SUMMER SOLSTICE – June 20th/21st
This year the Summer Solstice on Tuesday, June 21st. The Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) is a turn of seasons leading us towards the heart of ourselves.
It is officially the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. The Solstice is the time when the sun stands still and is also referred to as Litha or Midsummer because it is roughly the middle of the growing season throughout much of Europe. This holiday marks the Maiden Goddess’s transition into the cycle of the Mother Goddess. Here she manifests herself as Mother Earth, The Generous Mother (giving us more than what we need), Freya, Flora, Habondia, Juno, Vesta – giving life to all her children. The God is represented as the Sun King, the Oak King, Lugh, the Shining One. In celebration people light fires, stay up all night, bedeck themselves with flowers, and celebrate with love-shakin’ pagan parties! Summer Solstice is ACTIVE – doing, expanding and living the dream envisioned in winter. It’s time to feed your Creative Fire! So nurture, sustain and protect your creations like a good mother would. Water your genius like you water your garden!
Sunflowers at Esalen
Midsummer Altar Ideas
Themes: Growing, the Sun, Blossoming, Abundance, Warmth
- Set your altar up outside or in a place that gets a lot of sunlight
- Sun Symbols: circles, disks, sunflowers, solar images, candles, fire, etc.
- Seasonal Fruits and Veggies from your garden or local farms & markets
- Flowers: Roses are the favorite of the Goddess this time of year, but all blooms are welcome
- Colors: Solar colors like yellow, oranges, reds… think bright. I’m a big fan of Rainbows.
- Trees: Oak Trees, acorns
- Elements of Water & Fire
Summer Altar - Solar Banner, fresh flowers, Male & Female, Disks (old saws)
Addie Picks the first bunch of Kale
Midsummer Rituals
Pick fresh berries and veggies from your garden. Surround yourself with lots of color and fresh flowers. Light candles or have a summer bonfire (be safe!) to honor Midsummer and the God of the Sun. Throw or attend a party. Light sparklers, let the kids stay up late, celebrate the abundance in your life right now. Make wishes for the future. Other Rituals to enjoy…
- Blessings for Fathers
- Give Aways
- Lavender Dream Pillows
- Hilltop Bonfires
- Love & Magic
- Handfasting Ceremonies
- Create a Solar Banner for your altar or mantle
Make Suns with your family and string them together - use basic art supplies.
Dance under a Sacred Tree
You must know I always feel inspired after reading your entries and seem to go through my life in a more balanced and open manner. Your love for life, and all that comes with it, shows in your art. thank you for sharing