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.

I find this transition from spring to summer to be a big deal. Summer is a time of abundance, and a celebration of joy in the fullness of life. Sometimes summer is too abundant for me; I need to be consciencious and mindful of my energy, my work load, and my need for rest.

My summer is kicking off with a week-long summer camp for kids. I won't get to sleep in this week, or take it easy, but I will make a point to celebrate the things I love most about summer:

• Spend as much time outside as possible- do some gardening, eat my meals outside, and just sit outside and soak it in.
• Eat fresh strawberries, and raspberries.
• Spend time with children.
• Take afternoon naps!
• Pick bouquets of flowers.
• Go for evening walks in the warm night air. 

If I celebrate the start of summer with enthusiasm I will help to make the rest of the summer richer and more wonderful, and I will reconnect myself to the great cycle of the seasons and the rhythms of nature.

Agenda for the Solstice:

1. Journal: 

Visualize and write about the ideal summer.

What amazing things do I want to accomplish?

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. I hang it high in my apple tree to remind me of summer all year long. 

Supplies: Grapevines, sticks, clippers, pipe cleaners, scissors, yellow and orange ribbon and yarn

1. Make a hoop with grapevine and tuck in the ends so they stay.

2. Cut 2 sticks that are long enough to overlap the hoop. Attach at four corners and center with pipe cleaners.

3. Attach ribbon or yarn streamers to five crossing points, and tie on a loop for hanging in a tree.

3. Build a Solstice Fire: 

Our ancestors lit fires on the eve of the solstice, maybe to symbolize the sun's power. We will have our fire nearer the end of this week.

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 will collect a fir cone and an acorn from trees in our neighborhood.

We will also take down last year’s battered solar disk from the apple tree and burn it.