Re: Re: Midsummer Solstice

[Guest guest]

I was modeling my celebration in my mind as I read. I'll talk it over with my daughter and perhaps with some others of my family who I think might like to join in, and let you know what we do. It would be lovely if this were the first of yearly celebrations. Thanks for taking the time to answer so fully.

W.

Re: Midsummer Solstice

> W> Back to you, Shan.... What is a good way to celebrate Midsummer Solstice. I feel the need of a good celebration, just now, and have the feeling some others do as well. MW thank you! what a lovely invitation.Well usually we go to our favourite sacred site which is the oldest human built monument in Europe, huge ancient stones surrounded by tall beeches in cornfields, very quiet. I'm still struggling with abscess so hope I will be strong enough tomorrow to travel.Preparing for a festival is good with a long bath in salted water. Not sure what you weird Americans can do in a shower - rub salt? Anyway that'll be during the afternoon early evening when all preparations are done.It's a sun festival obviously and lighting candles is traditional to honour the fire of the sun. If you are indoors make a circle of candles/ nightlights on silver foil on a tray. Light each one at midnight or nearest time you can manage in darkness.You could speak about someone to honour for each candle. Or speak of something different for each, something to do with power and how you feel about it in your life, things you need to be powerful. Prayers or poetry about power. Solstice is highest sun power you see.But this should not be a written speech thing but talking from the heart.Once lit you can just enjoy the gleaming light on the silvery foil. Look into the flames - very restful to the heart and mind.Alternatively have a bonfire. Small or large whatever is possible.The best of all is to have an all night vigil. Sounds impressive but we Pagans do it sensibly on the shortest night of the year!You need a comfy seat (camp chair) rugs, warm socks, thick sweater. It gets cold around 2am -4am. Expect dawn around 5 and don't expect much! Solstice dawn in often pretty boring but still feels great after waiting up. I find the changes in the quality of the darkness of the night fascinating.Cherry brandy, mead are excellent helps through the chilly bit! When I've done it we share stories, jokes, bits of songs ... It's a lovely kind of sharing I've done with family, friends, or else strangers who I meet at a good site.There is no disapproval for falling asleep. If you do and you're not alone you can be woken up by anyone hardy who's kept going, to see the dawn and share a cuppa. If alone set an alarm if you like. This is NOT an ordeal.A variation if staying up is not for you would be a bit of ceremony at midnight (or late evening) -bonfire or candles - setting alarm early to wake up at 5 and greet the dawn. Doesn't have to be a complicated thing just look at the dawn and listen to the birds. Your candle is good if chosen big enough to burn through the night and greet you when you wake.The solstice is the time for great gatherings for all kinds of festivals, the community coming out and showing itswelf. But not all can go to big events so if not join them in spirit. Enjoy the thousands and thousands who are doing this with you in different ways.These are practical things that can be woven in with almost any personal beliefs/ faith. For me it weaves with the Goddess and the God and the Ancestors. But Jesus, , Buddha, Allah, Shiva, Kali, Tara, the Tao or the hopes of humanity, can all link with such simple things.I guess we weighties can ask the power of the sun (a symbol for whatever we believe) for strength in our struggle. The sun will now decline so perhaps we could ask that as the sun diminishes through the second half of the year so shall we diminish in size!