Summer Solstice

The season is turning. Today the sun exerts its maximum energy on our part of the earth; the powers of outward expression are at their greatest, and the powers of inner contemplation are at their lowest.

And of course, just as we reach the point of maximum yang energy, yin energy is reborn and begins to gain strength: The next days will each be a little shorter again, until the winter solstice in December.

Agenda:

1. Plan a fun first week of summer
2. Make a New Solar Disk

3. Harvest herbs

4. Make Kanelbuller (Swedish Cinnamon buns)

5. Make flower crowns

6. Build a Solstice Fire

1. Plan a fun first week of summer:

This transition from spring to summer is a big deal: If I celebrate the start of summer with enthusiasm, the rest of the summer will become richer and more wonderful, and I will reconnect myself to the great cycle of the seasons and the rhythms of nature.

I want to kick off the summer with pizazz:

• We started last night with a family potluck in our yard, with a fire in our new portable fire pit!
• It's going to be a hot week, so we will have morning time in the yard for water play and gardening.
• Eat fresh raspberries, salads, and strawberry shortcake!
• Pick bouquets of flowers.
• Go on at least one long bike ride, possibly to the new Riverfront Park.

2. Make a New Solar Disk:

Each year at the solstice, I make a sun mandala of grapevine with two cross arms. The outer circle represents the wheel of the year, and the arms of the cross symbolize the four seasons. 

My solar disk used to hang high in my apple tree, but this year hung it on our grape arbor, to remind me of summer all year long.

3. Harvest herbs:

According to tradition, the summer solstice is the “day of all days for gathering the wonderful herbs”. Scientifically, this is because the plant's energy is not yet directed into making flowers or seeds, so the flavor and scent is potent. Today I harvested  sage, mint, and catnip.

4. Make Kanelbuller:

Kanelbuller is Swedish for cinnamon buns, and Sweden is where cinnamon buns were first made. The Swedish variety is usually lighter and less sticky than the American version, and they are flavored with cardamom. These are a favorite in Sweden for Midsummer parties. The recipe is here.

Summer Solstice in 2018

5. Make flower crowns:

We used birch branches for the ring, then wrapped thin wire around to hold herbs and flowers.

6. Build a Solstice Fire: 

Our ancestors lit fires on the eve of the solstice, maybe to symbolize the return of the sun's power, and so we had our fire last night.

It’s traditional to start a solstice fire with oak and fir: Oak is the tree of power, symbolizing the energy of the sun. Fir is the tree of immortality, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun.

We also took down last year’s battered solar disk and burned it.