The Summer Solstice

The summer solstice typically falls on June 20th or 21st when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun.  This results in the longest day of the year and the shortest night.  This also marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

The summer solstice also has significant cultural and historical significance.  In ancient times, festivals and special celebrations marked this day.  Stonehenge, England is famously linked with the summer solstice.  The Druid priests observed this as a very sacred time and associated it with the battle between light and darkness.  Bonfires can usually be seen throughout the English countryside and various ceremonies and dances honor the sun and the seasons’ change.  Ancient traditions as well as modern practices mark this very special time.

One of the most famous folkloric tales of the Summer Solstice is that of the Holly King and the Oak King.  It symbolizes the change of seasons and the never-ending cycle of nature.

The Holly King represents the darker half of the year.  He begins his rule starting with the Summer Solstice and ends it with the Winter Solstice.  He is usually associated with holly, which stays green throughout the cold, desolate winter time.

The Oak King is just the opposite.  He rules the brighter half of the year, beginning with the Winter Solstice and ending with the Summer Solstice.  He is associated with the oak tree, which emerges from a tiny acorn and becomes a strong tree with great longevity.

The battle between these two kings is a symbolic representation of the never-ending struggle between darkness and light, living and dying.  Each year the Oak King vanquishes the Holly King at the Winter Solstice.  As days grow longer, the Holly King gains strength until he is able to defeat the Oak King at the Summer Solstice, beginning the cycle of decline.  This myth symbolizes the change of seasons and the rebirth of the natural word after the darkness of winter.

The word “Solstice” itself comes from the Latin words for Sun standing still.  This refers to the apparent half of the sun’s northward or southward movement before it begins to reverse direction.

The Summer Solstice has a spiritual significance as a time for introspection and setting goals for personal growth.  It can also mark a transition from action to patience.

This powerful celestial event is closely linked with human life and the tremendous influence of the sun.  This year, the Solstice occurs on June 20th.