Hitting Send

Summer has finally arrived! June 20 marks Summer Solstice (Litha), the longest day of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere. In California, we’ll get to enjoy nearly 15 hours of daylight. Don’t be fooled by the fact that during this period the Summer Solstice always occurred on 21 June. This is just a feature of the slow drift through the dates on a 400 year cycle. The last time the Solstice was not on this date was 1975 when it occurred on 22 June, and in the year 2012 it will occur on 20 June.

The cause of the Summer Solstice – the name of which is derived from the Latin words sol meaning “Sun,” and sistere, meaning “stand still” – is due to the angle of the Earth on its axis. On this day, the Earth is at its greatest tilt toward the Sun (in Winter, it is tilted away), and the Sun is in its northernmost position of the year, above the Tropic of Cancer, where it will hover, shedding maximum rays toward Earth before beginning its journey back toward the equator.

Known as “midsummer” in previous centuries, the day was revered by many cultures, from the Druids to the Incas to ancient Egyptians. They held festivals and feasts to celebrate the bounty of the warmer months and, in some locations, the monsoon rains, which enriched the land. Summer Solstice was also viewed by many as a time of fertility and good fortune, with weddings traditionally taking place on the day or within the month. This is because many ancient peoples believed that the “grand [sexual] union” of the Goddess and God occurred in early May at Beltaine. Since it was unlucky to compete with the deities, many couples delayed their weddings until June (June continues to be the most popular month for weddings).

Although the name Litha is not well attested, it may come from Saxon tradition — the opposite of Yule. On this longest day of the year, light and life are abundant. At mid-summer, the Sun God has reached the moment of his greatest strength. Seated on his greenwood throne, he is also lord of the forests, and his face is seen in church architecture peering from countless foliate masks.

While observance is relatively low in the states, I am encouraging everyone to celebrate! It’s time to indulge in some Sun-worshipping, Moon and star gazing! Head for the beach, lake, or favorite hiking trail. Gather with friends over some refreshing drinks and bask in the Moonlight!

Whatever is dreamed on this night, will come to pass.

I will take time to appreciate the day with some thoughtful solitude about what the next phase of the year will bring. After all, for ancient civilizations, Summer Solstice was like our modern-day New Year’s Eve and was viewed as a time of rebirth and renewal.

However you choose to spend the day and weekend, I hope that it is a joyous celebration of the beauty of Summer. Blessed Solstice, my friends!