Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with creating a manifesto reflecting wonders, curiosities, and delights currently captivating me – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.
H is for…
halcyon
- A mythical bird in ancient legend, identified with the kingfisher, said to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice, charming the wind and waves into calm
- Tranquil, calm, peaceful
- Denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.
Yearly, for a number of days in mid January, Greece experiences a stretch of sunny days, with calm seas and winds, which are called the Halcyon days.
According to Greek myth, Halycon was the daughter of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. The winds were imprisoned within caves, and it was the duty of Aelous to free them when called upon to do so by the higher gods. Halcyon, a goddess, was married to the mortal king Ceyx, and their love for each other was legendary, well-known among all the gods.
On a trip to Delphi to consult the oracle, Ceyx was caught in a great sea storm, and knowing that he would die, asked Poseidon, the ruler of the sea, to bring his body to his wife. Meanwhile, Halcyon, frightened for the safety of Ceyx, appealed to Hera to ensure Ceyx’s safe return. It was of course to late for that, so Hera enlisted the help of Morpheus, god of dreams, to break the news to Halcyon. Filled with despair, she hunted for her husband’s body, and threw herself into the sea.
Touched by her love and devotion, the gods decided to save her and transform her into a seabird. They also turned Ceyx into a bird, so the two could live together.
As is often the way though, things were not without challenge. Zeus ordered that Halcyon would lay her eggs only in winter, and having her nest near the shore, close to the spot where she found the body of her beloved Ceyx, the stormy weather and crashing waves kept sweeping away her eggs.
Touched by her continued heartbreak, Zeus finally decided to give her 14 days of good calm weather in the middle of winter to keep her eggs safe.
And so halcyon has come to be associated with peace and tranquility and calm.
I think a lot about peace, and unfortunately circumstances in our world apparently lend themselves to insuring I will continue to do so. We have such a great way to go to establish meaningful peace, and yet we can’t allow ourselves to be discouraged, or stop looking for ways to reflect peace in our individual lives.
I often think about the words of Carlos Santana, which I, too, hold to be true:
“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.”
I do believe there is much we can do individually – we certainly must protect the vulnerable as best we can; we must model non-violent conflict resolution and compassionate action towards all beings. While it can be hard to believe that any individual action really makes a difference collectively, at the very least I believe I can be responsible for my own life.
I believe that true peace must come from a place of openness, non-judgment, and a commitment to unity consciousness and unconditional love – an energy field I like to call neutral beneficence. When we can be in that state of allowance, peace become a real possibility. When we know ourselves, and we know that we are not truly separate from all that is, then there can be no alternative but peace.
I’m not overly fond of the somewhat common idea that halcyon days are those of the past. I don’t think that’s a particularly helpful way to navigate, keeping ourselves anchored into old attachments and memories and trying to solidify or recreate them. It just keeps pulling our energy backwards when what we need to do is to continue to move forward in flow. I vote for creating the halcyon days of NOW.
It just so happens that yesterday, April 8, a non-posting day in this A-to-Z challenge, was “Draw a Bird Day.” You can read more about it here. I’m always charmed by this observation and like to participate by drawing a bird. So yesterday I created my version of a Halcyon, based on a kingfisher.
I am committed to creating and living in a halcyon world where peace, loving-kindness, and serenity are valued currencies.
What about you? What kind of world would you like to create? What’s bringing a sense of peace to you? Did you draw a bird yesterday? Do tell – you know I’d love to hear.
I didn’t draw a bird yesterday because I only found out about this idea today. Oh well.
I didn’t know the history of halcyon and find it fascinating. I guess when referring to the meaning of the word we could say: blame it on Zeus!
One of my favorite Carlos Santana quotes that has become a principle in my life is: “Give me your heart, make it real. Or else forget about it.”
Good (and sometimes not) old Zeus – never far from the center of things!
Those words of Santana are a high standard to live up to, but we should never settle for less.
I can’t draw to save my life, especially with my right hand being disabled (thus “The Sound of One Hand Typing”). Not even birds.
We’re more than happy to celebrate your typing John – no need to draw birds. 🙂
Hurrah! Finally a word I actually know and know the etymology too 🙂
Seriously though, I absolutely agree that the past didn’t have anything much to do with halcyon days – that’s when the greatest injustices were also perpetrated. No vaccines, high infant and maternal mortality, people dying in endless wars, women treated worse than they are now, no freedom of expression, feudal systems, literacy for a select few …I could go on and on…
‘If I can stop one heart from breaking/ I shall not live in vain’ ~ Emily Dickinson.
When one exists on a non-judgmental plane, and allows diversity of being and thought, petty conflicts fall away naturally. That at least is the destination on the map…I’m just taking my own little detour to get there 🙂
Wishing you the halcyon days of now!
I love how you describe the destination, and I suspect you’re traveling there in a most beautiful way.
Wishing you the halcyon days of now as well. I may adopt that as my new standard greeting!
Hari OM
Hoorah for Halcyon! You know I’m on board 100% with this one. YAM xx
I do indeed know. 🙂
I agree about the use of the word for the past, when it should be used for the present and future. Is there a term for days like this that are unexpected?
No term comes to mind Margaret. But I have a group of friends and we’re always wishing each other happy surprises – I think it would be lovely if we wished that for everyone.
I’d heard this word before but wasn’t sure of the meaning. Lovely word and great bird drawing!
It is a lovely word isn’t it? And thanks for the kind words about my drawing.
Love your bird and your word!
Thank you – I take that as high praise from my favorite birder.
I love your topic. I’m a word lover too..Word Nerd to be exact. Looking forward to reading your word choices for a to z. Thoughtful blog post. The bird drawing day is new to me. I’ll look into it.
JQ Rose
Welcome Word Nerd kindred – thank you for stopping by! May we always find words that delight us!
I love the word Halcyon. Thank you for explaining it so beautifully!
Thank you for the kind words, and for stopping by.
Thank you Deborah for your powerful post. I love myths and this one of Zeus allowing halcyon days so Ceyx’s eggs were cared for while she was nesting, is tender.
I love the words of Carlos Santana .. which makes me think of that soaring hymn – “Make me a channel for Your Peace – ”
I do believe if we each take full responsibility for our lives, we are making a difference. From the microscopic to the macroscopic …
Thank you again Deborah for this profound post.
I really do believe we all have our part to play in creating peace, and I hold great hope.
I did not draw a bird but I like the one you drew. Love the word you chose!
Emily In Ecuador | Hammock Time on Puerto Lopez Beach
Thanks Emily.
Cute bird – he needs a story.
I agree we need to find ways to protect the vulnerable. Change starts with us.
Have always loved Greek mythology it is always so rich.
Thanks too for your visit.
Cheers
Leslie aka Moondustwriter
Yes, I think perhaps my bird does need a story. And I absolutely agree, change starts with us. Thanks for stopping by Leslie.
I love your drawing of a Halcyon bird. I love to think I am a dove which is peaceful and quiet and tranquil. It can be relaxing to listen to.
We have a pair of doves that nest near us and it’s always a delight to hear them. I like to think of them as quietly broadcasting love.
Good Morning Deborah. Wishing you a halcyonic day, week, month….:)
A moth has just fluttered up to the table and she’s now sitting on my laptop screen, wings wide spread–perhaps she likes your bird:)
Random moments such as these fill me with peace. The oneness of it all. Like you said: “we know that we are not truly separate from all that is…”
I, also, feel that once one is open–the past, the present and the future can be seen as one too–like a point where everything meets and becomes one.
Thank you for starting my day with a tranquil post.
H is for Head Wash Day
I love your understanding of this oneness point Arti – I tend to call this the merge point, or perhaps zero point.
How lovely about your moth visitor – and possible interspecies communication. 🙂 I’ve recently become fascinated by moths – another rabbit hole I’ve fallen into.
I always understood halcyon days as a lull in a storm, or sunshine in winter. It is a nice calm, warm image to hold on to 🙂
The Multicolored Diary: Weird Things in Hungarian Folktales
Storm lulls and winter sunshine are indeed things to celebrate. I’ll always take more of those please.
Hi Deborah – you certainly gave me a better understanding of ‘halycon’ … and I definitely prefer your take on the word and its meaning … and will agree with Santana’s two sentences … we all need to follow those with an open heart and kind words for one and all. Cheers Hilary
Indeed Hilary.
Hello Deborah, I couldn’t agree more with you that as individuals we can do something about making our world a better place. I wrote in my I is for Inspiration that we are all inspirational in our own way and we all have something to offer. I have a guest series currently on my blog, Over 50 & Thriving and wondered if you would be interested in being a guest in June. If you are can you email me at sue@sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au and I can send you the details? Have a great day.
I absolutely believe we’re all amazing in our own rights, with inspiration to offer, gifts to share, and joy to live. YES! Your series sounds fascinating and I’ll be popping by to check it out.
I was just thinking the other day…shouldn’t we stop searching for so called new wisdom, while in the past so much wisdom already was shared and thus to be found/recover?
And yes, as an individual, I too believe we can make an impact, which will contribute to peace for us all.
XxX
We have access to so much don’t we Patty? I think our job is to find what we align to and resonant with and leave what we don’t for someone else.
Here’s to contributing to and experiencing peace!
Halcyon is a beautiful word. Makes me feel peaceful just to read it. And, it makes me think of Big Sur.
I love the idea of Draw a bird day. I’m adding it to my calendar for next year.
I love Big Sur – and I’ve had some halcyon days there for sure. Thanks for stopping by Claire, and wishing you a peaceful day.