SUMMER SOLSTICE 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAZHANE LEAH

The midsummer solstice (Litha, Longest Day, shortest night) is today, June 20th

 The summer solstice is the time of nature's bounty and abundance. The element is FIRE, the direction is south, and all around us we are surrounded by color and fragrant aromas  from blossoming roses, wallflowers, lavender, honeysuckle, and jasmine.

The Earth is midpoint on it’s journey around the sun. It is the first day of summer and the longest and strongest day of the year! Mid-Summer is the time when we celebrates the full powers of life and the beginning of the change from a waxing to a waning year. Summer solstice is the festival of the Goddesses of the south corner, and of creative energy. Many rituals often include large bonfires where sacred herbs are thrown into the fire. However, for those who would like to create a meaningful sacred fire ritual but live in the city and do not have access to large open areas where fires may take place, you can use votive candles set in a large wok filled with sand and adorned by a nest of branches or drift wood.

ALTAR & OFFERINGS:

PYRITE

A piece of Pyrite in the home or workplace energizes the area around it and imparts an immediate increase in vitality. It overcomes intellectual fatigue due to overwork and tiredness of the nervous system by stimulating blood flow to the brain, increasing mental clarity, focus and recall.  

RITUALS

Outdoor rituals are best now because everything is in full bloom, if there is no danger of fire, a bonfire should be set earlier in the day for the evenings festivities. Meeting early in the day to gather berries, and herbs for the ceremony, as well as adorning each woman's naked bodies. If there is access to play in the woods, or swimming in a creek, ocean, or stream go for it!