June 21 marks the summer solstice, an important date in many pagan traditions and ancient cultures. Also known as Midsummer or Litha, this event is celebrated worldwide as the peak of the sun's power and the longest day of the year. Pagans and nature-based spiritual communities come together to honor the sun and the abundance of the summer season. During the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and shines the longest, bringing warmth, growth, and vitality to the Earth. Pagans see this as a time of great energy and power, representing the height of the year's potential. It is believed that the sun's energy can be harnessed and channeled for various purposes, such as healing, manifestation, and spiritual growth.
I draw the summer sun into my soul and hold my power high today as Solstice energy courses through my veins and connects me to the ancients, my ancestors, and all who have gone before.
I am divinely alive. I feel the warmth of my beloved sun as its rays dance upon my skin on this, the longest day of the year.
I draw the summer sun into my soul and hold my power high today as Solstice energy courses through my veins and connects me to the ancients, my ancestors, and all who have gone before. Calling in the Directions 2016 Whispering Wind of the East we stand in stillness, listening, knowing no harm can come to us as we are intent on hearing you.
It is believed that the sun's energy can be harnessed and channeled for various purposes, such as healing, manifestation, and spiritual growth. One common way to celebrate the summer solstice is by gathering at sacred sites or outdoors in nature. People may participate in rituals, ceremonies, and meditations to honor the sun and connect with its energy.
Summer Solstice greetings and Litha blessings
This is my first Litha or Summer Solstice and I was going to mark it in great form but recently life threw me a massive curve ball and all plans went out of the window!
No matter what is going on in my personal life I didnt want to leave it unmarked…its also a full Moon and there is a moot with my local pagan group so busy day all in all!
Anyway, on my way back to work this afternoon, I collected some Mugwort from a rather substantial patch I found (cue little happy dance!) with herbs being collected today being even more potent. I intend to dry some leaves for tea and make my own smudge sticks with leaves and some lavender too.
Part way through collecting I realised I hadnt said thanks as I was given a timely reminder with a sharp sting from a hidden nettle…duly paid my respects and all was well.
There is a big park near where I live and it has a big stone entrance on one side called the ‘Four Seasons’, because there are four women carved from stone, one for each season.
I have always admired these women but it was only today that I noticed how each woman ages as the wheel turns and each season has its turn – hadnt been obvious before starting my path but now makes perfect sense.
As I dont really have an outside altar I decided to take some roses and use them to honour ‘Summer’.
Summer with her roses.
I had a quiet word internally with Summer before carrying back onto work. This way I feel I have marked the Solstice in a small way and had a quiet word with the Goddess.
Whatever your plans are I hope you have had/are having a wonderful Solstice, x
Welcome Blessing
" W e greet the sun and you. (name). as we glory in both of your illuminations, may you feel the power and radiance of your light on this Summer Solstice."
Bonfires are often lit as a symbol of light and purification, and people may dance, sing, and make offerings to the fire. Flowers, herbs, and other natural elements are also incorporated into summer solstice celebrations. Many pagans create beautiful wreaths and garlands using flowers and plants that are abundant during this time of year. These adornments are worn on the head or hung in sacred spaces as a way to honor the cycle of growth and the beauty of nature. In addition to the festivities, the summer solstice is seen as a time of reflection and introspection. It is viewed as a midpoint in the year, offering an opportunity to reflect on goals, intentions, and personal growth. People may take time to journal, meditate, or engage in divination practices to gain insight and clarity for the remainder of the year. Whether through communal gatherings or personal rituals, the summer solstice is a time for pagans to celebrate the abundant energy of the sun and embrace the vibrant energy of the season. It is a time to connect with nature, honor the cycles of life, and express gratitude for the gifts that the sun and the Earth provide. As the solstice arrives, pagans around the world offer greetings and blessings to one another, wishing for a joyous and abundant summer season..
Reviews for "The Summer Solstice: A Sacred Time for Pagans around the World"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Summer solstice greetings: pagan". The storyline was incredibly lacking and the characters were flat and uninteresting. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the story. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and inconsistent, with awkward transitions between scenes. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2 stars
While "Summer solstice greetings: pagan" had some potential, it fell short in many areas. The pacing was slow and dragged on unnecessarily, making it difficult to maintain interest in the plot. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing was riddled with grammatical errors and the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and would not recommend this book.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was not impressed with "Summer solstice greetings: pagan". The plot was predictable and lacked originality, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and failed to elicit any emotional response from me. Furthermore, the writing style was unremarkable and lacked depth. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat, and I would not recommend this book to others.
4. David - 1 star
I found "Summer solstice greetings: pagan" to be a complete waste of time. The storyline was convoluted and poorly constructed, leaving me confused and disinterested. The characters were forgettable and lacked any sort of development. Additionally, the writing was full of cliches and lacked originality. Overall, this book did not live up to my expectations and I would not recommend it to anyone.
5. Lauren - 2 stars
"Summer solstice greetings: pagan" was a disappointment for me. The plot felt disjointed and lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were shallow and lacked any sort of relatability. Furthermore, the writing style was lackluster and failed to capture my attention. While the idea behind the book had potential, it fell short in every aspect. I cannot recommend this book to others.