The Earthkeepers

Both in the media and in the neighborhood, I hear both misinformed denial and hysteria about global warming– which leads me to look at empirical data to make a determination for myself. One of the places I look for data is the NSIDC. The arctic region is the canary in the coal mine so to speak. Climate changes are greatly magnified at the poles, and moreso at the noth pole because the ice rests on the ocean instead of land.

Arctic ice is thinning even more rapidly than many of the more pessimistic projections about global warming. We’re on track to continue the decline in summer ice this year. If predicted weather patterns are correct, my home state of Arizona will become hotter and drier than it already is. We are in a decade-long drought. The prognosis is for more heat and less rain.

Here is the latest data: NSIDC.

The summer solstice arrives in less than 2 weeks.  At the summer begins, the arctic ice is again melting very quickly after a slow beginning in spring. The NSIDC has more.

I offer a few words John wrote years ago about the summer solstice:

Summer Solstice

The Solstice time is a time of intensity and passion. It is a time of extremes.       

The summer solstice is the Midsummer’s Night energy. It is the longest day of the year. Sensuous, even oppressive energy of the Sun. Unrelenting. It is a time when the planet is bursting with power. Overflowing with lifeforce. This is a time for celebration and release.

Many of the Sun dances occur around this time. The power of the Sun being strongest. In lower latitudes they are held earlier.

The Long Dance is good to be held around this time. 

One ceremony we have done over the years is a nature’s Spirit Dance, where everyone dresses up as a plant or animal. Strong drumming, passionate songs, and lots of clowning are appropriate.

Essay written by White Deer of Autumn (Gabriel Horn)

Who are we? Where are we going? Why are we here? Imagine if more people searched the Mystery of their lives for the answers to these questions. Imagine if more people understood the passion of the Lakota war cry: “It’s a good day to die!” or the feelings of a man like Henry David Thoreau when he said that he would hate to face his death knowing that he had not lived. Imagine if the hearts of more people became like theirs… and the land became mother… and that which they share all things with became the Great Holy Mystery. Imagine… (more…)

Today we remember John Many Voices Armbruster, who five years ago, took off to sing for the Other Side Camp.

We miss you my friend.

Hugs All Around,

Dave, Tracy and Janisse

I watched Obama’s inauguration speech today. He spoke of addressing nearly every concern I hold about our America and the world. I hope he really means what he said. It’s nice to have hope again about America after 8 years of darkness.

I think John would have liked Obama and his vision. I do believe having a President who actually acknowledges global warming and our other challenges is a huge step in the right direction for America.
How about you? Are you hopeful?