THE SUMMER SOLSTICE TRADITION

SUMMER SOLSTICE musings...

The Summer Solstice is June 21st...and is the longest day of the year...and marks the beginning of the Summer cycle...the season of growth and change.

The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium...which literally means "sun stands still".The Latin word acknowledges that for approximately six days in June and again in December...the sun appears to rise and set at more or less the same point on the horizon...appearing to stand still in the sky at this time.This illusion is caused by the slight tilt in the Earth's axis in relation to the sun.

Traditionally...going back to ancient times...bonfires were lit on the Summer Solstice...as a way to acknowledge and express gratitude to the sun...for being the source of heat to grow their crops and have plenty to eat.They understood that the forces in nature and the land were the one constant stable foundation in their lives...and celebrating the Summer Solstice was their way of showing respect...to the ever present rising and setting of the sun... which to the ancient people...was the giver of life to the land...and to them.Without the sun...to grow their food...they knew they would perish.

Many cultures around the world still to this day... carry on the tradition of having festivals and celebrations on the Summer Solstice...with fires...dancing...food and merriment to celebrate the sun.

For me personally...traditions that honor the changing seasons...keep me connected to the land... my own feminine spirit...and all of humanity. They also keep me ever mindful how much my very own life depends on the bounty of the Earth...and the Divine Intelligence of the Universe. Everything is intertwined and connected somehow...and must be cared for and acknowledged...as part of the whole. Traditions and celebrations of the changing seasons...help to keep me...and you...aware of the balance of life here on Earth...and reminds me as well as you... the value of all life...including the land... and your place in the world...and life itself.

Because I follow the seasons... and understand that each changing season... brings me different gifts and teachings...on how to live a more harmonious life as a woman...I have a tradition each year of creating a personal celebration for myself...on the Summer Solstice. Because the summer cycle is about growth and change...my mindful intention of this yearly celebration is always about me...wanting to live a more life affirming and heart centered life...which to me... means growing my soul... more. And being willing to make those changes within me...to do that.

This is the celebration I create...and I want to share it with you... hoping you will grow...and empower yourself more...by making it a new yearly tradition ...on this seasonal event.



SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

SUPPLIES
paper and pen
1 candle

Towards evening...find a quiet...undisturbed space and place your paper and pen before you. Light your candle...and then gently close your eyes and take a few cleansing breaths... allowing your deep breathing to relax your body and clear your mind.

Say a prayer if you wish...asking for guidance on how you can grow and change...on a personal level...all those issues you have...or patterns you have developed over the years...that are not healthy or positive in your life.

Now at the top of your sheet of paper...write down.... making four columns across...the words...MENTAL...EMOTIONAL...PHYSICAL...and SPIRITUAL.  Take as long as you need to reflect and ponder... what you want to change...or what growth on a mental... emotional... physical...and spiritual level... you know in your heart you need in your life.Be very honest with yourself... but please do not judge yourself. We all have patterns that are negative...the purpose of this process is to clear about what needs to change and grow within you.

When you are complete with this process...write down under the particular column what you want to change...or seek growth in.

When you are finished...take a few moments to read over what you have written...and what steps you will need to take to change or grow into a better you. Be sure to keep your written list somewhere where you can easily read it...to keep you focused this season...and as a reminder of all you are wanting to do for yourself.

Happy Summer Solstice
Victoria