
20/06/2025
Solstice Celebrations, Embracing Summer and Honoring Nature
June brings vibrant colours, and aromas of Lavender and Roses, the garden is fully awaken and dancing to Earth's vibrations, sunlight dominates the days, and wildlife encompasses the abundance of fresh shoots and leaves. The weeping boughs of the Willow Tree looks like it has had a bad haircut, sculpted by the local Muntjac, and our old Apple Tree is already starting to bend under the weight of its swelling fruits, by the look of the hedgerows and orchards, this year is going to be a bountiful crop.
Spring made her Pledge and Summer was born of it. Mother Nature is fully awake and casting her magic throughout the land. The Sun in turn is radiant offering up the Summer Solstice to compliment the season, the longest day, a time when the Earth seems to pause, hovering in a moment of silent contemplation.
Solstice comes from the Latin word Solstitum meaning “Sun stands still”. Although there is no physical pause, there is a sentiment at this time of year when the turning of the earth, captures the immenseness of the sky. Reminding one of the timeless enormity we are part of. Not one single form surviving alone, but a huge living, breathing, organic mass that embraces everything in its arms, where the relevance of time itself becomes utterly inconsequential. It is only us whom put such an importance on time and its passing.
For I do not think the Song Thrush that sings every morning on the wall outside our window, gives much credence to “time", rather simply celebrating the sun as it creeps up over the horizon. Which makes it seem slightly amusing, that we put so much importance on the Sun's arrival and departure at the Summer Solstice, when really, we should be like the Song Thrush and celebrate every sunrise with our own song.
There is so much sadness and fear in our world today, we could be forgiven for forgetting the beauty and wonder that flows across the land. and I will not sit here and tell you what you already know. Rather let us manifest these feelings into something more positive, and focus our thoughts to those whom have the ability to make the right changes, so they may trade ego, for compassion, and view the world as one, so creating a future that is connected and respectful, to all that share this beautiful home we call Earth, and show empathy and kindness to those that walk it now, for they are our future..
Let Nature take your hand, for this is an amazing time of year, there is a carefree attitude aboard the fields and woodlands, a most infections joyfulness. The warmth of the Sun lifts our spirits, the ancestors whisper playful anecdotes on the breeze, and the land sings. Our sense of adventure is tantalisingly inspired.
The Druids call the Summer Solstice, Alban Hefin, “the light of Summer” these words flow from the tongue like liquid Honey, a golden amber gift, that was born from a community that works in harmony with each other. Teamwork is the key to their success, each Bee knows precisely what to do, there intricate ability to communicate with each other, and the artistry they create with in their hive, is simply extraordinary, so small but so clever.
As I walk the wilder paths, I feel honoured to glimpse the Fallow Deer through the shaded woodland, their chestnut brown coats, reflecting shafts of light that slide between a lush green canopy, contrasted by swaths of purple Foxgloves, that are scatter around ancient moss coated tree stumps, a shy Fawn peers around its mothers legs wary of the intrusion, they raise their heads, study us a while and then move a litter further away. In contrast, the young squirrels show a confident courageousness, as they mischievously bound from branch to branch, occasionally peering down at my stoic pup, who bravely battles the desire to chase these furry athletes, you can almost hear him sigh in resigned knowledge, that he must resist and stay by my side.
Above the woodland a cloudless sky is home to a couple of buzzards, spiralling and circling, playing on the thermals, weightless in their movements as they embrace the air, oblivious to the crows incessant mobbing. The hedgerows are full, the Wild Garlic has given way to the delicately scented Dog Rose, tall swaying Cow Parsley, Buttercups and Ox Eye Daisy's, creating an evocative pallet of colour.
All designed to stimulate the senses and heighten our awareness of the impact Summer has on us, the windows and doors are thrown open, summer breezes give light relief, to the Sun's domination of the skies. Long days allow us hours more of exploring the outside, meditating in the cradle of Nature's gentle hands, where we feel a sense of belonging.
Welcome the Summer Solstice, and work with the raised energies it brings, let it not just be a respect and recognition of the passing of the Solstice, but instead embrace it. For it brings with it, greater spiritual awakening, and so many opportunities. All the foundations we have laid throughout Winter and Spring, now simply needing care and nurturing, to enable them to burst forth.
Like clay manipulated in the artist hands, allow the free flow of creativity, explore the images that flit in and out of one's peripheral vision, be guided by them, and mould them in to something more, like a Golem rising out of the earth, or an Egregor, a thought form, born out of love and kindness, and watch it grow into something truly strong and beautiful.
Wishing all Love Light and Solstice Blessing