The Darkest Night

[photo from LPI Earth and Space Science Newsletter]

In a few minutes from now, it will officially be Winter - The Winter Solstice.

This is the day in the seasonal calendar when the day is the shortest and the night is the longest.

It's one of my most happy days because now we head back towards the light.

You see, since the Summer Solstice, the days have been getting shorter and shorter - pretty un-noticable until you reach that day in late Summer when you begin to feel the change.  Soon we are marching steadily towards the dark until we come to today - the first day of Winter.

From here on out, it's light light light!  Each day will begin to get longer as we move through Winter and into Spring.  This was a time for celebrating in ancient times - and I agree wholeheartedly.

So what can you celebrate today - right now?  Not just the Holy-Days and New Year but life in general?  This is a great time to reflect on the past 12 months - how did you spend them?  Did they serve you well?  Did you serve them well? 

What are your plans for the next 12 months?  How do you plan to welcome back the light?

Me, I've lit candles and made a lovely dinner.  I've put on some soft music and I plan to spend my evening relaxing and reflecting and setting my intentions for a 2007 that's prosperous and abundant in every way.

I wish you the same!

Corzine Signs Gay Civil Unions Law in New Jersey

Finally another state, New Jersey, is recognizing partnerships of gay couples - now it's not considered marriage, mind you - God forbid the religious right get their pants in a snit over that - they are calling it a civil union - but this does allow gay couples in New Jersey to enjoy some of the rights of married couples:  adoption, hospital visitation rights, inheritance, and medical decision-making. 

It's not perfect yet it's definitely a step forward for the gay community.  No, it doesn't flow through into the Federal level, but it is a start.

Watching the opponents rant and rave about this on the news I wondered what they are so darn afraid of?  They claim calling these partnerships "marriage" will soil the institution of "marriage" - heck, I know plenty of straight relationships who are soiling the institution of marriage pretty well so what's the rant all about?  You have the cheaters, the beaters, the marriage repeaters - I just don't get it.  And I guess I never will (and wonder if I even want to). 

Anyway, to all my gay friends living in New Jersey - congratulations!   You now have rights that I, as a straight woman, have taken for granted all my life.  I am thrilled for you and continue to support the efforts to move even more into the future where gay partnerships will fully be considered marriage.