15 essential oils that are perfect for the Summer Solstice/ Midsummer / Litha, complete with great ways to use them all summer long. Sun storms: Incredible photos of solar flares, 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse wows skywatchers (Photos), Gorgeous images of the sun's corona in simulation. First of all thanks for the video, that brought back memories, I was singing at the top of my voice! Its a good time to plan candle magic spells and combine them with herbs in the form of incense, or used in petitions. That's my favorite way to celebrate. They felt by doing this it would purify and protect their animals. It's also one of Europe's most celebrated and spiritual evenings, which has long been associated with both the Christian St. John the Baptist, as well . It marks the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, when we receive the least energy from the Sun. Baron Samedis wife is Maman Brigitte. Being aware of all that is around one (not only what is straight ahead). It is the day with the least amount of daylight hours for the year and for pagans it symbolizes the rebirth of the Sun. Bears also remind us of pleasure and taking advantage of the bounty surrounding us this time of year. Bring out your bold colors to decorate your home to remind you of the splendor of the summer season going on outside your door. Slaves from many African cultures combined their own beliefs with those of the French Catholics who ruled the island. Wiccans and other Neopagan groups call it Litha, while some Christian churches recognize the summer solstice as St. Johns Day to commemorate the birth of John the Baptist. Just in case, here's an easy reference guide for you to make sure you havent forgotten any of the details! The summer holds fertility, passion, growth, joy, and peace. Thanks for stopping by! By the time of the Irish myths, Danu was no longer an active figure. Learn more about sun meaning and symbolism here. The idea of the triple goddess is well-known in Celtic and Irish lore. She represented new life, fair weather, and growth. Animals associated with fire in particularsnakes, lizards, lions and other felines, fireflies, glow worms, rams, lizards and horses. Plan games like feats of strength, tug-of-war, relay races or pie-eating contests. Mix and handful each of fresh or dried rose petals and lavender flowers in a non-metallic bowl. As a Catholic saint, she inspired veneration well beyond the shores of Ireland. Patience. Grain in Ear: mng zhng : Jun 6th: The wheat becomes ripe; and the summer planting starts (in southern China). xx. Celtic? 2. From Athens to Rio, in the read more, The sultry dog days of summer might spark visions of listless canines baking in the oppressive heat, but the moniker has nothing to do with panting pooches. To help with your sensational solar celebrations, Ive provided a handful of summer solsticesymbols. Take a cue from the salamander, get your soul-fires flickering, and let them renew you from the inside out. Astronomical events were often used to guide activities, such as the mating of animals, the sowing of crops and the monitoring of winter reserves of food. Cirb Brigids powerful ram was called the King of Sheep.. Invoke a Sun God and ask Him to lend you some of His power while its at its height. LOL. Keep reading to find out why Brigid was so well-loved in Ireland that she remains important around the world! From a protective goddess to a patron saint, Brigid is one of the most enduring and influential figures in Celtic mythology! Sunna, depicted with fiery hair and burning wheel. Fiery solar symbols are scrawled on it and we light it at the sabbats. . The 21st of June is the summer solstice. Neopagans, Wiccans and New Agers around the world hold summer solstice celebrations. LOL, We usually have our big summer BBQ bash in July, around the 4th-though it may have to be later this year, to accommodate some of the guests' schedulesThat's a month too late. Thank you. So, in the Northern Hemisphere you have: Vernal equinox (about March 21): day and night of equal length, marking the start of spring. (During the winter solstice, the sun does the opposite, and begins moving northward as winter slowly turns to spring.). Scientific American. This moon sign, which is associated with inception and beginning, indicates beginning, inner strength, purity and fertility. If not, use candles of bold summer colors. When the sun enters Cancer, the summer solstice has officially begun. Imbolc and Beltane were not only based on the cycles of the sun, but also on the farming season. ;-). 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. Litha is a time that is appropriate for all types of magical workings; this Sabbat just gives a major boost to anything you wish to accomplish. Pay tribute to the oak tree this summer, it will intensify feelings of safety, security and authority. The patron saint of Ireland shares many of the pagan goddesss domains. Bears: Females, specifically as the summer solstice lands right in the middle of their opportunity for conception. African penguin More commonly associated with cold weather, it may come as a surprise that our next sun lover is a penguin! Heres how it works. One of the more unlikely places that Brigid is venerated is in Haiti. During the vernal or spring equinox, the amount of daylight and darkness is nearly the same in length. Magic was thought to be strongest during the summer solstice. I love the long evenings and beautiful sunsets at that of year and the sunshine filled days. Yule occurs traditionally on June 21 and is also known as the winter solstice. Mid-June is the peak mating season for brown bears, and so this time of year is symbolic of fertility and the promise a new birth brings to continue the bloodline. Brigid was sometimes revered as a fire goddess. No formal rituals or anything. The site is aligned with the direction of the sunrise on the summer solstice. Maman Brigitte is associated with fire, based largely on Brigids traditional link to the sun and metalworking. They should be included in all of your celebrations. This event happens when Earth's tilt toward the sun is at its maximum and the sun points directly over the Tropic of Cancer. With warm weather, singing birds, and plants in full bloom, this time of year can't help but instill us with optimism. Autumnal equinox (about September 23): day and night of equal length, marking the start of autumn. Indeed, the crazy radiating mane of the male lion even looks like the sun. Why we celebrate the summer solstice. Likewise, crystals and stones associated with Fire like red agates, citrine, tiger's eye or amber. In Ancient Egypt, the summer solstice corresponded with the rise of the Nile River. Start with a rich, green altar cloth or perhaps a fiery orange-yellow altar cloth. 7. Midsummer festivities are especially popular in Northern Europe where bonfires are lit, girls wear flowers in their hair and homes are decorated with garlands and other greenery. To celebrate this pivotal time of the year, I thought it would be keen to kick up my studies on summer solstice symbols. Add half a stick of crumbled cinnamon and two pods of star anise. Images and little trinkets that represent fairies, pixies, elves and sprites are perfect dcor. I also enjoy sitting out to watch the sunsets. At this point, most people will have heard of Midsommar, the 2019 film depicting a woman's descent into a pagan cult's violent celebrations of the summer solstice. Instead, their sleep cycles are governed by ultradian rhythm, which means they sleep whenever they need to digest food. Estimated Read Time: 11 Minutes. June 21 is called the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The music of mourning was not the only artform Brigid was closely tied to. And dont forget the wee folk! The summer solstice always occurs between June 20 and June 22, but because the calendar doesn't exactly reflect the Earth's rotation, the precise time shifts slightly each year. If you have a fairy house, set it out, or put one outdoors. The West is black and it represents the death of summer's cycle. Its intoxicating scent makes soothes jangled nerves, and entices us to relax into the calmer rhythms of summer. The Summer Solstice happens around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, where the United States is located. Both her father, the Dagda, and her son were killed in the fighting. She is a caretaker of wild animals, the patroness of poets, and she is often described as redheaded and wearing a cloak of . The winter solstice occurs on the shortest day of the year, usually the 21st or 22nd December in the northern hemisphere and the 21st or 22nd June in the southern. The Goddess labours through the night birthing the Blessed Child, the Sun King. Neolithic humans may initially have started to observe the summer solstice as a marker to figure out when to plant and harvest crops. Unlike winter, which signals the end, autumn, which harks the beginning of the end, and spring, which symbolizes the start of a new beginning, summer represents life and endless opportunities that await. She was an agricultural goddess who watched over cattle and sheep. The goddess not only made them fertile, increasing the owners wealth, but also looked after and protected them. She takes pity on lost souls and helps to guide them safely into the afterlife so they can join her family. And, on December 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere. Bears: Females, specifically as the summer solstice lands right in the middle of their opportunity for conception. There are a couple of animals, plants, and other things that seem to be able to symbolize the summer solstice perfectly. The south and north are opposites. Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. Sadly the summer solstice is forever associated with the loss of my dear friend Karen last year to . It was believed that bonfires could help banish demons and evil spirits and lead maidens to their future husbands. The summer solstice, which marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, happens Sunday (June 20) at 11:32 p.m. EDT (Monday, June 21 at 03:32 UTC). Thank you! The sun is a warming entity, so itfires our passionsand heats up our hearts to the potential of life that abounds. Many of the Ulster Cycle myths feature kings and queens raiding one anothers herds and arguing over ownership of prized animals. Historians believe that St. Brigid of Kildare was a historical figure who, like many other women in Irish history, was named after the areas most important goddess. After the Sun reaches its maximum power, it begins to decline. Brigid, or Brid, was one of the foremost deities of the Irish Celtic pantheon. This was a good time to cull magical and healing herbs: fern seed gathered on midsummer's eve could make one invisible; elderberries warded off enchantment; stonecrop, vervain, and yarrow were hung in special places around the house for protection against the evil eye and death. The summer solstice, which falls on June 21 in 2022, is a fancy term for the first day of summer. Check out this, Copyright 2005-2023 Whats-Your-Sign.com, How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship and Understanding the Process of Becoming a Tattoo Artist, Meditation for a Stronger Mind and Enhanced Learning, Maneki Neko Cat: Meaning of the Lucky Waving Cat, International Polar Bear Day (February 27th): What It Is and Stuff to Do, How to Create a Spiritual Space in Your Home, Best Fasting Teas and Tea Tips for Best Health, Astrology Based Therapy: Using the Stars for Healing and Self-Discovery, Symbolic and Spiritual Meaning of Mushrooms, Best Wedding Accessories Based on Your Zodiac Sign, Dog Chinese Zodiac Sign Meaning and Chinese New Year, Five Mood Lifting Tips for Virgo Zodiac Signs. My son once made a lovely solar symbol out of poster board paper, it was a sun with eight wavy spokes. Protection. Adding to the likelihood that they would be mistaken for one another, all three were named Brigid. There and in Scotland, she is most well-known as the goddess of spring, but the various myths and artifacts that survive show that she had many other meanings as well. It took nearly a century of research and data to convince the vast majority of the scientific community that human activity could alter the climate of our entire planet. Sunflowers: Obvious, right? Brigid was thought to keep them safe then and encourage the safe delivery of calves. This is when we have the longest day with the sun rising earliest and setting latest. Most of our Midsummers are spent at the beach with friends, we set up an altar right there on the picnic tables and we fire up the grill for roasted vegetables and whatever meat my husband decides to cooksome years past this has included lemon pepper chicken, fish stuffed with herbs and lemon slices, grilled salmon with dill and lemon, tender pork and coleslaw sandwiches and even something as simple as burgers and hot dogs. The long summer days are full of life. Start of Summer: l xi : May 6th: The beginning of summer (in southern China). The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha, is a stop halfway around the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. Solar symbols are infinite! I loved this hub, it has a feeling of familiarity for me as i used to go to Stonehenge on the Summer soltice, lovely! Log in, By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. It's all in the spirit of the summer. Yule: Winter Solstice (Dec 20-23) Yule is held during the winter solstice when our days become shorter. Summer comes after spring and before fall. . This Germanic symbol, which is the representative sign of summer, is drawn to resemble a bowl. At 09:13 GMT on June 21, 2022, the earth will experience the June solstice. Seemore about the lion here. Make a midsummer incense for Solstice love energy. Wells were also visited at Beltane, or May Day, which celebrated the summer solstice. Readmore about symbolic sunflower meanings here. Which pantheon do you connect to primarily? Summer solstice (June 20 or 21): longest day of the year, marking the start of summer. Colours: blue, green, and yellow The Fire Festival of Litha. In this, she was the deity of fair weather, fertility, and the dawn. Unfortunately, contemporary accounts of Imbolc are rare and surviving folk tradition is heavily influenced by later Christian belief. Whats more, the sunflower is physically drawn to the light of the sun. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication and uses this, together with her knack for literature, to share her knowledge and insight with the world. The loa, or spirits, invoked in Vodou are based on African gods but incorporate much of the symbolism and lore of the saints. One of the most powerful of these plants was known as chase devil. Today its called St. Johns Wort, because of its association with St. Johns Day. Poets were said to love her more dearly than any other god and looked to her for inspiration. She is said to watch over babies, mothers, and cattle. Some scholars believe that Brigid may have evolved from multiple goddesses and incorporated several archetypes. It gives the children a well rounded understanding of all religions. Other summer solstice traditions hold that the ashes from a Midsummer bonfire can protect one from misfortune or that the asheswhen spread across ones gardenwill bring a bountiful harvest. Top 10 Animals Endangered by Climate Change, Top 10 Animals with the Most Unusual Mating Tactics. Beaver by David Parkyn/ Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Helena Dolby for Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust. South represents Summer and is a time of great abundance. Different cultures and religious traditions have different names for the summer solstice. Herdsmen would pray to Brigid to keep watch over their animals. This is a large, yellow pillar candle decorated with orange and red glitter paint. Get more about solar animal meanings here. They go hunting, reproduce, and, of course, in this time of the year they start to store energy, that will be really necessary for them in the winter and autumn time. Examples of literary pieces that have incorporated summer include Ann Brasharess The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants; Linda Hulls Insects of Florida, and Denyques song Summer Love, just to mention but a few. Traditions and Holidays Around the June Solstice. Daisies: They are so perky, uplifting, and happy its no wonder the daisy is a sign of the summer solstice. The kids love it. While mourners looked to her for inspiration, other musicians did as well. Registered charity number 207238. Kimberly has a bachelor's degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University, a master's degree in biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. It begins on the day of the Summer Solstice and ends on the day of the Autumnal Equinox. The sun is directly overhead at "high-noon" on Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere at the latitude called the Tropic of Cancer. The popularity of similar figures throughout Europe meant that St. Brigids influence spread far beyond Ireland. She founded a monastery and convent at Kildare, on the site of a shrine to the former pagan goddess. For example, arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii)stick to their sleep schedules all year long. Chipmunks, skunks, tortoises, and some bats will also spend most of winter sleeping to conserve food and energy, so if you've gotten used to seeing these animals in your yard or neighborhood, they might disappear for a little while. This website is fueled by coffee, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and LOTS of passion. Striking to behold, eclipses often were viewed as supernatural phenomena. One of the most famous landmarks in Ireland, Brigids Well in Kildare, still bears her name. With a keen interest in understanding why life was and is as it is, Rose has been studying religion, culture, and history for over fifteen years. She became an important saint in France, Scandinavia, Germany, and elsewhere. Enjoy Fresh Fruits Traditional foods of Litha include fresh vegetables and summer fruits like strawberries, since those are at their peak. Australia has summer around Christmas. If indoors, bring the outdoors inside. Brigids association with fair weather and the holidays of spring and summer were not only tied to her dominion over the sun. Festivities celebrated Earth, femininity, and the yin force. Flowers in full bloom make the best Litha decorations in my opinion. Rockey terrain, poor soil, and a harsh climate meant that much of Ireland and Scotland were not ideal for growing grains and vegetables. Finally, she was thought of by many as a goddess of music and other art forms. . "There are animals that stop having a prolonged period of sleep," and they abandon their usual daily rhythm during this time of year, Williams told Live Science. African penguins are native to waters around southern Africa and congregate in large colonies (<3,000 penguins) on beaches near Cape Town. Inspiring their songs made her the goddess of knowledge as well. Its time to raid some history and mythology books. This reminds me at Midsummer that the Sun Lord, born of the Goddess, has reached his height of power and strength, and though his power will now begin waning his seed is planted in Her sacred womb so that he may return to us. "When the male is active, the female is at the nest and vice versa," Williams said. Just as the sunflower follows the light, so too are our own spirits inclined to follow the light of the divine. In Ireland and elsewhere, they survived in folklore as the fae but were no longer seen as divine. The God associated with this month is called 'Taliesin', who is the son of the lunar goddess Ceridwen. The patron saint of Ireland continues to be one of the Catholic Churchs most popular saints. One tradition popular in some villages was to roll a burning hoop down a hillside into the waterI don't actually recommend lighting a hoop on fire, but you might have fun by racing with some solar-colored hula-hoops. The orientation of some archaeological structures are thought to reflect ancient observations of the summer solstice. This is done intentionally to illustrate the earth as a bowl ready to receive the readily available warmth and energy of the sun. That extended daylight might make it difficult for people in northern latitudes to know when to go to sleep if they aren't looking at a clock, but the midnight sun is no problem for many other animals. Bibliography. No worries, they'll probably be back in spring. Baldr is clearly associated with the midsummer sun the sun at solstice. The day has also been celebrated in many cultures. In this aspect, she was also sometimes considered to be a goddess of motherhood and birth. Instead, they embraced the spring goddess. She was the goddess of spring, the dawn, and fertility. Midsummer is truly the noontime of the year; its the zenith of the summer season. Little is known of Danu, but she is generally believed to have been an ancient member of the Mother Earth archetype. This combined with its copper-penny color makes the lion a bronzed icon of summer symbolism. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). You may even wish to face your altar south, the direction associated with the Midsummer sabbat. Archeologists have long debated the purpose and uses of Stonehenge, a Neolithic megalith monument in the south of England. That hung high above our altar for many Solstices, but unfortunately paper does not last forever. This often linked to her role as the goddess of smiths and metalworking. They alternate sleeping and waking hours with their nesting mate throughout the day. Reclaiming one's power. Incorporate a fresh bunch of daisies for your next summer party or reunion its sure toaugera sense of friendship, laughter, and love in your festivities. It is associated with plunging temperatures and icy weather, but its impact and timing change according to . Download includes the following worksheets: Summer is one of the four seasons.
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