As midsummer draws near, we can get caught up in the chaos and energy of this season as nature flourishes.
Nature's showstopper
At this time of year, we notice nature's impressive burst of life and energy, as the flowers are in full bloom, animals are extremely active and trees are in full leaf. The sun is high in the sky, the days are long and we sleep less. Our mood is better, we are more sociable and we spend more time outdoors at festivals, picnics and barbeques.
We are approaching the peak of the year, Summer Solstice, where nature is really showing off all her fruits, life and beauty. This time of year can be seen as a celebration of all the rest and slow emergence that went on in winter and spring that has now paid off to give us a wonderful display of splendour.
We can get caught up in this high, busy energy and forget to stop and reflect on our year so far. Try exploring these prompts, either by chatting to a friend, journaling, art, vision board or recording yourself speak!
- What does midsummer mean to me?
- What can I celebrate within my own life?
- What have been some positive things that have happened since the beginning of the year?
Ancient Rituals
Summer Solstice marks the mid-way point in the year. The days are at their longest at this time and nature is in full swing. The Irish word for solstice, Grianstad, translates as "the stopping of the sun". In ancient times, it was believed that solstice was a period when time stood still. There are many ancient myths and stories where a hero or heroine manages to stop time and spend two or three years away, only to come back to their home and no time has passed.
This celestial event is celebrated at this time of year, and celebrations go back thousands of years. We can see evidence of this in monuments like those at Dowth (where the entrance and exit are lined up with the rising Summer Solstice sun) and Cairn V at Loughcrew.
Áine- Goddess of the Sun
Áine is celebrated in summer, as she brings sun into the world. She resides in Knockainey, or Cnoc Áine, which translates as "The Hill of Áine" and she is woven into the landscape in the south west of Ireland. Lough Gur is often associated with Áine's womb.
Tree Wisdom
At this time of year, we look to the mighty Oak or Dair for strength, wisdom and light. In Brehon times, Oak was one of seven "Noble" trees and was both valued and considered sacred. It is often associated with ancient royalty, as it is a strong, resilient tree.
Oak trees have co-evolved with squirrels to form a symbiotic relationship, where squirrels gather and bury acorns in the autumn to store for winter. Some stashes are overlooked; either the squirrels forget or they have stored too many. These acorns sprout into new Oaks. Both organisms benefit; the squirrel has food for the harsh winter and the Oak get its seeds dispersed.
Add comment
Comments