Since ancient times, the solstice has been honored and celebrated with great fanfare across all cultures and religions.  Today's solstice is particularly amazing, for not only does it officially usher in winter with a promise of retreat, renewal, solitude and the gradual opening to new possibilities, (each day from here on in gets a bit longer by 1 or 2 seconds!) today's solstice coincides with both a full moon and a total lunar eclipse which occurred in the wee hours of this morning! 

Whether you believe in the power of eclipses, the full moon or celebrate the Solstice...clearly we are experiencing an amazing moment...a trifecta that has not occured since 1638 nor will it occur again until 2094.  A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks the sun's rays from the face of the moon. The moon is then fully in the shadow cast in space by the Earth. 

Beginning with a shadow cast on the shortest day of the year and culminating in a full and illuminated sky from the full moon, we are from a mystical perspective nestled in the yin/yang of our lives with a capacity to clearly see our shadow selves, illuminate our inner wisdom and shift into this season with new insights for our own personal growth and healing.

Enjoy the celebration!

Last week I spoke to a friend whose husband was diagnosed with late stage cancer.  It is at times like these that I am called to remember that each day is a precious gift...each moment is all we have.  While I have much sadness I am grateful for the reminder as well.   Kent Nerburn wrote..."None of us is promised tomorrow.  Today in all its beauty and sadness and complexity, is all we have.  This light we see maybe the last such day we have on earth.  There is no certainty, beyond the fact that one day we will have no tomorrow, and that it is not our to know when that day will be."  So I share this with you in hopes that we can all pause a moment, take stock of our lives, connect to what is truly important and live accordingly.  If this was your last day ... how would you live it?
Peace & Blessings,
LisaAnn

As you begin to plan your very special day, there are many details to consider.  Once your date and venue is selected many people begin the process of finding a wedding officiant or celebrant.  Where to begin?  There are many options in Massachusetts...you can select a JP, Minister, Celebrant or a friend.  The distinctions between these types of officiants in services, customization and fees can vary dramatically (more to come on this in another blog) so my suggestion is that come prepared with a list of key questions you wish to ask.  Feel free to download my article: findinganofficiant.doc  as a place to begin. 

After many years of working as as Wedding Officiant creating meaningful and unique wedding ceremonies, I have learned that the personal connection couples had with me, the ability to have input, to see several choices that were written specifically for them, to be able to read the final ceremony and have the right to say yes or ask for revisions, their confidence in my professionalism and my ability to manage any "unknowns" that might occur was ultimately what was important to them and allowed them to breathe easily and relax on their wedding day.

Your wedding is an important day, and your choice of an officiant is as important as the venue or photographer. Have fun selecting and officiant and start early if you are looking for a top officiant who will work to customize and create a meaningful ceremony for you.