Photo from Experience Columbia
Typically, my community witnesses a flurry of fireflies–or “lightening bugs”–in the early summer months. My backyard becomes alluringly lit up by these creatures in the warm breezes of May and June. This is about the time of year where my local park hosts a “Firefly Festival,” a synchronous viewing event where one can peacefully watch these little critters flash like twinkling stars in search of a mate.
This annual event has been occurring for the majority of my life. This is the marker in which my body and spirit know that summertime has arrived, and there is never a moment where the summertime skies are completely devoid of light. The days are longer, and the nights have become illuminated by nature.
However, this has not been the case for 2024. In repeated attempts, I would seek out the lightening bugs outside for months and months to very little success. I awaited May, June, July, and even August to see the light show that always naturally falls into my view. Not anymore.
Where did all the fireflies go? I wonder; this unanswered curiosity had left me somber.
I cannot really think of anything too unusual happening in my community. Perhaps it has been the rapid increase of urbanization as the population continues to skyrocket here due to mass migration. Perhaps this leads to more light pollution, confusing the poor insects. Or, rather it is the typical circumstances of climate change, being one of the hottest summers on record. I am honestly unsure.
But, just the other night, as September dawned upon us: there they were. The fireflies are returning. I saw their gentle glows outside of my bedroom window, returning to brighten up my nights as the daylight hours begin to diminish with the encroaching equinox. My yard has been illuminated once again, and like eye-candy I watched them dance around for hours.
This is not their typical mating season, though. While I have finally been able to spot them, the fireflies are not as abundant as they would’ve been months ago. But, that’s alright. I am glad they are here.
The fireflies are quite late this year, and while their presence in September is not entirely unusual, I cannot help but wonder where they have been hiding all this time . . .
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The Star Acana is a signifier for renewed hope. We shall accept these blessings from the universe and look positively towards the future.
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Blue Mushroom 