Summer solstice sunrise at Casa Rinconada is a sacred event. I love the quiet, the reverence of the pueblo people and the other visitors, watching the sun rise and shine into the kiva, and imagining how the ancient Chacoans must have felt, on this longest day of the year.
The Hopi invited visitors to attend as they performed the sunrise ceremony on summer solstice 2006, singing their prayers and playing the drums. They asked for sacred life-giving rain, and asked for peace and harmony for all living beings.
The photo above is taken toward the west, showing the light as it begins to move toward the 2nd niche from the right, the solstice marker. Below is a photo of the light shining in the niche, and photos of the Hopi performing their ceremony.
I felt honored to be included - the other visitors seemed to feel the same, as all were quiet and acted with reverence. Visitors to Chaco seem to be of like mind, for which I am grateful.
Sunrise at Casa Rinconada is a beautiful and life-affirming way to begin the day, and to begin the second half of the year. For the Chacoans it meant continued life as the sun stops (solstice) for a few days, and begins its journey again to the south.
I like to give thanks for all the many blessings in my life, and join with the pueblo people in wishing peace and harmony to all living things. I hope you'll join us.
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