Winter Solstice occurs on Monday, December 21 this year. For many cultures around the world, the winter solstice marks an important milestone. It’s the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year, and signals a powerful transition point between seasons. The Solstice is believed to hold a powerful energy for regeneration, renewal and self-reflection.
Also occurring on Monday is an astrological event called the Great Conjunction. The Great Conjunction occurs every 20 years and refers to the planets Saturn and Jupiter aligning in the heavens. The planets will get so close together that they may look like one very bright star — it will be 2080 before the planets align so closely again. If you’re into astrology, this is the closing of one astrological era & the beginning of another, with Jupiter & Saturn beginning a new cycle in a new element. This is a once-in-200-year opportunity to make the necessary adjustments needed to begin the long process of shifting course, and many mark this event in the sky as the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. Pretty cool, huh?
Our kirtan set this week is filled with chants that support these momentous changes, evoking & welcoming the light back to our world & into our consciousness. We’ll have music from Deva Premal & Miten, Edo & Jo, Kristin Luna Ray, Suzin Green & Daniel Johnson, Kevin James, Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe, Tim Jordan Kirtan, Maneesh De Moor & Brenda McMorrow.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad news — sweet Sruti Ram of Sri Kirtan passed this week, another death from the  COVID virus. It’s going to be a long winter, my friends, but we now have the hope of a vaccine that works. Things are going to get better, but we’re not out of the woods yet, so wear a mask & practice social distancing. Honestly, after this is over I hope I never hear the words ‘social distance’ again. But in the meantime, stay healthy, have a beautiful Holiday & I’ll see you in the New Year. Happy Solstice! Namaste.
Set List:
Deva Premal & Miten, 21-Day Mantra Meditation: Day 21 – Enlightenment/Gayatri
Edo & Jo, Kirtan Alive: Asatoma
Kristin Luna Ray, Shining Through: Gayatri
Suzin Green & Daniel Johnson, The Mantra Project, Vol. One: Daughter of the Mountain: Gāyatrī Mantra: Lost in Light
Tim Jordan Kirtan, Heart & Spirit: Asatoma
Kevin James, One: Asatoma
Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe: The Shakti Sessions: Gayatri
Maneesh De Moor, Sadhana: Cosmic Flow
Brenda McMorrow, Igniting The Beauty: Loka Samastha / Om Shanti