A few years ago, I was getting a haircut at a local salon. As my stylist was wrapping up, she noticed a gray hair on my head and said, “oh, let me get that gray for you.” Before I could object, she snipped the hair off at the root. I was absolutely shocked and asked her not to do that in the future.
That experience was an interesting illustration of some of the cultural differences that occur between members of Pagan religions and the overculture of the United States. One of the broader themes within the different religions that fall under the umbrella term of Pagan is a focus on the sacredness of different phases of life. In wider Pagan culture, femme-presenting people with gray hair are often the ones who manage communities, lead offerings, and are sought out for guidance. Gray hair is a mark of wisdom, power, and experience. As a result, I’d prized the few gray hairs I had at the time (I’m less at risk now – the silver is spreading) and having one suddenly cut off was quite a jarring experience.
As I contemplate the time of the summer solstice (Sunday, June 21st this year) I’m reminded of how powerfully this season can connect us to our bodies, and how sacred those bodies are in all their different phases of life. There’s so much sensory delight in the world around us during summer. As I watered the garden this morning, birdsong sounded around me like so many sweet bells ringing. The scent of honeysuckle was strong on the breeze, and I admired the lavender and yarrow flowers glowing in the morning sunlight in my herb bed. I began to pay attention to how I was perceiving the beautiful summery day unfolding around me and felt immense gratitude welling up for the body that allows me to connect with our beautiful world. Continue reading…
