by C. H. Wells
Each June in the Northern Hemisphere, on the longest day of the year, it is said that the ‘Oak King,’ Lord of Summer, reaches his peak, while the ‘Holly King,’ his winter rival, is born anew. To the ancient Celts and other European peoples, the peak days of the warm weather season were seen to begin at Beltane (May 1), and end at Lughnasadh, or Lammas Day (August 1), called the ‘First Harvest.’ Hence that other common name for the summer solstice – “Midsummer” or Midsummer’s Day. (Also known as Litha.)
For modern day Pagans aka Neo-Pagans, this ‘sabbat’ is one of the eight most significant days on the calendar. Celebrations may range from outdoor public events involving bonfires, singing, dancing and feasting, to a private event, with an attendance of one, before a makeshift home altar.
Although Paganism has no organized central authority, its membership is diverse, and its paths are myriad, the one constant is its reverence for nature and a recognition that, within the natural world, we humans are only one species among millions, all born to this planet, and each with its own place. Ergo, we are all parts of one creation.
On solstice day, when our life-giving sun stays with us the longest, and when nature’s vitality is at its height, we rejoice in the many pleasures, the infinite variety, and the exquisite beauty of our extraordinary planet. But while we celebrate, we must also acknowledge and respect the vulnerability of our environment, and know that if we do not take proper care of it, it may no longer be able to take care of us.
How fitting, then, that it is this day, June 21, when we choose to celebrate our Indigenous brothers and sisters, who have never lost sight of these things. Who have carried this knowledge within them through generations of hardship, loss, betrayal and endurance. And who have always stood ready to share with, and to guide, those who are willing to listen.
As we celebrate together this year, let us allow the flowing waters of their music, the sunshine of their dance, and the rich loam of their stories to strengthen and nourish us as we grow toward the light of a new understanding.
Migwech, brothers and sisters. Thank you … for your sheer doggedness, and your patience.
As you take your place on the world stage, in these days of challenge – and recovery – may we walk together, at long last, on the same path. May you once again, and truly, be our companions and our guides through the unknown country that is the future that lies before us all.
Happy Summer Solstice … Everyone!
[See you at ‘The Seven Gifts’!]