HAPPY SUMMER!!!

Happy Summer, Everyone!
Just what is Summer Solstice? According to a questionable source...

"Traditionally, Summer Solstice is celebrated at noon when the sun stands directly overhead and the full force of solar energy can be felt and drawn upon in ritual. One stands beneath the sun, for a while, absorbing the light and heat, and establishing a connection which can be drawn upon in rites later that night.

This is a time of purifying, of cutting through obstacles and drawing on the dynamic power of the God principle to manifest your own power. Lift up your hearts in celebration of the fertility and wonder of life and remember to give thanks for that which has been manifested for you since the last Sabbat.

Many traditions throughout time have celebrated the Solstices, from the times of the ancient and the indigenous people to present day. Bonfires are set on hilltops. People dance around the fires. In many places, after the fire has died away and only the hot coals are remaining, children will be lifted across the coals to be blessed and cleansed by the smoke.

The Summer Solstice is a time to be happy. It is a time to remove unwanted things from your life. It is a time to dance and sing and spread joy and be filled with love." (www.crystalinks.com)

I know that the Summer Solstice is traditionally a Pagan ritual celebrated at Stonehenge (which is one of the many places I want to visit before I die). However, I never realized how many other cultures and countries, even Christians, share in this. St. John the Baptist is celebrated in many parts of the world and I was quite surprised with that. (guess I missed that day in Sunday School). So, however you plan on celebrating this day, I hope you all enjoy the first full day of summer.
(Especially Shakes, Happy BDAY!) I'm all about the standing in the sun and recharging, but I think today is going to be more of the "removing of unwanted things from your life"...I'm cleaning out the garage.

So here's to the longest day of the year...here's to a day of sunshine with no more flooding issues....here's to a day to dance and sing and to thank God for health, happiness, friendship and family. Sun rays to all....