Many
of us experience a sense of awe at the natural world, and want to
mark our connectedness with nature, and express our thanks for its
sustaining goodness. Different points in the
turning year may be understood as corresponding with different stages
of our lives – which may help us to make some sense of our life
experiences, and to go onwards more cheerfully and trustingly.
This
ceremony provides an opportunity to mark the Summer Solstice on the
eve of 21st June (or 21st December in the
Southern Hemisphere).The word 'solstice' means 'standstill' and
refers to the fact that the sun appears to rise and set in the same
place for a few days at this time of year. The
Sun is at the height of its power for us, bringing growth and
abundance, before continuing its rotation towards the vital rest and
darkness of Winter. It is a good time to celebrate
the fullness of life, to recognise the spiritual fire within each and
every one of us, and to
honour our connection with the Sun - our source of light and life.
The
short responsive liturgy, below, is appropriate for use by any group
of people.
It
is particularly suitable for use at the beginning of a party outdoors
– and you may wish to stay up all night to greet the dawn on the
longest day! If possible, sit in a circle. If it will be safe to do
so, and you will be out of doors, you may have a bonfire; otherwise
you will need a large candle, and matches to light it. Please
exercise common sense when lighting fires or candles and do not leave
them unattended: stay safe! You will also need a container of
water and something to use to sprinkle the water over everyone – a
bunch of foliage (sparge) would be good. There may be one leader, or
you can take it in turns around the circle of speak the biddings.
Everyone is invited to join in saying the words in bold
type.
The
liturgies, celebrations, ceremonies, prayers, and reflections offered
on this blog are the result of my thoughts, reflections, and
experiences, woven together using my own words and sometimes adapting
the words others have used: I am indebted to their wisdom. Please use
these liturgies freely, adapting them as suits your own context. I am
always pleased to hear from people who have used them.
The
Welcome, Thanksgiving and Petition:
Welcome
to you all, as we gather to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
We
give thanks for the blazing Sun of Midsummer,
for
the fertile earth, and for the turning year,
moving
through light to darkness, and through darkness to light.
May
the fire of the Sun enliven our hearts!
We
give thanks for meadows and gardens in bloom,
for
oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams,
for
hills and green woods and sandy beaches.
May
the abundance of the Earth prompt our generosity!
We
give thanks for the richness of human life,
for
the breadth of our dreams, and the opportunities to heal.
May
the light of the Moon awaken
our compassion!
A
large candle or a bonfire is lit
The
Reflection:
In
springtime we planted;
now we tend and enjoy our gardens & fields, before the work of
harvest:
This
is a good time to take stock of our lives.
What
have we planted, and what is growing?
What
are we achieving for ourselves
and
for the people and creatures we care about?
Are
we still aligned with our recognised goals
or
have we strayed from them?
What
changes do we need to make
in
order to achieve our aims more closely?
A
short time of quiet is kept.
If
anyone wishes, they may share their thoughts.
The
Renewal and Closing:
As
the rays of the Midsummer Sun nourish and sustain us,
so
may this water bless and renew us.
Water
is (gently!) sprinkled on everyone using a sparge. Make sure the
person leading the ceremony is also sprinkled by someone else.
Everyone then says:
May
this water bless and renew us;
may
our minds be open to the truth,
and
our lips open to speak it;
may
our hearts seek the ways of love;
may
our hands be gifted to work for one another;
may
our eyes see the visible and
the
invisible wonders of the world;
may
our feet ever walk upon the paths of peace;
and
may we joyfully come home
when
our earthly time is done.
Farewell
to the waxing year, season of planting, fertility and growth:
Welcome
to the waning year, season of harvest,
and
the quiet hidden replenishment of winter.
Seasons
must change:
The
Summer
Sun will surely return!
Please
do not leave the candles &/or bonfire unattended,
and
ensure they are safely extinguished at the end of the evening.
Food
for the Feast:
If
you're holding a party, then a barbecue would be one option for the
feast. But if the weather where you live is changeable, then you may
prefer to plan a few drinks and nibbles for outside at the end of the
liturgy, but have the food inside. We're opting for a middle way this
year, and our menu includes guacamole and crudites, herb bread,
salads, grilled corn cobs and vegetable skewers,
honey-lavender
cheesecake, and baked fruit salad. Pink wine is pretty, or, if you
like it, mead is appropriate (although it tastes like cough mixture
to me!) and we'll also be offering a non-alcoholic fruit cup.
Decorative
details:
The
summer wreath I made for May Eve just needs refreshing from time to
time with fresh flowers and greenery. Instead of a jug of flowers, I
shall be bundling together wild flowers, lavender, and herbs, tying
them with twine or raffia, and hanging them upside down to fragrance
the house as they dry. And for the table centrepiece, I'm borrowing
an idea from the website of the Witch of Howling Creek: float flower
heads in a shallow bowl of water – very simple and very pretty.
