The image and title say all that needs to be said, really. Which is why it is the frontspiece of this edition [PDF version] of The LOOM. When I chose it, I was thinking about how many people are struggling right now, deeply afraid for what tomorrow might bring. We certainly know how that feels. Everyone does; everyone has experienced the depths of spiritual and physical winter in their lives more than once. But the title and image that Carol sent me brought the Buffalo themselves into my awareness and space. I was reminded again of the immensity of their power and strength. These are beings who know how to be patient, to endure, and to triumph. I can still see them materializing from a thick snowfall and fog as they came in for their corn, the wind blowing their long black beards out to one side, the fur that hung to their knees in front swinging side to side as they walked with more majesty than any human king could have ever borne in his or her stride. They know. And to me, this picture reminds me that we also know. We know how to wait it out. We know how to be patient and calm. We have strength. We have power. We can and we will survive. All of us.
Be strong in this winter of the economy. Be brave in this winter of our fears. You have it in you to live majestically. Let Buffalo lead you.
Winter Solstice 2008
