SEQUENCE OF SYMBOLIC IMAGES on the day of most light.

All of these photos were taken on hike on June 22, 2011 (Summer Solstice)

up Big Cottonwood Canyon

We live in a world of symbols.

No man or woman can come out of the temple endowed as he should be,

unless he has seen, beyond the symbols, the mighty realities for which the symbols stand.”

(Elder John A. Widtsoe, Temple Worship, p, 62)

The "storyboard" photos above were taken on a morning hike on the Summer Solstice of this year. I never had a chance to share them and wanted to before the Fall Equinox which is tomorrow. Each photo was taken in the order that I saw and took the picture. They tell a story. Nature can teach us beautiful gospel truth. The hike was a personel journey.. similiar to the temple narrative.. but wanted to share a couple of things.

The photos read left to right, top to bottom. They have alot of symbolic meaning to me. Here are a couple of insights:

We begin with creation.. everything begins with creation, the organizing of matter and when light enters darkness. Creation. We also see the division of a lesser light and a greater light. (Moon and Sun) .Great waters and dry land appear. Living water also is symbolic of washing and cleansing just like in the ordinance of baptism. We are then clean, pure and white. Water is needed for things to grow. Seeds are then planted and spring forth life. Green grass, flowers and other vegetation appear. All creation testifies of Christ. (5 pedals and the inverted star). All forms of animals are placed upon the earth and are commanded to multiply.
.....

Christ comes in the meridian of time. Institutes the sacrament at his last supper. Red Grapes from the vine used for the symbol of his blood, the bread for his body. Christ then ascends up to the Mount of Olives with his disciples. Eight stay back lower and Three ascend higher. (photo of the trees) . The Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, the drops of blood from every pore. Then He was taken, and mocked and wore a crown of thrones. The rose has been another symbol for Christ. Crucified on the cross, died and laid in the tomb. Resurrection and the morning light. The Royal color of purple of King. The last picture of a mirror reflecting heaven. The Gift of Eternal Life.