Winter Solstice Weekend at Sunburst

This was an amazing and wonderfully peaceful weekend celebrating deep connection and re-dedication to awakening Spirit within. Friday morning, December 21, marked winter solstice. After morning meditation in the temple, some hearty souls greeted the first rays of the rising sun at Sunburst’s Hopi labyrinth. A warming fire had been built next to the labyrinth before sunrise. It was a beautiful and frosty morning as one walked the labyrinth, while also welcoming the 5th World of Hopi, and a renewal of the Mayan Calendar. The day was punctuated with meditations for world peace.

Winter Solstice evening celebration and ceremony in the temple featured a symbolic walk down the 8 paths and around the 12 virtues. Twinkling candles, crystals and sparkling decorations marked the keyhole pathway. Each celebrant lit a candle to inspire a personal goal, or prayer, at this sacred turning point.

Saturday was a quiet day around the main area, with ongoing meditations in the temple. Lovingly prepared light meals were served. Two yoga classes were offered: yin in the morning, and yang in the afternoon. Evening meditation broke into joyous singing to celebrate the season, our inspiration and all we have to be thankful for.

Of course, the Mayan calendar has now turned a new page on a more awakened world. In 1987, Sunburst celebrated the Harmonic Convergence, which marked the beginning of the end of ignorance regarding the possibility of spiritual consciousness. In my own lifetime, this writer has seen an escalation of humanity’s heart and mind opening to let go of prejudice, increasing tolerance, compassion and love for the rest of humanity and our planet. Current events continue to offer opportunities for such soul growth.

Many souls were inspired to join in Sunday’s service and fellowship. The temple saw its first Christmas celebration and its largest crowd to date. Sunburst’s current spiritual director, Patricia Paulsen led the service. Later in the lodge no one wanted to leave the happy warmth of our gathering, but eventually we all had to go home and prepare for more upcoming holiday celebrations.