The arrival of Naw Ruz, the Baha’i New Year, brings with it a sense of renewal and reflection. Celebrated on the spring equinox, it marks not just a new calendar year but also a celestial alignment that reminds us of the intricate tapestry of time. As both a Baha’i and a geologist, I find a special resonance in this occasion—an opportunity to consider the dual realms of faith and the physical world.
In the Baha’i teachings, Naw Ruz is a time to let go of what has outlived its purpose and to welcome the fresh possibilities that lie ahead. Similarly, in geology, the Earth itself embodies this process of constant renewal. Mountains rise and erode, minerals form and transform, and the tectonic plates shift and create new landscapes. Each moment in Earth’s timeline is a testament to the inevitability of change and the beauty that emerges from it.
As we step into 182 B.E., we are reminded that every year carries with it the potential for expansion—of our horizons, our understanding, and our connections. But this growth often requires us to release the baggage of habits, fears, and attachments that no longer serve us. Just as the Earth’s surface is reshaped by the forces of erosion and uplift, we too must allow the currents of life to remold us.
This Naw Ruz, I invite you to think about the layers of your own existence. What sediments of the past have hardened into unnecessary weight? What dormant potential lies waiting to be unearthed? Like a geologist examining a core sample, we can look into the strata of our lives and identify both the burdens to release and the treasures to embrace.
And let us not forget the daily opportunities for transformation. Every sunrise offers the chance to refine our character, to turn challenges into learning experiences, and to contribute meaningfully to the world around us. Just as the Earth continuously evolves—building mountains, carving canyons, and fostering life—so too are we given the sacred gift of each moment to reshape and renew ourselves.
As we move forward into this new year, let us carry with us the wisdom of both faith and geology: that change is a natural and beautiful process, and that each moment holds the potential for growth. Happy Naw Ruz to all who celebrate. May this year be one of discovery, renewal, and the courage to embrace both the known and the unknown.
the musing geologist 