Solstice events took place all over the world on the 21st and 22nd. Millions of people prayed, visualized, and believed that humanity experienced the end of the old world on December 21 and the birth of a new one on December 22. The echoes of those prayers continue to reverberate everywhere while, at the same time, we enter the traditional time of praying for peace among nearly all religions. That means that even people who do not believe in the prophecy of a new world coming into being are, nevertheless, helping to birth it with their annual "peace on earth" songs, carols, prayers, and blessings.

The energy field of all these prayers and thoughts is immense, perhaps more so than at any other time on earth. During this week and the next, billions of people are imagining peace and love as a way of living. Even the tiniest shred of hope for a world of kindness and compassion adds to the massive momentum of this unique time in human history.

As Prayer Circle for Animals partners, our mission is to join this enormous wave of hope and faith with our own knowing that ahimsa, nonviolence, cooperation, abiding love, gentleness, and compassion toward all beings, not just human ones, are the guiding principles by which we will create this new world together. Finally human behavior will begin to synchronize with our true loving hearts, and no animal or person will ever again be used, exploited, enslaved, or killed by human beings.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be blessed with tender love and togetherness and may we all join the high and powerful energy field of Love and Compassion pouring in from all directions to all of us and to every being.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy; and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team