Remembering our traditional solstice gatherings, may we soon gather again in person.
A table sits in the middle of the room filled with candles of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and only one of them is lit, for now. The upper room in the Fools’ Court is alive with people who are chatting with one another as they feast on the foods they put on their plate from the long table that was filled with all kinds of delicious delights, some savory and some sweet, that people brought to share. After some time of eating and mingling someone rings a bell to get everyone’s attention and invites us all to gather round the table of candles. Some people stand around the edge of the room while others sit on our eclectic array of chairs, and for some who are more flexible they find a spot on the floor. It is cozy and warm. When everyone is settled, we take a moment to go around the room and introduce ourselves and tell how it is we came to be in this space, in this gathered community of Faithful Fools. Some are here for the first time having been invited by a friend, and others have been around for years. When the introductions are complete we begin our ritual of light. As we gather at this holiday time it is light that connects us all, this beautiful, diverse group of people rooted in different traditions and cultures... Solstice, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas...
We do a simple ritual, inviting people to come forth and light a candle, offering the light for someone or some situation where there is struggle, or giving thanks for someone or something that has brought light into their life. As the candles get lit and the prayers and petitions are offered, you can feel the beauty of the quiet. The flames aren’t only flickering on the lit candles but we all feel them flickering inside of us. We all feel a little brighter and lighter as we see the table in the center of us all aflame with warm light. We all sit quiet for a bit and then we close with a blessing. It is not at all uncommon for someone to suddenly start singing...
This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine....
All around the Tenderloin I’m gonna let it shine...