Celebrate Summer Solstice
The life forces climbing crescendo into the fullness of the Earthand#8217;s cycle brings us an amazing and wondrous cornucopia at the summer solstice. Our journey now takes us into an epiphany of light as we approach the zenith of the longest day of the year. Human passions unfold into myriad forms of betrothal and marriage. Children play with zeal, unconcerned about the forthcoming darkness as our pass across the heavens begins to dwindle the light as the days shorten. Stories abound through all cultures about this most auspicious day.
We now can enjoy the bounty of the hard labours put forth from the warming months after winter solstice. The first planting of seeds at Imbolc (Groundhog Day), the first shoots growing strong at Spring Equinox, the readiness for fertilization at Beltane and now the first of the Earthand#8217;s fruits awaken our senses to the lusciousness of this incredible planet we live upon.
And that brings us to the question of what does the summer solstice mean to you?
How do you honor the and#8220;lightand#8221; in your life? What are your cultureand#8217;s rituals around this day? Do you teach your children the importance this day has held for humans for millennium so they may understand the richness of this time of the year?
It is also a time to reflect on the deeper meaning of the cycles of nature. Life, death, rebirth.
As we inhale the great fragrance of all the longest day holds, we appreciate the sweetness more, realizing the darkness will now begin to overtake us in this grand cycle. We have this moment to fully engage in the play of light and dark, without and within ourselves.
May you experience great joy and peace in this coming time. Send out your love in light waves across the planet and beyond. Enjoy!
and#8212; Sharon Freewoman, High Priestess and Reiki Master, is the owner of The
Rainbow Bridge at the Village in Squaw Valley and has been teaching a
variety of subjects for the last 30 years. For upcoming events go to
http://www.TheRainbowBridge.com or contact her at (530) 584-6100 or
entymology: Middle English, from Latin solstitium, from sol sun + -stit-, -stes standing; akin to Latin stare to stand and#8212; more at solar, stand. Date 13th century.
As the Summer Solstice approaches, the noon day sun rises higher in the sky each day. At solstice, it rises almost imperceptively from the day before, hence, to stand still.
It has been celebrated throughout the world as Midsummer, Feast of St. John the Baptist, Gathering Day, Litha, Alban Hefin, Johannistag and more.
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