Solstice: Earth Renewal Moon

The drum set the pace with a slow, steady beat while we walked in a single line and took our place next to one of the twelve moons that made up part of the outer circle in the medicine wheel. The 7 stones making up the inner circle were dark. The fire had not yet been lit.

The center stone in the medicine wheel represents the Creator and creation. In this case, the firepit would soon burn brightly to remind us of creation, death and rebirth of all things.

Solstice is a time to go within and reflect on all of our blessings. We learn gratitude for the challenges and release what is holding us back from creating a whole life.

Today begins a new moon on the medicine wheel, the Earth Renewal Moon. From her we learn to receive what the universe is giving us. We also learn that what we receive is a gift for sharing with others.

The totems representing this moon are Snow Goose, Quartz, Birch and the Color is White. The elemental influence comes from the Turtle clan. I could go in depth about what each of these represents, however, I'm drawn to Quartz and Birch at the moment.

I recall many lessons taught to me by my grandfather while he and I walked in the woods; he sharing stories while pointing to the birch trees telling me to be careful what I said around them because they never forgot and hold our ancient knowledge deep within them. From him, I learned about so many trees and other plants I would later come to respect and develop relationships with.

Quartz - specifically Rose Quartz, speaks of love and opening your heart to whatever the universe has to offer.I've learned to let go and now the universe is showing me a brand new world; full of creation and love.

After we sat quietly listening to the drum and reflecting, I began singing a song about a new journey. When I finished, I lit the fire in the pit. There were twelve small votive candles placed in a circle surrounding the inner spoke. We each picked a candle up. Taking a stick from the fire, I lit my candle. I turned to the person next to me and lit his candle, telling him I share my light from within so that it may shine without; may he do the same. This continued until all of the candles were lit. We ended the ceremony with song and dance, followed with food and drink.

Wishing you all an abundance of light, love, joy, and creation in the new year!