Summer Solstice 2017

Today is the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of sunlight of the year. Although it is occurring with festivals and rituals celebrated across the country, it is revered most prominently at the ancient prehistoric site, Stonehenge, in the United Kingdom. More often than not, Thousands of people travel to the ancient monument to observe the sunrise over the famous Heel Stone, which stands just outside the circle to the northeast.

The Summer Solstice is commonly thought to mark the first day of Summer. Connected traditionally with the Pagan’s Midsummer, it is viewed now to be the beginning of Summer by astrologists.

Determined by your individual spiritual path, there are many different activities you can do to celebrate Summer Solstice, but the focus is just about always on celebrating the influence of the sun.

Adjusted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, there are few rituals you may want to think about trying with just a little planning.

The first is the Midsummer Night’s Fire Ritual that is of course there is singing and dancing around a big bonfire. Next, you can hold a Backyard BBQ Ritual by inviting family and friends over for a fun ritual and cookout.

You can create crowns out of flowers. The gathering flowers to weave into wreaths and crowns were a way to channel nature’s magic to guarantee good health during the course of the year. Did you know for unmarried girls, it’s believed that if you pick and place seven or nine types of flowers under your pillow, you will soon dream of your future husband?

In front of a mirror, light a white candle and say a Lithia prayer over it. Afterwards allow the candle to burn out.

Another is floating paper boats with blessings on a river or stream to bring about love or luck to whoever may find it.

Pagans believe the Summer Solstice is a time when the veil linking this world and the next is at its thinnest, making spirits there most powerful. Remember, as we celebrate the Summer Solstice, it is the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.