June 21st

In days long past, this day was awaited with fear and with hope. Fear that the Sun would continue on its path to oblivion and hope that She would change her direction and swing back towards spring and summer, rebirth and regrowth.

As the midwinter sun rises over the Australian landscape and continues on around the world, it is worth remembering just how much we owe the Sun and her daughter, the Earth.

Special prayers and ceremonies marked this day in the ancient world. I will simply pour an oblation to the modern Gaia, not in the hope that She will recognise me, simply so that I do not forget Her and all she means: a re-affirmation to taking care of Her.

Gaia, as the ancient Greeks knew her, was the source of all life. It is said that there is a Cree Indian prophecy.

Only after the last tree has been cut down.
Only after the last river has been poisoned.
Only after the last fish has been caught.
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

For the sake of our children and grandchildren, please join me on this day, in remembering that we all need the Earth and her gifts so that we may live.

The Australian singer and artist, Rolf Harris, collected the words of this song from a tribe of Aboriginals in Central Australia. It is one of the very few sources I have found which treats the Sun as female.

The song is in response form, the leader singing the first and third lines of each verse, the group responding with the second line. A short sample of the song is available here

Sun Arise, She bringing the morning
Sun Arise, bringing the morning
Fluttering her skirts all around

Sun Arise, She come with the dawning
Sun Arise, come with the dawning
Spreading all the light all around

Sun Arise, on the Kangaroo Paw
Sun Arise, on the Kangaroo Paw
Glistening the dew all around

Sun Arise, filling all the hollows
Sun Arise, filling all the hollows
Lighting up the hills all around

Sun Arise, Come with the dawning
Sun Arise, She come every day
Sun Arise, Bringing the morning

Sun Arise, every every every -

Every day she drive away the darkness
Every day she drive away the darkness
Bringing back the warmth to the ground