them before Pancha Ganapati, all are saved to open on the the last day. The festival is centered on restoring peace, love, harmony and bringing joy and happiness. Image is Lord Ganesha. More at hinduismtoday.com.

 

12/21 to 12/29 - Chanukah the Festival of Lights, eight-day Jewish festival that begins on the eve of Kislev 25, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality. The menorha (a nine-branched candelabra) is lit nightly, starting with a single flame plus the shamash on the first night. Two on the second and so on until all eight lights plus the shamash are kindled. The holiday traditions include eating foods fried in oil, such as  latkes (potato pancakes), dreidel games and "gelt," gifts of money. Image is a menorha. More at chabad.org.

 

12/21 to 1/9 - Soyala New Year Festival, Hopi, Pueblo and Zuni American Indian tribes consider this a time of purification and renewal. The Soyala symbolizes the second phase of Creation at the dawn of life. One of the most sacred celebrations which honors the beginning of a new cycle. Activities take place in the kiva and include reverent silence, fasting, humility and eating of sacred foods to achieve spiritual focus.  Prayer feathers are prepared and placed in homes, villages and in shrine sites around the ancestral homeland. Picture is of the Hopi Soyal Kachina who comes in December. More brownielocks.com.

May the Light renew you and yours on this sacred day. Happy Holidays!

 

The photo of the 2003 Winter Solstice sunrise at New Grange, Ireland is by Alan Betson, from Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland. The photo was printed on the front page of The Irish Times newspaper on the 22nd December 2003. You can find out more about Alan at gaelicweb.com.

There is a webcast of the 2007 Winter Solstice sunrise at New Grange, Ireland available at newgrange.com.

~Bonnee

12/14 Orion Moonbow

'Orion Moonbow' photograph by Jimmy Westlake

Was looking at pictures of the full moon at SpaceWeather.com and came across an image of a moon halo taken 12/11/08 by Jimmy Westlake, Stagecoach, Colorado. As I was gazing at it I noticed not only a beautiful rainbow halo and Orion, but also a faint red cross. How cool! Wanted to see what was there so saturated it in Photoshop. The image above is the result. Wow, wow, wow! Thank you beloved Creator for your beauty and magnificence. I am humbly in awe.

The night this photo was shot was the beginning of the celebration of the Mother, Virgin Guadalupe in Mexico.

A message... all is perfect, balanced and complete. Divine Union is now... embrace... oneness. A cycle has ended, renewal begun. Goddess and God embrace, merge. Love pours forth with great abundance. Open heart and receive.

As I write Raven called 3 times 3, flying by the window. Raven is the sacred bringer of magic who ushers in consciousness change. 9 is completion. Has been a day of much communication.

Jimmy Westlake says about his photo,

"Wow! This was one of the most vivid lunar halos I've ever seen! Seeing Orion with a colorful rainbow arching through him was surreal."

Surreal indeed! You can see the original photo and a couple more at SpaceWeather.com.

The scientific explanation from Curious About Astronomy:

Halos are caused by the light of the sun or moon passing through a very thin layer of cirruform (ice-crystal) clouds in the upper atmosphere. The ice crystals refract the light of the moon, similar to the way water droplets in the lower atmosphere can refract sunlight to produce a rainbow. Just like a rainbow, strong halos can have bands of color in them, due to slightly different refractive properties of the ice crystals for different colors. Essentially, halos ARE rainbows caused by primary refraction in ice crystals.

Symbolism contained in the photo - (from An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols by J.C. Cooper):

• A circle with a dot - in the center depicts a complete cycle and cyclic perfection. The resolution of all possibilities in existence. In Astrology it portrays the sun. In Alchemy it is the sun and gold. It is also a symbol of all sun gods. In Taoism A circle with a point at the center represents the supreme power, the Tao.
• A circle enclosing a cross - is the Cosmic Solar Wheel 'the vivifying principle that animates the universe'. The solar wheel is always a symbol of good fortune and of change. Cross in a circle - Solar mobility, the wheel of change. The wheel of fortune.
• Equal arm cross - a universal symbol, the cosmic symbol par excellence. It is a world center and therefor a point of communication between heaven and earth, a cosmic axis. It is dualism in nature and the union of opposites. It represents Spiritual Union and the integration of man's soul in all aspects necessary to full life.
• Color - Symbolizes the differentiated, the manifest. Diversity. The affirmation of Light. Light and dark colors used in contrast symbolize the materialization of light. God, as light, is the source of color. Color Red - The zenith of color. Represents the sun and all war gods. It is the masculine, active principle, fire, the sun, royalty, love, joy festivity, passion, energy, health, strength. Red denotes supernatural powers, sacredness or solar power. Rainbow - Transfiguration. Heavenly glory. Different states of consciousness. The meeting of Heaven and Earth. Paradise. 
• Moon - Usually represents the feminine power, the Mother Goddess, Queen of Heaven. Symbolic of the rhythm of cyclic time, universal becoming. Full moon is enlightenment. Light in darkness. Inner Knowledge. The moon is the abode of  Archangel Gabriel.

Hope your day is amazing and awe filled. Happy Holidays!

 

Jimmy Westlake, M.S. Astronomy, Louisiana State University; B.S., Astronomy and Physics, Valdosta State University; BS, Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage; 15 years instructor and director of Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College; award winning astro-photographer.You can see more of J.R. Westlake's Astrophotos at jrwestlake.com.

~Bonnee

12/13 White Christmas, Crosby and Reynolds

'White Christmas' Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds

Lovely, sweet and beautiful song. A walk down memory lane, when winter included horse-drawn sleigh rides and Christmas Holidays were filled with singing carols by the fire.

Artists: Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds, song:' White Christmas', movie: Holiday Inn (1942) Paramount Pictures, Songwriter: Irving Berlin.

Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy of Syracuse, (Spanish: Santa Lucia) was a young Roman Christian woman who refused to marry because she wanted to dedicate her life to God. Her rejected bridegroom betrayed her and she was put to death by the Roman Emperor, Diocletian.  She is the patron saint of the blind. The root of Lucia is luc or lux, Latin for light. You can find out more about Saint Lucy at Saints & Angels.

Christian Missionaries traveled to Scandinavia telling stories of Saint Lucy's courage; she became known as Lucia Bride. The elders often tell stories of how Lucia Bride, dressed in white with a crown of 'light' ,would bring food and drink to the poor. She is seen as the 'Light bearer' in times of darkness.

 

Santa Lucia Day or Luciadagen is celebrated December 13 in Scandinavia. The story of Saint Lucia is reenacted in many Swedish homes with the eldest daughter becoming Lucia Bride dressing in white with a crown of candles. Early in the morning she will bring her parents sweet saffron buns and coffee. Lucia celebrations are often held at the workplace and school. They have a procession with a Lucia, attendants, and starmen with pointed hats, caroling and sharing of saffron cake, ginger biscuits and drinks. One of the popular carols sung is 'White Christmas'.

Saint Lucia is also honored in Italy where many Christians celebrate with bonfires and torchlight parades.

Happy Santa Lucia Day! Have a wonderful day filled with Light.

 

The lovely painting above left is called The Martyrdom of St. Lucy by Domenico Veneziano (circa 1445-48). It is one of the predelas (side panels) of Santa Lucia del Magnoli Altarpiece in Berlin, Germany that was split into separate panels. Domenico, de Bartolomeo di Venezia (c. 1405/10 – 1461) born in Venice, lived most of his life in Florence, Italy. An early Renaissance painter who studied with Gentile da Fabriano in 1422-23. He was one of the founders of the 15th-century Florentine school of painting.

The photo above right 'a young girl dressed as Saint Lucia' is from the short film 'Santa Lucia' by Elsa Entertainment. You can see more at elsaentertainment.com.

~Bonnee