Celestial Events

Originally published on Facebook, on Oct. 20, 2023

How apparent must changes be for us to take notice?

We have been in El Remate, Guatemala, for six weeks now, just outside the ancient Mayan site of Tikal. During this time, we have experienced three major celestial events (that we are aware of): the fall equinox, a harvest moon, and a solar eclipse. Under the routine of normal modern life, these events could easily go unnoticed. How often do we take the time to admire the moon in the night sky at its fullest or witness the delicate balance of dark and light throughout the year?

These very events, often overlooked in modern society, were vital to survival in Tikal and the ancient Mayan world. They played a crucial role in the cultivation and harvesting of food, determining when to hunt, when to allow animal populations to recover, and when to gather building materials. Above all, there was an awareness of how nature adheres to these cyclical patterns and laws.

For the fall equinox this year, we were fortunate to visit the ancient Mayan site of Uaxactun, where the ancient Maya sent their scholars to study the skies.

In the week leading up to the equinox, it was hard to ignore the changes; cold currents swelled underfoot in the lake, enticing fish to swim in abundance. Squirrels leaped from tree to tree, sharing the space with toucans and monkeys. Animals and insects alike filled the jungle with ceaseless calls, and the cabana came alive both day and night. Scorpions, tarantulas, frogs, and snakes; it was impossible not to take notice.

These creatures, large and small, seem attuned to cues and energies provided by nature, seemingly invisible to us. We often refer to this as instinct or "the web of life," but what else remains unseen? We are blessed with brains and minds capable of complex thought, and we have the ability to learn and grow beyond our wildest dreams. However, how much of this learning and growth blocks out the signals that nature offers? How much have we grown to ignore the seasonal cues and the impeccable timing of nature?

As we reflect on the beauty of a full moon, the changing seasons, and the precision of nature's timing, we are reminded of the interconnectedness between human life and the cosmos. The experiences we've had underscore the importance of reconnecting with nature and its rhythms, and challenge us to consider how we can better tune into the cues and energies that the natural world offers, even in our fast-paced, technologically-driven existence.

~Glen