As the sun reaches the furthest point from the equator (on 21st June in the UK), we are getting ready to celebrate the longest day of the year, or summer solstice. This day, according to astronomical definitions, also marks the beginning of summer and is a good time to celebrate light and growth.
Summer solstice has long been celebrated throughout history and is thought to have been culturally important since the Neolithic Era, 12,000 years ago. It has associations with fertility, strength and nature’s abundance, and is marked by many different cultures through a range of traditions such as presenting offerings to the sky and the gods, feasts, and lighting and jumping over bonfires (a pre-Christian pagan custom thought to keep demons away and bring good luck to lovers).
Perhaps the most notable of celebrations are those around stone circles such as Stonehenge, Avebury, Moel Ty Uchaf, or Achavanich. These stone circles appear to have been built to carefully align with the movements of the sun and are still widely used today as gathering places to conduct rituals and ceremonies to mark both summer and winter solstices.
The longer days make the summer solstice a perfect time to connect with nature, to embrace outdoor activities and practice mindfulness, helping to bring a sense of clarity and new energy. Take a pause and celebrate nature’s abundance, light and energy, and work with it to enable growth and transformation. It can be a good time to reflect, clarify your goals and make positive changes for the remainder of the year.
Ultimately, however you decide to mark the summer solstice, enjoy, embrace everything it brings, and work with it to move forward, letting go of the old and embracing the new.
Happy Summer Solstice, with warmth and gratitude from the 3CHH Team.
