Jennifer Strange photo Summer Solstice is a high holy day for those with an earth-based spiritual practice. For others, it's simply the longest day of the year. One of my Celebrant colleagues in Southern Oregon is using the occasion to conduct a ceremony for Courage and Clarity.
Despite five years of Latin, I had to consult that timeless tome of down-to-earth wisdom, the Farmer's Almanac, for the original meaning of the word: solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).
The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. As I write this, it's still a few hours away, scheduled for 10:04 P.M. on Thursday, June 20th.
As that hour approaches, Jennifer Strange will be gathering with friends in her backyard. After a sage smudge and the building of an altar, the ceremony will open with a welcoming blessing and an invocation to the four directions and elements to create sacred space.
Despite five years of Latin, I had to consult that timeless tome of down-to-earth wisdom, the Farmer's Almanac, for the original meaning of the word: solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).
The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. As I write this, it's still a few hours away, scheduled for 10:04 P.M. on Thursday, June 20th.
As that hour approaches, Jennifer Strange will be gathering with friends in her backyard. After a sage smudge and the building of an altar, the ceremony will open with a welcoming blessing and an invocation to the four directions and elements to create sacred space.
We have gathered here today to honor the power of Father Sun. We invite reflection on the sacred marriage between Sun and Moon, light and dark, yin and yang. Today, at exactly 10:04 p.m., a profound power exchange takes place. At that moment, the sun gracefully cedes his power of light to the moon’s darkness.
We are here to request and offer Courage and Clarity as this longest day of the year shifts into the coming darkness of Earth’s cycle. Courage to help us meet life’s challenges … and Clarity to see clearly, with accuracy, compassion and common sense as we traverse our path.We are also focusing on Remembrance, Sacred Cleansing, Purification and the Lifting of Depression.
With these intentions set, participants will light a Courage Candle and then burn branches of dried rosemary. Jennifer told me, "I purposely left the two Burn Rituals very unscripted. This invites improvisation, inclusivity, interaction. Guests are invited to become the ritual - to literally be part of it by making their offerings, whether silent, symbolic or voiced."
Those gathered will end with a closing blessing read aloud together, after which they will look each other in the eyes, open up the sacred space, and join together for feasting and fun.
Those gathered will end with a closing blessing read aloud together, after which they will look each other in the eyes, open up the sacred space, and join together for feasting and fun.
Ancient sun, eternally young,
Giver of light and source of energy,
In coal and oil, in plant and wind and tide,
In spiritual light and human embrace,
You kindle the heavens, you shine within us
(For we are suns with hearts afire –
We light the world as you light the sky
And find clouds within whose shadows are dark),
We give thanks for your rays.
~ Congregation of Abraxas
Many thanks to Jennifer Strange Celebrancy for sharing her photo and her ceremony. How do you celebrate the change of the seasons?
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