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.

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.

Agenda for the Solstice:
1. Plan a fun first week of summer
2. Make Kanelbuller (Swedish Cinnamon buns)

3. Make flower crowns

4. Build a Solstice Fire

1. Plan a fun first week of summer:

My first week of summer is fairly open and free- I have no camps or classes, and only one meeting. I plan to sleep in this week, take it easy, and 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, salads, and s'mores!
• Spend time with with my family and visit friends.
• Take afternoon naps.
• Pick bouquets of flowers.
• Go for evening walks in the warm night air.

2. 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 for Midsummer parties.

Ingredients: 

• 2 packets instant dry yeast
• 1 c. milk
• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 6 c. flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. cardamom

Filling:

• 1/2 c. butter
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cinnamon

Yield: 12 large rolls-

1- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast with a few tablespoons of the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

2- Meanwhile in a saucepan, melt the butter. When the butter is just melted, add the sugar and the rest of the cup of milk, and continue to heat until lukewarm. Add to the yeast and stir.

3- In another small bowl, combine baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Add to the wet ingredients- it should foam up a bit.







4- Stir in 4 c. flour, and then knead for about 10-15 minutes, adding more flour as needed. 

5- Cover dough with cling film and let it rise for 45 minutes in a warm place.

6- Combine the filling ingredients and stir to a smooth paste.

7- Oil a baking pan. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thick, and about 12 by 20 inches. 









Spread the cream on the entire surface. 

8- Roll dough lengthwise to form a long roll, then cut into 12 slices. 





Place in the pan. Cover the buns and let them rise again for an hour or until doubled in size. 

9- Preheat oven to 450ºF. Bake for 5-10 minutes then let cool on a wire rack. You can frost them, but in Sweden it's more common to sprinkle with sugar. I used powdered sugar.

3. Make flower crowns:

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

 4. Build a Solstice Fire: 

Our ancestors lit fires on the eve of the solstice, maybe to symbolize the return of the sun's power. 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 had lots of fir to burn, and collected some acorns from trees in our neighborhood.

We also took down last year’s battered solar disk from the apple tree and burned it.