Summer Solstice Blessing*
Radiant One,
creator of the cosmos
and the luminaries which light our way,
bless this day of longest light
and the gift of the sun
to bring warmth to our lives
and abundance of growth,
sweetness of blueberries,
refreshment of lemons,
nourishment of kale
and a thousand other kinds of food.
We sing in gratitude
along with the sparrows and robins
rising each morning
to celebrate another day.
Help us remember
the universe came into being
14 billion years ago,
with ancient skies unfurling,
stars spilling across the heavens,
and manifesting in every living thing.
Light is our inheritance,
calling us to be bearers of radiance,
bringing new life
from the fertile darkness.
Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims,
In the northern hemisphere today is the celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day.
The seasons are connected to the different cardinal directions, as well as the four elements. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century Benedictine Abbess, allied the direction of the south and the season of summer with the element of fire. We find a similar connection in the Native American Cherokee tradition and in the Irish Celtic tradition.
We might think of summer as the season of fire and stoking our passions. It is the season of coming to fullness connected to the Hour of noon and midday, when the sun reaches its peak in the sky. It is the time of fruitfulness, when blossom gives way to sweet abundance of berries and peaches, delicate lettuces and gorgeous tomatoes.
While Beltane on May 1st invited us to tend to the very first fruits of summer’s arrival, the Summer Solstice announces the time for full fruits and an extravagance of color and sweetness in the world around us.
June 24th is the Feast of John the Baptist and stands directly opposite the Christmas vigil and the Winter Solstice. We can always orient ourselves on the wheel of the year and see where we are in relation to all of the other turning points.
To honor the fullness of summer in ritual, consider facing the direction of the south and taking some deep breaths. Spend some time in meditation on what your own passions are. What would you like to kindle?
Where have been the sparks of joy in your life? What is coming to full fruitfulness? How might you welcome in your own growing fullness?
I am delighted to share that my fairy tale Journey to Joy is now available as in paperback and we have created a small group journey guide through the story in a 4-week and 8-week version! These are available for free to download on our website.
Our self-study sale extends until the end of June (including our Sacred Seasons retreat which has reflections on the turning of all the thresholds of the year). Use code SUMMER20 to receive 20% off. We have 29 online programs available! With self-study you move at your own pace and the materials stay available to you.
With great and growing love,
Christine
Christine Valters Paintner, OblSB, PhD, REACE
*Blessing from A Book of Everyday Blessings by Christine Valters Paintner (Ave Maria Press)
PS – If you are in the Southern Hemisphere and wish to read about the Winter Solstice please click here >>
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