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: I've found that if I celebrate the start of summer with enthusiasm, I reconnect myself to the great cycle of the seasons and the rhythms of nature, and the rest of the summer is richer and more wonderful.

We've been kicking off the summer with pizazz:

• We started Sunday with an unveiling of our new sand pit, and 7 new construction trucks!
• Monday we made cookies.
• Today we will have a family potluck in our yard, with a fire in our portable fire pit.
• Tomorrow we will plant a fairy garden.
• And the rest of this week will include fresh raspberries, salads, bouquets of flowers, and an outdoor concert.

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 has been hanging for one year on our grape arbor, to remind me of summer every day. Today we will take it down and tomorrow I'll replace it with a new one.

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.