Paganistan: Notes from the Secret Commonwealth
In Which One Midwest Man-in-Black Confers, Converses & Otherwise Hob-Nobs with his Fellow Hob-Men (& -Women) Concerning the Sundry Ways of the Famed but Ill-Starred Tribe of Witches.
Kiss the Earth
When's the last time that you kissed the Earth?
I mean: got down on your hands and knees and actually kissed the Earth? Kissed Her, and really meant it?
The Kiss of the Earth has nothing to do with abasement. It's an act of love, of worship.
All that we know, all that we love, our very selves: all these are gifts of Earth.
That's why we do it.
***
In one of the “20th” century's greatest pieces of pagan art, Sacre du Printemps, we see the Spring Rites of an ancient Slavic tribe. In the original Nijinsky choreography, at the end of the first act, the Day Rites climax with the moment of utmost sanctity, the Kiss of the Earth.
The youths lead the tribe's Oldest Man into the midst of the people. With their assistance, he lowers himself to the ground and kisses the Mother of Us All.
On our behalf, he kisses Her.
***
For me, all rites rightly end with the Kiss of the Earth, and a blessing.
Love to you, my Mabh.
You can see Nijinsky's breathtaking Rite of Spring—including the Kiss of the Earth—here.
Nicholas Roerich, "Spring"
Backdrop for Sacre du Printemps (1913)
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