Connecting Light to Human Existence
On the weekend of Winter Solstice, the community was invited to make paper lanterns together. The practice of ritual in community is vital to marking and giving homage to nature’s changing patterns.
On Winter Solstice, the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day of light with the longing night of darkness. This pivotal day points to the promise of warmth and light in the days ahead.
Light symbolically can help us discover our own patterns and insight. For Carl Jung stated, “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”
On this day, community embraced begin together. They gathered, talked, shared and inspired one another. In just an hour or two, the handmade lanterns magnified a felt energy. At the close of making, everyone chose to leave their paper lanterns for the Christmas Eve service.
During service, the paper lanterns were seen and witnessed. The light of this gathering was brought outside as paper lanterns, placed outside the doors, adorning the sanctuary steps. With ritual embraced, a gathering of souls present and away were rekindled, bringing light out into the world.
If you’re seeking change and a desire for ritual, you’re welcome to reach out for a free consult.
You can also learn more about the work I do on the Meet Andrea page.
Sending you the light,
Andrea Sutrick, ATR-BC, LMHC