EXCERPT:
In my youth I respected the world and life, I needed not anything but peace of heart;
And yet I changed despite myself and believed in Iktumi's lies.
He seemed to know all the truth, he promised to make me happy.
He made me ask Wakantanka for wealth, that I might have power;
I was given poverty, that I might find my inner strength.
I asked for fame, so others would know me;
I was given obscurity, that I might know myself.
I asked for a person to love that I might never be alone;
I was given a life of a hermit, that I might learn to accept myself.
I asked for power, that I might achieve;
I was given weakness, that I might learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might lead a long life;
I was given infirmity, that I might appreciate each minute.
I asked Mother Earth for strength, that I might have my way;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for Her.
I asked to live happily, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might live happily.
I received nothing I asked for, yet all my wishes came true.
Despite myself and Iktumi, my dreams were fulfilled,
I am richly blessed more than I ever hoped,
I thank you, Wakantanka, for what you've given me.
"No matter the medicinal virtues of being a true friend or sustaining a long close relationship with another, the ultimate touchstone of friendship is not improvement, neither of the other, nor of the self.
The ultimate touchstone is witness, the privilege of having been seen by someone and the equal privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another, to have walked with them and to have believed in them, and sometimes just to have accompanied them for however brief a span, on a journey impossible to accomplish alone."
Today, the Winter Solstice begins — the sacred celebration of Yule. The longest night of the year unfolds, inviting stillness, reflection, and deep connection with the unseen.
All preparations have been made. Candles are ready, herbs are gathered, intentions are set. We stand at the threshold between darkness and light, honoring the cycle of death and rebirth.
From this moment on, the light slowly returns. The Sun is reborn, carrying hope, renewal, and quiet strength. Yule reminds us that even in the deepest darkness, light is never lost — it is simply waiting to rise again.
May this sacred turning of the wheel bring warmth to the heart, clarity to the mind, and gentle light to every home.
Blessed Yule. 🕯️🌿