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| SUMMER SOLSTICE BY GAYLA GONGWER Light is energy, and this month includes that one day of the year with the most solar energy of all. June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, or Midsummer, when the sun reaches its zenith. This creates the longest day of the year -- leaving our earth day evenly balanced between light and darkness. Since pre-history, this annual event has been the focus of rite and ritual. Stonehenge, which dates from the Stone and Bronze ages, was built in order to precisely predict celestial events such as the Summer Solstice. On the other side of the globe, the large, circular patterns of stone called medicine wheels, as well as the structures left by the Mound Builders, were similarly focused on forecasting the Summer Solstice. Midsummer celebrations began with pagan festivals and fertility rites associated with agriculture. As with other traditions, these have evolved into many different types of contemporary celebrations. Modern day Wiccans consider this sacred event to be a time when fairies, elves, and others supernatural spirits abound in great numbers. Midsummer’s eve is celebrated in various ways in Europe by the English, Swedes, Scandinavians, and Spanish. Peasants often celebrated by lighting fires in streets and marketplaces. Contemporary Christians have redefined their celebration into the Feast of John the Baptist on June 24th. |
| Solstice The word solstice means "sun stands still," and the term is applied to either of the two points at which the sun is at its northern most point in the sky. This annual event has been the focus of rite and ritual since pre-history. In ancient Europe, Stonehenge was built in order to precisely predict events such as the summer solstice. On the other side of the globe, large, circular patterns of stone called medicine wheels, as well as the structures left by the Mound Builders, were also focused on forecasting the summer solstice. There are as many ways to celebrate this annual occurrence as there are ways to worship. Current day Wicca and Druid traditions include powerful rituals and reenactments. Hopi from around the country return to Northern Arizona to celebrate Niman, the Kachinas' return. Members of Tohono O'odham Nation will begin their annual saguaro harvest and pray for rain until the Arizona monsoons arrive. Whatever your choice, on this day as the sun enters the sign of Gemini, use this time of solar balance and duality to examine your personal equilibrium and stability. |
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