6/16/05

Summer solstice! The Sun reaches its most northern house, to begin its journey south once more. Earth cruises past the point in its orbit that results in the greatest tilt of the Northern Hemisphere toward the Sun, and all life responds. Long days, short nights. No one seems to want to sleep, for it is time to celebrate the light!

"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense, it "stands still."

The summer solstice is the time when the sun is in its glory. This is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. The date of the summer solstice varies slightly from year to year. This year it falls on June 21st.

The Summer Solstice is also known as: Alban Heflin, Alben Heruin, All-couples day, Feast of Epona, Feast of St. John the Baptist, Feill-Sheathain, Gathering Day, Johannistag, Litha, Midsummer, Sonnwend, Thing-Tide, Vestalia, etc.

If you're into the science of it all, check this out

If comparing different beliefs is what you're after, this is for you.

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