Editorial

"One way of celebrating the Solstice is to consider it a sacred time of reflection, release,restoration,andrenewal."

—SarahBanBreathnach.

The solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days of the year. The term "solstice" is derived from the Latin word sol, meaning "sun," and sistere, meaning "to stand still," referring to the apparentpauseintheSun'smovement.

The magic of the solstice has been celebrated and revered by various cultures throughout history. It holds symbolic and spiritual significance in many belief systems. Here are afewexamples:

Ancient Egyptians: In ancient Egypt, the summer solstice was associated with the rising of the star Sirius, known as the "dog star."Thiseventmarkedthebeginningofthe Nile flood, which was crucial for agriculture and the prosperity of civilization. The solstice was linked to the god Osiris and was celebratedwithfestivalsandrituals.

Mayans: The ancient Mayans deeply understood astronomy and built remarkable structures aligned with astronomical events. Duringthesummersolstice,theMayansheld ceremonies at sites such as Chichen Itza in present-day Mexico. The play of light and shadow on the pyramid during the solstice created an illusion of a serpent descending the steps, symbolizing the connection betweentheheavensandEarth.

June B| 2023

Druids: The solstice was of great importance in Celtic and Druidic traditions. Druids, the priestly classinancientCelticsocieties,celebratedthesolstice as a transition between the seasons. They conducted ceremonies at sacred sites like Stonehenge to honor theSunandthefertilityoftheland.

Ancient Greeks and Romans: TheancientGreeks and Romans celebrated the summer solstice with festivals dedicated to their respective deities. The Greeks celebrated Kronia, honoring the god Kronos, andtheRomanscelebratedVestalia,dedicatedtothe goddess Vesta. These festivals involved feasts, processions,andcommunalcelebrations.

Native American Tribes: VariousNativeAmerican tribes in North America had solstice traditions. For example, the Lakota Sioux held Sun Dances during the summer solstice, where participants performed ceremonial dances and rituals to honor the Sun and seekspiritualguidance.

These examples highlight the diverse ways in which ancient cultures incorporated the solstice into their beliefs, rituals, and festivities. The solstice represented to us a time of transition, renewal, and the interconnectedness of the cosmos and human experience. It was an opportunity for people to connectwithnature,thedivine,andlifecycles.

HappySolstice!

Editor In Chief

“It is the Summer Solstice. The earth rejoices in abundance and light, and so do we.”

– Deborah Blake