Devine Light and Fertile Darkness

In September and October, light withdraws and shadows lengthen.
It is the time of Michaelmas, the festival of the Archangel who raises the sword of clarity within the human heart. The legend of Saint George depicts the same soul experience.
Not an outer battle — but an inner balance: between fear and courage, between light and darkness.

Archetypal images, later transformed into religious and artistic allegories, aptly describe the movements of the soul, capable of echoing the spectacle of nature.

In Gothic art, this strive for harmony becomes visible — especially in the stained glass windows fo the cathedrals.

Saint George slaying the dragon Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Coutances, Manche, Basse-Normandie, France

In Stained Glass Windows red and blue balance each other dancing with the light.
The deep blue — the color behind the light — gathers and shelters.
The radiant carmine, born in front of the light, expresses the human impulse to act, to love, to will.

Together, they reveal a mystery: will illuminated by love.
As in the legend, Michael does not destroy the dragon — he transforms it into life force.
So too in the soul, struggle becomes warmth, courage, and light.

“Color is the deed of light and darkness -their living marriage.” — Goethe

Notre Dame de la Belle Verrière - Stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral

During this special time of year, we can simply stroll amidst the wonder of clear skies, warm sunshine, clouds, and reddish leaves, to rediscover the dance of blue and red in the reflections of a river, a lake, or generous puddles.

• What is trying to oppress me and bind me to ancient fears, vices, or weaknesses?

• How can I turn my gaze to the light and the future that comes my way?

• How can I find and give the warmth of touch and melt cold rigidity?

• I turn my gaze to the simple, luminous, silent and present sweetness of feeling into my heart to turn it into living will.

Chartres Cathédral - 1145–1155