Celebrate Summer Solstice with an Eclipse?
Yep, sure enough. This year you can celebrate the Summer Solstice with an eclipse!
An annular solar eclipse will occur on the weekend of the solstice, beginning just before midnight (Eastern Time) on Saturday, June 20. The eclipse will reach its maximum point at 2:40 AM EDT on the 21st. Annular eclipses are very similar to total solar eclipses, but instead of covering the Sun completely, the Moon only covers most of the Sun, leaving a thin, shining ring—called an “annulus” or “ring of fire”—around the Moon’s dark shape.
The solstice is usually celebrated by numerous cultures around the world. Thousands of people including druids and pagans annually celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. But with the coronavirus preventing large gatherings, this year English Heritage Facebook page will stream sunrise and sunset ceremonies live. Isn’t that exciting?
Another celebration that takes place around the Summer Solstice is Midsummer day is June 24th. Historically, this day marks the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. It is traditionally known as one of four “quarter days” in some cultures. Folks celebrated by feasting, dancing, singing, and preparing for the hot summer days ahead.
Pagans referred to the Midsummer moon as “Honey Moon” for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice.
Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires when couples would leap through the flames for good luck. (in the belief that the higher the jump, the higher your summer crops would grow.) Sounds a bit tricky to me. How about you?
Bonfires also were associated with magic. It was believed that bonfires could help banish demons and evil spirits and lead maidens to their future husbands. Magic thought to be strongest during the Summer Solstice.
In ancient times, Midsummer as a time of magic, when evil spirits were said to appear. To thwart them, Pagans often wore protective garlands of herbs and flowers. One of the most powerful of them was a plant by the name of ‘chase-devil’, known today as St. John’s Wort used by modern herbalists as a mood stabilizer.
Look at us learn things. I hope you enjoyed the fun facts & magic surrounding the Summer Solstice and MidSummer.
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Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Druids, Eclipse, England, magic, pagans, Stonehenge, Summer Solstice, Wiltshire by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
