There was definitely a full moon . . .
But it was soon surrounded by clouds . . .
We'll see if the eclipse and the Ursids are visible later.
Whether or not, it's still the Solstice. The sun will be inching back to the North and our days will grow longer and, eventually, warmer. The eternal turning . . . the eternal return.
I think of early man, huddled around fire in dank caves, cold and fearful, watching the days grow shorter and colder as the sun spent more and more time below the horizon.
Perhaps they practiced sympathetic magic -- making more fires, brandishing torches, chanting and singing to entice the sun to return, to linger. . .
We in the Northern Hemisphere still do the same with our bright lights and decorations, our holiday music and cheer, seeking to bring light and warmth to this dark season . . . celebrating the eternal return.
May this rare heavenly dance usher in a brighter season for all of Mother Earth's children -- food and shelter, peace and justice -- those would be a nice beginning.
If you couldn't see the eclipse or the meteor shower, you can always have fun with Van Gogh's "Starry Night."
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