On a hilltop in Makanda, an eclectic group finds spirituality in totality
MAKANDA — On a hilltop west of Illinois 51, a special gathering of eclipse enthusiasts came together to celebrate Monday’s event.
Some came to banish negative aspects of their lives — leaving them with the temporary darkness of the eclipse, while others came to be surrounded by like-minded friends, and perhaps find their own spiritual awakening in the shadow of the sun.
The party, hosted by Dancing Willow Farm and the Southern Illinois Pagan Alliance, had visitors from across the country. As the moon began crossing in front of the sun, children ran in the grass and were occasionally scolded by parents.
“Get your glasses on,” one parent exclaimed at his child, who was looking into the sun unprotected. “Do you want me to keep you inside until it happens?”
Dancing Willow Farm is the home of Curt Wilson and his family. Wilson said he wanted to have a place for people to come celebrate the major astronomical event in their own way.
“We wanted to provide a space for all of our good-hearted friends and their friends,” he said.
Persons of various faiths — Pagans, Buddhists, Unitarians and spiritual people who don't subscribe to a particular faith — came for different reasons, but many used one word to describe the significance of the eclipse — transformation.
Georgia De la Garza, a Cherokee from Carbondale, said that is exactly what it was for her. De la Garza said in her own life, she is transitioning into new roles as her children have recently moved out of the house.
“I’m transforming into a single person again,” she said, adding that she was also a widow.
As the sun went dark and silver light touched everything in sight, people cheered, some kissed, some cried. Many in attendance wrote on black pieces of paper negative things they want banished from their lives and placed them into a black cauldron filled with water.
Tara Nelson, president of SIPA, said during totality, she tried to walk a fine line of experiencing and guiding.