Wandering Through My Journeys,
In Celebration of The Summer Solstice
“It changes forever history's perceptions
Of America's early Indian colonists.
And as an astronomical and geometrical marvel,
It ranks with the Pyramids and Stonehenge.”
Science Magazine
More than a thousand years ago
In a place now called Chaco Canyon
A truly astounding event was unfolding
A remarkable achievement of ancient man
As the sun began rising over this ancient place
On a circular rock petroglyph, on this canyon wall
Slowly but surely, it was bi-sected by The Sun Dagger
Marking The Summer Solstice’s arrival, for one and all
While these very ancient people have left no written texts for us
It is quite obvious, that they were quite sophisticated in astronomy
They had studied the heavens, and charted sun and moon movements
They could precisely mark changing seasons, with the utmost accuracy
The four seasons, the alignments of sun and moon
And a comprehensive knowledge of our universe
These ancients were able to comprehend so much
And they accomplished this, with no written verse
These people lived in this place, for hundreds of years
From about the year 850 until about roughly 1250 AD
Then they abruptly vanished, from the face of the Earth
And what happened to them, still remains a great mystery
Captivating Chaco Canyon is located in the state of New Mexico
And it is a place that I’ve visited, that is truly mysterious and grand
This ancient Sun Dagger had marked the arrival of summer for centuries
Now, it is lost forever – the stones here have been moved, by modern man
The wild beauty of Chaco Canyon's high desert landscape, its long winters, short growing season, and marginal rainfall, create a very unlikely place for a major center of ancient culture to take root and flourish. Yet, this place was the center of a thriving culture, more than a thousand years ago.
And the ancient structures of these ancient people were amazingly oriented to solar, lunar, and cardinal directions. Sophisticated astronomical markers, communication features, water control devices, and formal earthen mounds were part of their everyday lives. The buildings here were very meticulously placed within a revered landscape, surrounded by sacred mountains, majestic mesas, and astounding shrines that still have a very deep spiritual meaning for Native Americans today.
They must have loved this land, and respected our Mother Earth, very much; and perhaps, even knew much more about Her, than we do today.
A 1983 PBS Documentary Film,
Narrated by Robert Redford,
Entitled, The Sun Dagger,
Is Well Worth Viewing.
Happy Summer Solstice,
To Everyone;
The lives of these Ancients,
Will continue to captivate me,
Until my own time on Earth is done.
©2008, Mr. Ed
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That sun dager, like the one of Damocles should had fall upon those invaders that named themselves "conquistadores".
Georg
Peace be with you
William
I shall go one of these days and see for myself.
Much peace, love, and light and Happy Summer Solstice, ED
Amber "V"
thanks,
Dan
Be always safe,
Karen
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
.
tiger lily
neglect the fascination of the past. - gene.
Christine
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.