Summer Solstice Today

Summer solstice begins June 21, 1:16 P.M. EDT.

The word solstice comes from the Latin words for "sun" and "to stop," due to the fact that the Sun appears to stop in the sky. The Sun is directly overhead at its most northern point at "high-noon" on the summer solstice, creating more sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere on this day then any other.

On the solstice, we also hit the longest day of the year. From here on out, the days begin to get shorter.

Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of sign of the fertility, involving holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around that time.

It is a time for divination and healing rituals. Divining rods and wands are traditionally cut at this time.

In pre-historic times, summer was a joyous time of the year for those Aboriginal people who lived in the northern latitudes. The snow had disappeared; the ground had thawed out; warm temperatures had returned; flowers were blooming; leaves had returned to the deciduous trees. Some herbs could be harvested, for medicinal and other uses. Food was easier to find. The crops had already been planted and would be harvested in the months to come. Although many months of warm/hot weather remained before the fall, they noticed that the days were beginning to shorten, so that the return of the cold season was inevitable.
The first (or only) full moon in June is called the Honey Moon. Tradition holds that this is the best time to harvest honey from the hives. 
This time of year, between the planting and harvesting of the crops, was the traditional month for weddings. This is because many ancient peoples believed that the "grand [sexual] union" of the Goddess and God occurred in early May at Beltaine. Since it was unlucky to compete with the deities, many couples delayed their weddings until June.

Source Religious Tolerance.org 


SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION AMADOR COUNTY
Join Laurie Story Vela and Jeremiah for a fun-filled celebration
Circle the Sun with us 6/21 at 7 p.m. at SWOW
“Spiritual Wellness for Body & Soul”
SOPHIA’S WELL OF WISDOM
An InterSpiritual Center of the Light of Christ Community Church
Sophia School of Wisdom
An Extension Center of Sancta Sophia Seminary
Rev. Patsy Walker Fine
270 Hanford Street, Suite A
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
209-418-9003
sophiaswellwww.sophiaswell.org