I'm going to
share briefly old tradition and understanding of some of the Celtic Tradition
of Summer Solstice. After, I'll share
some fun things that we can do to celebrate the day.
History:
Celtic style (pron. kell tic)
Litha means
"light" and Alban Heruin the "light of the shore" as the
sun floods over the land ripening the crops. But it is bittersweet for the Sun
God and Goddess who want the day to last forever. Because Litha loved him,
bonfires were lit and sun wheels made of flaming cart wheels were rolled down
the hillsides to prolong the light on this longest of days.
The Goddess,
or her representative, cast her bouquet of summer flowers on a hilltop fire to
add her power to the sun.
The cauldron
was the symbol of the goddess giving forth her bounty on the Solstice and may
be filled with small golden coloured fruits and crystals as gifts.
The height
of the festival has always been first light falling on Solstice morn, like a
shaft of gold across standing stones and stone circles, linking the dimensions.
Stonehenge
is oriented to mark the sunrise and moonrise at the Summer and Winter
solstices, built long before the time of the Celts.
Druidic
ceremonies based, it is believed on Celtic ones, are held at Dawn and Noon on
the Summer Solstice at sacred circles such as Stonehenge and some groups and
individuals still keep vigil from sunset on the previous evening.
At sunset of
the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, another significant ritual point the Heel
(Sun) Stone outside the circles casts a shadow on the Altar Stone, thus marking
the beginning of the dying of the year.
Next, I
share some activities or rituals that you can implement this sacred day.
Activity 1
If you're an
early riser, at dawn set a basket of seven different species of flowers or
seven different colours where they will catch the first light of the Summer
Solstice.
Next, at
Noon, weave seven kinds of flowers onto a small circle of wire, using threads
in red, yellow, green and blue to attach them.
As you weave
them together, silently name for each flower over and over again in your mind
or a whisper your dearest secret wish for fulfillment to manifest and know that
in the next twelve months whether for lasting love, the success of a creative
venture, happiness, travel, success in business, good health or greater spiritual wisdom you shall receive
your wish.
When
finished, the circlet should be hung on a shady tree and you or the group
should circle the tree nine times "deosil" or sun wise, nine times in
the opposite direction, or widdershins,
and then nine times deosil, clapping rhythm till the world spins, at the same time stating,"Come to me as
I dance the Midsummer Tree, come to me in my sleep, come to me in my waking,
that when I next dance the Midsummer tree, I shall know the joy of the seven
flowers sweet."
If you alone
you can adapt the poem to fit your desire, for example if for lasting love,
‘that when next I dance the Midsummer tree, it shall be my wedding day.’
At sundown,
take your wreath from the tree and hang it over your bed. Go straight to bed
when it is dark. Picture yourself walking as you drift into sleep along a
pathway of flowers into mist that slowly clears to reveal how and when you will
attain your desire. This may continue in your dreams.
Leave the
wreath on the wall of your bedroom till it fades and then release the petals to
the wind or use the flowers in incense.
Another
activity:
Make sun
water by leaving out still mineral water in a bowl covered with film or mesh
from dawn till noon (or for up to eight hours on a darker day). Add clear
quartz or citrine crystals to the water when you put it out (the previous
evening if you prefer) and remove these at noon..
Use the
water as an energiser in baths and drinks in the days ahead and to splash on
the centre of your head to open your Crown chakra and clear your aura when you
feel tired or doubt yourself.
Activity 3
Cast golden
flowers or herbs into the air from a hill or open place, (yes, it can be your
backyard) a handful at a time, making empowering statements for courage and
achievement to the winds. Give each handful of seeds plan, envision, toss the
seeds and state to the winds, "begin to bring to fruition my wishes
starting tomorrow.
Activity 4
Light sun
oils, frankincense, juniper, rosemary, orange or benzoin or burn them as
incense to bring the sun power into your home or workplace as darkness finally
falls. Vow to let the joy of the day be in your life and relight one of the
oils or incenses whenever you need a little happiness in your life.
For a
celebration dinner these recipes are from Patricia Telesco
Today is the
longest day of the year. As the "wheel of time" presses forward we’re
told that fairies are afoot. As the fairies dance, Mother Nature provides all
manner of fresh foods for our pleasure. In our home we celebrate with a picnic
to revel in the sun, have our fire festival (barbecue) and enjoy the company of
good family and friends.
Veggie Kabob
with Cucumber Sauce
This entrée
was designed especially for our vegetarian guests as a Greek-Chinese fusion
filled with fresh seasonal flavors. It’s a perfect way to use up some of your
garden harvest too!
Other
vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, etc.) can be substituted in this
kabob, as can meat cubes or shrimp.
Prep Time: 4
hours marinating, 15 minutes cutting vegetables, 10–15 minutes grilling
Serves: 4 as
a main dish (6–8 as a side dish/appetizer)
Yield on
sauce: 2 cups
Cucumber
Sauce
1 medium
cucumber
8 ounces plain,
unflavored yogurt
1⁄2 teaspoon
black pepper
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
white sugar
2
tablespoons dill
1 tablespoon
dried onion
2 garlic
cloves, minced
2
tablespoons lemon juice>
Marinade⅓
cup honey
1⁄4 cup
spicy brown mustard
⅛ cup sesame
oil
⅛ cup peanut
oil
1 tablespoon
soy sauce
2 garlic
cloves, minced
1 teaspoon
ginger, fresh ground
2 shallots,
peeled and chopped
1⁄2 cup rice
vinegar
Kabobs12
ounces cherry tomatoes, whole
2–3 baby
zucchini, sliced 1⁄2-inch thick
10 ounces
baby red or pearl onions, whole
12 medium
mushrooms
1 yellow
pepper
1 green
pepper
12 pineapple
chunks
Directions:
Sauce is best prepared the day before to gain flavor. Peel the cucumber and
remove any seeds (or use a seedless cucumber). Mince this and let it drain on a
paper towel for about 20 minutes. Put the cucumber in a bowl with the remaining
ingredients and mix. (Make sure the yogurt is drained of any water in the
container before adding it). Cover and chill.
The next
afternoon, cut up zucchini and peppers. Place these in a mixing bowl with a
secure cover, adding all the marinade ingredients. Return this to the
refrigerator for 4 to 5 hours, stirring regularly.
Heat your
grill to a medium level. Assemble the tomatoes, zucchini, onions, mushrooms,
peppers, and pineapple on the skewers so there’s an equal amount of each
ingredient on each one (and in a manner that’s visually appealing). Place on
the grill, basting with the marinade to keep them moist. Turn every 4 to 5
minutes until tender. Serve with cucumber sauce drizzle. (This is excellent in
a pita too!)
Fresh Peas
with Ham and Mint
Lore tells
us that any herbs harvested on the Summer Solstice stronger magical potency. In
this case we’re using mint to provide protection as the days grow shorter and
the weather colder. Ham brings a little serendipity, and in the language of
flowers, our sweet pea means "bliss." The best part about this dish
is that it’s fast, economical, and very tasty.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Serves: 4
2 cups fresh
peas, shelled
5–7 mint
leaves
1⁄2 cup
cooked ham (tofu may be substituted), minced
2
tablespoons butter
Salt and
pepper to taste
Directions:
Blanch the peas briefly (2 minutes) then move them into an ice-water bath. Let
sit for 3 to 5 minutes then drain. Meanwhile, gently bruise the mint, adding it
to a sauté pan with the butter and ham. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, adding the
peas to re-warm. Season and serve.
Queimada
This
beverage comes to us from Celtic Traditions and has been handed down for
generations. It begins with Orujo, a distilled wine that’s mixed with herbs. In
many settings its preparation was ritualistic, complete with spellcasting for
protection. One should prepare and enjoy this at night in the great outdoors.
Gather your loved ones into a sacred circle, light the beverage as part of the
fire festival, honor the past, and welcome what is yet to come for the year.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Serves: 8–10
1 liter
Orujo or grappa
⅔ cup sugar
(I prefer Hawaiian or raw sugar)
Lemon rind
slivers from one whole lemon
1⁄4 cup
whole coffee beans (Torrefacto is one good option)
1 fireproof
stoneware or clay pot
Directions:
Pour all your ingredients into the pot on whatever heating source you’ve chosen
(the grill or charcoal works nicely). Warm until heated through. Using a
long-handled lighter, ignite the surface. Stir with a long-handled spoon
gently. When the flames turn blue, extinguish them by putting a lid on top.
Serve in small bowls or stoneware cups.
Banana Cream
Pie
Banana cream
pie makes a great feast for the eyes on Summer Solstice, looking much like a
Sun in splendor when completed. Since you’ll want to spend more time visiting
than cooking, this recipe cheats a bit with pre-made pie crust.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Serves: 8
slices
1 premade
10-inch pie crust (chocolate, shortbread, or graham cracker)
1⁄2 cup
flour
3⁄4 cup
sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon
salt
3 cups milk
2 large
bananas, mashed
4 egg yolks
1 1⁄2
teaspoons vanilla extract
2
tablespoons butter
Whipped
cream
Dried banana
chips or yellow sprinkles
Directions:
Place flour, sugar, and salt in a nonreactive saucepan (clay, enamel, glass, or
stainless steel) over a low-medium flame. Slowly pour in milk, whisking
constantly. Add the mashed banana and continue to whisk. Within 8 minutes your
filling will become thicker and have an even consistency. Beat the egg yolks
separately, adding 3⁄4 cup of the warm filling to the yolks before blending
them into the rest of the mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, continuing to whisk. Add
vanilla and butter, then remove from the stove. This should rest a few minutes
before pouring into your crust. Chill the pie before garnishing, piping whipped
cream around the banana Sun’s edges, and decorating with banana chips and/or
yellow sprinkles to finish the effect.
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