We work to live in harmony with the Earth every day, but some days our connections seem stronger. Today is one of those days.
Today is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Pay attention to the point on the horizon where the Sun rises and sets – this is as far North as you’ll see it. The Sun will appear to stand still for a few days, then will start rising and setting a little farther toward the South each day. Here’s a link to a brief article on the science of the Solstice.
The Solstice is famously celebrated at Stonehenge. This is an ancient Druid tradition dating all the way back to the 19th century! In fact, Stonehenge was built and rebuilt long before the appearance of the historical Druids. None of this stands in the way of thousands of people gathering there every year, even though most years the skies are cloudy and the Sun can’t be seen directly.
What brings these people out, at Stonehenge and at other sites around the world? Sure, some of them are just there for a party (and from the litter in the last picture on the Guardian website, they need to learn some manners), though there’s much to be said for large group celebrations.
But I think there’s something more, something that calls even to people who pay no special attention to the Sun except now and at the Winter Solstice. Something that knows that if it wasn’t for the Sun, there could be no life on Earth. Something that feels the rhythms and cycles of Nature even though we spend most of our lives in climate controlled buildings. Something that knows the Universe is even bigger and more amazing than we think, and yet we’re all connected to all of it.
Take a moment today and feed that something, that spark of connection to the natural world. For the more you know you’re a part of Nature, the easier it becomes to live in harmony with her.
Blessed be the Sun.
Happy Solstice.
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