It is the solstice.

This is a special time in the northern hemisphere, marking the shortest day and beckoning us with the promise of the spring to come as the days begin their lengthening once again.

I won't claim to be pagan, or any other sect, yet I've always acknowledged these marvelous natural markers along our pathways in life. I believe they do hold significance, if nothing else, as a display of the physical reality in which we live.

The cycles of the earth and the patterns our weather follows as a result.

It may be a large calendar our celestial ceiling - the skies that surround us, but at least we never have to try to fit it in our pocket - it's always there to see - even day or night to the well-trained eye!

Backyard astronomers will hail this evening as a night to revel at the stars, our galaxy and beyond! To dare to dream perhaps and likely to hug a thermos of coffee between turns at the telescope!

Orion and it's lovely nebula and the other winter constellations are riding high and clear to view. Even Mars is still giving a show and Venus is our brilliant companion in the skies this time of year, right after the sun sets!

Not that I can tell you one day to the next, I'm no-where near that accurate - but I do know once Orion is visible in the evening sky; winter's coming and I also know that as I watch the famous archer march across the sky each night that when it's out of view; summer and gardening weather are upon us.

"Sure as the sky above". It's no wonder sailors so trusted and loved the stars - they were the sure thing out there on the ocean! And it's no wonder many have celebrated this time of year for eons, people will likely continue the practice for a long time to come!

We are so connected to all things on this earth, within it and above it, we are a part of it all and our connection won't let us forget that, even if our minds aren't yet ready to accept what is before us!