Like many others, the last few days of the year are a time for reflection for me, and what strikes me the most about the last few years is the sensation of Time hurling, speeding, careening way out of control.

So, I want it to slow down, already.  But how to slow it down?

I am thinking that building a deeper awareness of the seasonal cycles, of the ancient solar festivals of quarter and cross-quarter days might help control that feeling of wild speed.

So I pick up a 2010 calendar and remind myself that each day is a blessing and an infinitely precious gift.

Then first to write the old Celtic names on the Calendar:

March 21 -Vernal Equinox:  Ostara

June 23 -Summer Solstice:  Litha

September 23 - Fall Equinox:  Mabon

December 21 - Winter Solstice:  Yule

Then the cross quarter days (High Feast Days of the Old Ways)

February 2 - Imbolc - halfway between Yule and Ostara

May 1 - Beltane - halfway between Ostara and Litha

August 1 - Lammas - halfway between Litha and Mabon

October 31 - Samhain - halfway between Mabon and Yule

Then to add a few Saints' Feast Days  such as:

October 4 - Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

December 12 - Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe

And a few days that are important to me:

June 16 - Bloomsday

August 29 - Katrina Remembrance Day

November 18 - Beaujolais Nouvelle

Then I'll add dates of Sporting Events, such as:

February 7 - SuperBowl

December 4 - USC-UCLA Cross-Town Rivalry Game Day

Then a few special birthdays....

Will this heightened awareness help slow time down?  I don't know.  Ask me next year.

I do know that life is too precious not to celebrate very single day with gratefulness and joy.