THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

               Glory of the Day-Star, hail!
              Lifter of the Light,
             Burnisher of the Sky.
          Gifts of love to earth
          are bringing,
         Summer's shimmer,
          dew's delight.
             Dancing be the heart within us,
             Open be our souls to bliss,
             Courage vanquish every shadow
              Greet midsummer with a kiss.

                                                             Caitlin Matthews
 

              Meditation for the Summer Solstice

              At the Summer Solstice the sun
               is at its greatest power and strength.
              We celebrate joyously the freedom
            of the long days of light
             and the bounty of our gardens,
              fields, and orchards.
 

              Place a small cauldron or basket
             in the center of your sacred space.
             If possible, this should be outdoors,
            near your garden or orchard,
         during the Longest Day.
         If you are not able to do this meditation
       in an actual garden or orchard,
         have some flowers ready beforehand.
      Visualize your time in the garden,
      taking your time to enjoy it
         with all your senses, as below.
 

           Sit in your sacred space.
                    Breathe deeply few times to release all tension.
        Feel deeply relaxed,
          all worries and concerns gone.
      Sense a sphere of protective white light
     surrounding you.
 

             Take your cauldron or basket,
           in actuality or in visualization.
                 Walk slowly around your garden or orchard,
       sunwise,
              enjoying its abundance and beauty.
                   Take time to appreciate each blossom and leaf.
           Feel the rays of the sun
         and be thankful for their warmth.
                   Be conscious of the life-giving power of the sun
        shining down on you,
        and on your garden or orchard,
        encouraging growth.
             Sense a deep connection with all of nature.
          Look around at the wonderful variety
       of all the colors.
                   Listen to the sounds of birds or small animals.
            Feel the earth beneath your feet.
     Enjoy yourself!
 

           Remember your hopes and plans
           for your garden or orchard
          when you planted it,
            and think now of your current personal
   wishes and goals.
           Pick a flower or leaf for your cauldron
           for each of y our hopes, desires, or plans.
          As you hold the flower or leaf be aware
         of its texture, color, and scent.
        Put it into your cauldron or basket
    with the certainty
         that your plans will be successful.
           They are blessed by the power and energy
     of the sun.
 

          When you are ready,
          return to your sacred space.
           Place the flowers or leaves in water
        in your cauldron,
            and keep them as a reminder of the
          promise of life and growth that comes
     from the sun.
     Sit for awhile and listen
      to the wisdom of the Cauldron,
                guiding you in the realization of your plans.
           May the blessings and wisdom
      of the Cauldron
     remain with you!

                                      Blessed Be!