On This Summer Solstice, A Proclamation of the Power of Fire

In celebration of the Summer Solstice today, I share an excerpt from the book, The Circle of Life: The Heart's Journey Through the Seasons by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr. In this particular excerpt, the power of fire, both physical and spiritual, is proclaimed and celebrated. Enjoy! . . . And Happy Summer Solstice!

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We proclaim that the lights of the cosmos unite all people on the planet in a great oneness. As the fiery stars, the intense sun, and the reflective moonlight shine on us, so they bathe each one who dwells on this beautiful sphere of life with a great illuminating energy.

We proclaim that there is an unquenchable fire shining within each person, a light that is strong, deep, and enduring. It is the vigilant fire in the hearth of the soul, maintaining hope and truth amid life's many ups and downs.

We proclaim that the fire of those who have gone before us has never left this earth. We are heartened by the truth that their sacred fire has become an eternal light that leads us on, a fire continually blessing us, encouraging us, affirming us to live our life to the fullest for our own benefit as well as for the good of all humankind.

We proclaim that the fire within cannot be contained. It seeks to move out, to permeate, to enter into every place that lacks passion and vitality. When the inmost self is opened with love, trust, and confidence, an energizing and healing light shines forth to fill the corners of the world.

We proclaim that there is a divine fire within us that is immeasurably loving, inconceivably caring, consistently non-judgmental, and enormously passionate. This light will never give up on us. It will cherish us into eternity.

We proclaim that the light within us is beautiful, precious, and wild. We urge everyone to do all they can to tend this fire, to care for it with courage and kindness. Let the inner light shine forth radiantly so all will benefit from the power of this immense warmth and goodness.

– Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr
Excerpted from The Circle of Life:
The Heart's Journey Through the Seasons
(Sorin Books, 2005)

Related Off-site Links:

Summer Solstice 2020: Sensual Traditions on the Longest Day of the Year – Daisy Carrington and Forrest Brown (CNN, June 19, 2020).
Rare ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse Will Coincide With Summer Solstice 2020 – Laura Italiano (New York Post, June 19, 2020).
Summer Solstice 2020: How Midsummer Is Celebrated Around the World – Sophia Waterfield (Newsweek, June 20, 2020).
A Summer Blessing – The Leveret (June 21, 2019).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• The Light Within
• A Summer Solstice Reflection
• Photo of the Day – Adnan in Morning Light
• Celebrating the Summer Solstice
• In Summer Light
• Summer Blooms
• Summer Boy
• The Source Is Within You

Photography: Michael J. Bayly.