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Merry Midsummer my Friends,
June 21st is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Latitudes. Also known as Midsummer, the Summer Solstice (meaning Sun stands still) is one of the eight great spokes on the Celtic wheel of seasons. As a celestial event, it is universally celebrated in some way since it is recognized as an important turning point—the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This means the Sun is at its peak force. Traditionally, this is considered a time to honor the masculine energy, just as the Winter Solstice honors the feminine during the longest night.
Since the moon will be in it’s waxing phase until June 26th, this is a great time to plant seeds for new beginnings, although my friend and consummate Astrologer, Simone Butler, (simone@astroalchemy.com) cautions us that since Mars (action) is slowed down and about to go retrograde, we should expect things to move at a slower pace. It is a good time to complete old projects as well.
Rituals have power, especially the ones that have personal meaning to you, whether from family traditions or ones you create for yourself. Recently, Alberto Villoldo wrote about the creation of sacred space, which is the foundation for enacting ritual. Sacred space, he reminds us, can be created anywhere by focused intention and invoking the power of the four cardinal directions as well as the energy of Father Sun and Mother Earth. He states that by summoning, you come into relationship with these four shamanic principles.
Devic Devil's Club, Jaya 2018
In my studies of indigenous practices, calling in the four directions is universal. Recognizing the power of the Earth and the Sun at the Solstice makes sense. What you create in your ritual, the intentions you declare and the symbolic objects you use to represent those also bring power to your creative act. Then whatever you choose to do, play music, sing songs or chant, walk around a wheel, or hike into a secluded spot in nature, you have increased your own personal power to manifest your desires.
Enjoy the energy of the Solstice and plant some seeds for your life.
Love, Linda
lindasavagephd@goddesstherapy.com
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