Darkness in a Time of Light

By Susan Morgaine

This is supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year, is it not? We have the Winter Solstice, the longest night, celebrating the re-birth of the Sun; Christmas, the birth of the Christ child, bringing light into the world; Hanukkah, the Hebrew Festival of Lights, lasting eight nights, celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple, and Kwanzaa, the African American Light Festival lasting for seven nights. celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Ironically, it is the Dark Half of the Year, a time for hunkering down, hibernating, sinking deep into yourself, descending into the Cauldron. It is a time for Descent and Confrontation.

Some of us who honor the Goddess and the Wheel of the Year gladly and willingly take this time for ourselves, facing what needs to be faced. We look forward to the descent, sometimes hungering for it, and coming out on the other end, better for it. We know, while some of the *new age* spiritual world does not, that the Darkness is necessary, that not everything is sunshine, lollipops and rainbow, or in this case, snowpeople, candy canes and presents. The Light penetrates the Darkness, but does not distract from it, and we can enjoy one, while embracing the other.

Then there are those for whom the Light does not penetrate the Darkness at all. They have difficulty going beyond the Descent, because their descent started months ago, barely noticed and when it is noticed, they wonder how they got there. This descent is not embraced willingly. These are the ones who face this time of celebration and frivolity with a forced smile, while inside they feel bereft and empty.

There are those for whom this time of the year is one of sadness, due to loss, emotional imbalances, being away from their loved ones.

For these, the Darkness not only distracts from the Light, it blocks it.

So, at this festive time of the year, while celebrating the Light in all of Her radiance, I will remember those Sisters and others, for whom the Darkness can be all-consuming, those who need the Light in their lives to help them find their way.

May we all be Blessed.