Summertime. Rhythms, seasons, the ecliptic.
The rhythm and cycle of the seasons have always inspired artists to write poems and melodies. Just think of the Greek myths and Vivaldi's 4 seasons. The tales and legends of the ancients also bear witness to a wealth of ancestral wisdom that pays tribute to the underlying magic of Gaia's states of mind.
Like our own emotions, circadian cycles and inner seasons, Mother Nature's music seems to follow a skilfully orchestrated score.
Whether we're looking at the tiniest cell, or even a subatomic particle, observing the stars or marvelling at the poetic ascent of the Sun, everything seems masterfully put forward to encourage this sensitive, sigh-like movement, both gentle and mysterious: the heartbeat of life.
And life, which is married to the Sun, is at its peak on this Solstice day.
Mother Earth is filled with light and love.
The ultimate victory of day over night, before darkness reclaims its rights.
What we "modern" men take for granted as Nature's time and wisdom, our ancestors emphasized and paid homage to Nature's every movement, breath, impulse and life drive.
Stonehenge is just one example.
At the dawn of the solstice, the Sun illuminates this sacred monument in a special way, revealing the knowledge of the Ancients.
And here's where the famous Midsummer fires come from!
The Celts celebrated the festival of Litha (meaning light),
and to venerate the sun, paid homage by lighting giant bonfires. The Christian church, in its desire to abolish pagan rites, later supplanted this solstice celebration with that of St. John's Day, June 24, and also built temples and churches on the sites where Litha rituals had previously taken place.
Still, it's interesting to see that today, we still celebrate St. John's Day (instead of Litha), and Christmas (formerly the Celtic winter solstice festival of Yul),
Out of habit and tradition, rather than devotion.
Traditions are strong, and although their sacred meaning has become somewhat diluted, they still allow us to gather and connect with each other.
The cultural heritage is still there, with its mystical keys and symbols,
For those who are the least bit interested and have the curiosity to unveil and decipher the codes.
Happy Litha and St. John, dear friends!
May the Sun light your path and bathe you in joy and gladness,
encouraging the seeds of abundance and success to grow to unsuspected heights!
Comments