As ancient as the traditions may be, fixing sabbath celebrations to a calendar date is really not nature’s way. Our tribal ancestors, after all, didn’t know it was “June 21st” for the summer solstice … they watched the sun and made their plans according to his edict. Likewise with other details of worship and celebration. Just one example: While doing ritual, not that I do so often , I always felt the need to adjust the standard symbolism of the directions because my East and West felt “backwards” … the wind comes from the West at my home, and there is water to the East.

The traditions were created to celebrate the earth … and while traditions are important, and keep us connected to our ancestral roots, is it more important to follow them to the letter, or listen to the heartbeat of the most ancient ancestor of all … the earth herself?

The cycles have changed. Whether by natural design or pattern, or due to man’s selfish and greedy design, they have changed.

How does the old saying go? That which does not adapt, dies?

Well … just the ramble of an addled old mind, in response to your very thoughtful post, my friend.

Thinking back, I’m honestly surprised at how little I remember of it. It wasn’t all that long ago, was it? I remember, mostly, ornate furnishings, astounding works of art, and feeling I was wandering through a palace … which, I suppose, it is, though it rather makes us squirm to think of it that way.

The details, though, escape me, and that fact troubles me greatly.

I remember that, as lovely as the gardens were, the air still smelled like Washington DC.

I do remember that Ron and Nancy weren’t at home.

More vividly, I remember autumn of 1978, and spending several weeks with the same dear friend (before she began dating her future husband). She worked for the Treasury Department at the time, and I would ride in to D.C. with her in the mornings, and spend the days wandering the city. I’d eat lunch on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, spend entire afternoons meandering the Smithsonian (and never did see it all). After a week I was giving tourists directions and taking their pictures for them to bring home to Germany or Japan or Peoria.

Did you know there’s an Aquarium in Washington DC? Very cool.

The Past / Present / Future three card spread was also a favorite.

I haven’t tried the Horse Shoe … and think I will! (If I can get someone to bring my cards up here for me, I’m still living at my Dad’s house ). I like the sound of it, though I think that all of my cards will try to cluster into the “something unexpected” spot, the way life’s been running lately!

Thanks for a great post, and I totally agree. The Celtic Cross confused the bugger out of me for the longest time!

Just posted a Law of Attraction update with a bit of a humorous slant on gazehound.com.

Hugs to you and hugs to Mom!

Hugs, dear friend. This doesn’t sound like a whole heck of a lotta fun!

Hugs!

Gazehound.com / AnimalCommunicator-NY.com has undergone a complete renovation and went live today. Please pay me a visit, leave a few comments, browse the site, and let me know if you can think of anything that will make it even better.