“Nations, like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.” ~Victor Hugo

Today, Monday August 23, 2017, a major event occurs: a total eclipse of the sun.

It caps off an increasingly terrifying, tumultuous series of events.

If you live in the U.S., on a trajectory between Seattle and Charleston, you’ll be treated to a full eclipse.

In Toronto or Texas, it’ll be partial. Either way, it’s one of those “one-in-a-lifetime” events.

Except, the next one is in 2024—it just won’t be traveling right over the United States, whose media is giving the event major coverage, which is partially why it’s such a “big deal.”

One guy has made it his life mission: he’s witnessed 33 eclipses. Plans on seeing 2024, too.

My brother has a home in Charleston, he’s having a viewing party. Thought I might hop down. All flights are sold out, everywhere. All stops along the viewing path, sold out. Hotels and  eclipse glasses are hard to find.

Yep. A big deal. And I am grateful for it.

Thank goodness for this (temporary) diversion from the wreck of the Charlottesville event, where an American born and bred terrorist caused death and destruction, and caused the American President to come unhinged at a press conference.

On Tuesday, Aug 15, on camera, Donald Trump’s character shone through for all the world to see. Not that it hadn’t before, but this was the tipping point for too many and the fallout is huge.

It is always painful to have the scales removed from our eyes.

Those who still support him are remaining blind by choice, deaf by default.

Peter Drucker said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

Well, I say, “Character eclipses power. Always.”

Character matters more than accomplishment.

Principle matters more than money.

Together, they define a legacy.

As a U.S. citizen who gratefully calls Toronto home, I believe this is as important a choice point for my country of birth and its citizens as was the choice to sever from Great Britain: the moment its conscience, character and content is revealed, and from which its future can be defined.

By choice.

In astrology, eclipses represent times of intense change, of turning from the old to the new. Susan Miller says, “[Eclipses] are some of the most dramatic tools that the universe uses to get us to pay attention to areas in our life that need to change.”

You’ve got to admit, it’s interesting that this “total eclipse of the sun” will only be viewable in the U.S.

I pray that all who watch it will grab a pair of eclipse glasses, if they can find a pair, so they can see through the darkness.

Because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.