The
June celebrations of Matariki and Winter Solstice share a surprising closeness
of meaning, says Herne Bay author Juliet Batten, (right), with both winter festivals
marking the turning of a new year.
“When
the Maori and European cultural traditions meet in such striking ways, we have
a compelling case for a new year – even a new calendar – for Aotearoa,” Juliet
says.
She will speak about how we can connect
more closely to both our inherited traditions and local seasonal changes at a
free public event that the Grey Lynn Library has organised for Tuesday 30 June,
during the Matariki period, at 1.30pm.
Her book Celebrating
the Southern Seasons: Rituals for Aotearoa, which has shed new light on these seasonal festivities, offers ways to
embrace the cross-cultural heritage of many New Zealanders.
Celebrating
the Southern Seasons helped draw
wider attention to Matariki on its first publication in 1995 – and its
reception and ongoing resonance ensured a tenth-anniversary new edition
in 2005. The book is currently undergoing its fifth reprint.
Victoria
University Professor of Religious Studies Paul Morris has said, “Juliet Batten’s
well-researched book . . . reiterates her passionate appeal that we relocate
ourselves spiritually in the South Pacific.”
An artist and psychotherapist,
Juliet has written eight books on seasonal inspiration, transformation, renewal
and discovering the sacred. Her latest book, Spirited Ageing, was
published in 2013 and her website, where she has a blog and other information,
is www.julietbatten.co.nz.
The “Matariki
Meets Winter Solstice” talk is part of a Matariki Programme of events run by
the 55-strong Auckland Libraries, www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz.
The Grey Lynn
Library is at 474 Great North Road (next to St Joseph’s Catholic Church), with
parking available on site.
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