Conjunction

By Linda Mastro

I set a reminder on my calendar for December 21: “Winter Solstice – 4:44pm sunset; look for the Star of Bethlehem.”

I had been reading social media posts and news stories leading up to the winter solstice of 2020. Many of these sources cited astronomical science and history. They reported that for the first time since the 1600s, Jupiter and Saturn would be so close together that they would mimic the celestial phenomenon that occurred over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. It was this conjunction of planets that became known as the Christmas Star that, by legend, had led the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus.

On December 21, when my calendar alarm sounded, I looked outside and saw that the sun was setting. The sky darkened within minutes. I went out into my back yard and looked up. I saw the moon, half-formed in a clear sky. To the left of the moon, I saw a bright star.

That must be it! The Christmas Star!

Then I slowly rotated, stopping to look at the sky in all directions. With each quarter turn I saw another star.

Is that it?

Or that?

No, that must be it!

You see, I am directionally challenged. I know west as left and east as right; north is up and south is down. My lack of navigational skills combined with limited knowledge of where planets reside in the sky left me clueless about where to look for the convergence of Saturn and Jupiter. I turned around several times, looking for something that I knew was of historical significance.

Finally, I stood still.

Everywhere I look I see it! And it is all so beautiful and oh, so holy.

My reaction to the astronomical conjunction reminds me of the grammatical use of the word “conjunction.” Words such as “and” and “but” are conjunctions, words that connect other words and phrases. This stream of consciousness that flowed from astronomy to grammar led me to what I have practiced in improvisational acting class.

One of the cardinal rules of improv is “Yes, and…” No matter what another player says in an improv scene, the best response is “Yes, and…” The “Yes” acknowledges that I have heard the other person; the “and” leaves space for expansion and possibility. From “Yes, and…” the scene can progress to something unexpected and often hilarious.

Sometimes on the spiritual path I want guidance and insight. I want a solid, reliable “Yes!” Other times the mystery brings me comfort, and even joy. The “I don’t know”-ness of God, the “and” that I can never imagine, is what keeps me on the journey.

Yes, the winter solstice sky gave me a show. And the conjunction of planets echoed:

The light glimmers through my looking, and

the stars shine in my seeking, and

Christ lives in my believing.

Let it be so now and in the New Year we are about to enter.