Solstice Reflections: Jo-Anne Guimond

Solstice Reflections 2011 is an online gathering of reflections by seven lovely women on the spirit of winter and the migration from darkness to light. My hope is that this may offer you a momentary respite from a sometimes hectic season, allowing you to sit with your own reflections as you enter your personal winter. Click here for all posts to date.

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I am thrilled to be included in this virtual gathering and humbled to be in the company of these wonderful women…

  the winter solstice.

an invitation

to cross the threshold from Darkness

to Light.

the winter solstice.

reminding us

that the potential lies within each of us

that the creative power

flows out of the Silence and the Darkness

leading us to a place of Joy and Peace.

the winter solstice.

an invitation to trust the Darkness

while readying ourselves

to be the Light.

-jag

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JO-ANNE GUIMOND (a.k.a. jag) has lived in Ottawa for over 25 years.  Originally from New Brunswick, she often relies on her camera to help her take a step back from the busy-ness of Life and provide her with the simple focus of her Acadian roots.  An amateur photographer through n’ through, she strives to see the extra in the ordinary and is especially drawn to the integration of words & image and, what she calls, “messages from the Universe”.  Jo-Anne has recently challenged herself by embarking on a 365 photo journey and – although she has come close to quitting more than once – she is bound & determined to make it to the finish line! You can see the path she had travelled thus far at journey 365:: 2011.

Solstice Reflections: Welcome

Winter came down to our home one night

Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow;

And we, we were children once again.

~ Bill Morgan, Jr.

.:.

I've always liked images of winter. They soothe me, calling me to slow down and take stock.

The expansive white landscape gives me space to breathe, a snow-laden canopy of trees offers shelter, moon diamonds on the snow fill me with magic.

December and the Winter Solstice hold a special place in my heart. They remind me to focus on the cozy, hearth and home. They draw me inward, allowing me to hunker and rest before the new year ushers me into action and renewal.

warmth in a wool blanket

It's why I've chosen to highlight the official arrival of winter in the past and why I choose to highlight it again here, now, with the help of other kindred spirits.

During the next three weeks leading up to December 22nd I will offer guest posts from seven lovely women to help welcome winter, its rituals and its transformations - each woman interpreting the subject through the medium of her choice.

I am warmed and humbled by the contributions I've seen, by the pieces of themselves these women have chosen to share with me and with you. Please join me in honouring them?

And while you're at it, my hope is that this space may offer you a momentary respite from a sometimes hectic season, allowing you to sit with your own reflections as you enter your personal winter.

A momentary space to be.

Wishing you warmth and peace,

Stephanie

Solstice Reflections: December 1 - 21

Seven lovely women helping me welcome winter, its spirit, its rituals, offering their interpretation of the season and its transformations.

A series of reflections on the Winter Solstice, starting this Thursday, December 1st.

Join us?