Today, on Summer Solstice day…I am celebrating being alive on planet Earth…our beautiful home in the solar system!
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “stitium” (still).
Our ancestors noticed that, as summer progressed, the sun stopped moving northward in the sky and began tracking southward, as summer turned to autumn.
All ancient cultures celebrated the solstice: the Chinese associated it with “yin”, the Earth, the feminine force. The Greeks organised Kronia, a festival celebrating Cronus, the god of agriculture, whilst the Romans celebrated Vestalia, a religious festival in honour of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. Ancient Northern and Central European pagans welcomed Midsummer with bonfires and magic ceremonies to banish evil spirits and conjure abundance. Many Native American tribes took part in solstice rituals, some of which are still practiced today.
Stonehenge, and other Neolithic megalith monuments, as well as many other impressive constructions, including The Sphinx and the Great Pyramids, The Maya Pyramids in Mexico and the Inca “Temple of the Sun” in Machu Picchu, Peru, are thought to be directly linked to the summer and winter solstices respectively – proof of our ancestors’ fascination with the sun’s journey through the sky, its power and its significance.
There are still many Midsummer festivities all over the world, some more modern, like the “Fête de la musique” – or “Festival of music” started in France in 1982, which eventually became “World Music Day” observed on June 21 every year in more than 120 countries – a celebration of music, creativity and culture.
It is important to celebrate the summer solstice: a symbolic victory of light over darkness, of joy over sadness.
It is important to celebrate the sun, the light and warmth that it bestows on us, the hope and the abundance that it brings.
It is important to celebrate the privilege of being alive.
Allow the sun’s light to expand your consciousness. Allow its’ warmth to open your heart to joy and gratitude.
On this day of the year, and on every day, let us celebrate what unites us, what nurtures us, what inspires us…and what guides us through this miraculous journey of life.
Let us celebrate being children of the sun…
Let us celebrate Life.
