LIfe itself can be viewed many different way, from various perspectives. One of the more common ways to approach life, is viewing it from a cyclical position. I think this quite popular because there are phenomenon that appear to naturally contain the pattern of cyclical activity. An easy example to present is the concept of time, which is used to manage our lives. Whether we want to admit it or not, cyclic events are not only how we perceive time but also how we can manage those events and even more importantly, complete the ever important cycles and lessons our lives present to us.
A popular cyclical celebration are recognized as holidays. The new year celebration is some-thing many look forward to. It's the completion of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. We can learn from the past, and apply those lessons to the future, in an attempt to, hopefully, enjoy the present. The new year can be measured by the gregorian calender, usually is if you're partaking in western culture, but also we can celebrate the completion and birth of the cycle of the Sun, the very force that makes life as we know it possible. For this years past winter solstice I decided to write a bit of a sermon or prayer, so that I could focus on and appreciate the completion and birth of this new cycle. This is nothing new, as traditionally the burning of a log is the centerpiece of this celebration. The ritual gives some-thing for us recognize and hold memory of so that we can always carry these celebratory events as well as the reflection and lessons learned and taught with us, so that we can strive in this life and pass on the knowledge and wisdom to others, so they will enjoy the same fruits.
Without ruining this post by writing too much, I will now just present the prayer that was written to celebrate the death and birth, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Even the darkest night will end with the rising of the sun.
We burn this log which represents many things.
The log itself could mirror the past cycle of the sun, especially, before the flame itself ends.
We will preserve one piece of the log, so that this cycle will not be forgotten and we will continue to learn from it.
That piece will aid in the next ceremony’s beginning, lighting the flame to continue and carry this moment and collect many more.
Within the flame is the extinguishing of past dilemmas, illness, ailments and troubles.
Out of the flame is the birth of a new cycle filled with prosperity, love, and joy.
In some cultures, as long as the flame is alive, servants are relieved of their duties. To continue this tradition, let’s grant ourselves the freedom from our self inflicted servitude. May the shackles of fear, restriction, envy and hate be broken, so that we no longer serve them.
We should not forget this moment and carry the freedom we share with us at all times and reflect the joy of love, will, admiration, and truth!
We can embrace the ritual, as ritual is representative of our life and our struggle.
Lets stand in silence, together, and focus, together, to rid the problems of the past, together, and together summon future prosperity.
However, we must not forget the troubles of the past, but instead embrace the lessons learned in the now, for the future.
Even the darkest night will end, with the rising of the sun.