Jun21

liminality.

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today is the summer solstice which marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere. cultures around the world have marked the solstice throughout history as a moment of importance both for the changing of the seasons and for our relationship with the sacred.

this solar moment marks what is known as liminal space, or space between. the concept of liminality is more than just a space between two distinct times; it’s also a space in which rules are temporarily lifted, and roles are reversed.

if the concept of liminality seems new to you, think about all of the liminal spaces in your own life, birthdays are a great example as they’re a space between ages and you’re granted temporary permission to do exactly as you please. part of liminity is that it shows up to transform you, and then it ends. in the example of your birthday, you’re now a new age.

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“the question is not what you look at, but what you see.

it is only necessary to behold the least fact or phenomenon,

however familiar,

from a point a hair’s breadth aside from our habitual path or routine,

to be overcome, enchanted by its beauty and significance.”

― henry david thoreau

 

 

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art credit: cy twombly, le jour ni l’heure: quatre sagioini: estate (the four seasons – summer)

credits: emily ridout, elephant journal, merriam-webster dictionary

 

 

41 responses »

  13. such a lovely post. I saw on Google earlier today that June 21st marked the first day of summer, and it got me thinking- and brought up my spirits- to read thse beautiful words afterwards. You learn something new every day!

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  18. I’m just completing a Pilgrimage class and we have been learning about the liminal space of when you return from a pilgrimage. I’d never heard of it before, and now here you introduce it as well. Funny how that happens!

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