Girl Walking Gargoyle

Happy Solstice to Mr. Noack, who was concerned about the undermining of traditional Pagan values in this year’s Solstice Parade [Letters, “No Religion Aloud,” 7/1/10]. As the companion of the gargoyle who guarded Our Lady while simultaneously beckoning the parade, rest assured that the Solstice Parade is as Pagan as ever and was led by the Goddess herself in the spirit of praise, not proselytizing.

The Divine is capable of taking on many forms—ancient, contemporary, serious, silly, and even hierarchical-historical. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the manifestations are more wildly diverse than I could ever imagine. The more open I am to God/dess’s appearance, be it adorable or challenging, the more likely I am to see it for what it really is—Divine delight in being Mother Earth, a giant Sequoia, my fingerprint in a dab of paint, or an icon of a vision to a poor peasant. You certainly don’t have to share this approach, but it is an option.

Maybe next year the Goddess will choose a costume you prefer. If you would like to ensure it, join us at the Solstice Workshop!—Tessa Flanagan, S.B.