In June, the snows had long since melted, the
ground had thawed, the first fruits were ripening on their vines, and
Mother Nature had once again renewed herself. Though most of us have
turned away from our agricultural heritage, the summer solstice remains a
time of new beginnings and life-enriching endings. It is the day the
sun reaches the peak of its power as well as the day that heralds the
shorter days that eventually bring with them autumn's chills.
For ancient peoples of the Americas and Europe, the summer solstice was a
particularly joyous day -- and one auspicious for those seeking
year-long luck, fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Men and women on
two continents would gather to pay tribute to the sun's magnificence, to
pray for a bountiful harvest, and to bolster the sun's energy with
bonfires and fireworks. Today, the summer solstice represents an optimal
time to reflect upon the blessings we have received in seasons past and
visualize the new bounties we hope to receive in the season just
beginning to flourish.
At noon, when the sun is at its highest point, we
can pay reverence to its incredible strength and its ability to create
life while also musing on the impermanence of life as represented by the
impermanence of the season. You can reestablish your innate connection
to nature on the summer solstice by spending time outdoors; following
the sun's procession as the day passes; burning sun oils such as orange,
benzion, or juniper; or decorating an altar with solar images, summer
greens, or colorful blossoms....<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...