Summer Solstice

Today we celebrate the longest day of the year and the start of the Summer. (Wednesday June 21st 2023 at 15.37 BST). Many people will be congregating at special places like Stonehenge (an ancient monument that is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset) and other places of natures worship.

Solstice comes from the Latin word’s sol, meaning Sun and sistere, meaning to come to a stop or stand still. On the day of the June solstice, the Sun reaches its northernmost position, as seen from the Earth. At that moment, its zenith does not move north or south as during most other days of the year, but it stands still at the Tropic of Cancer. It then reverses its direction and starts moving south again. (Google – love google!)

Summer is always a fabulous time; the temperature is perfect (well mostly) and in today’s day and age saving some costly gas and electricity bills!

It’s a time that people come together to enjoy nature fully alive and in full bloom with so many different colours on display.

People are out and about, mingling with loved ones, children and even some animals will be playing in their paddling pools, adults are getting toasted in the sun and people are getting hot in more ways than one!!

What the hell has that got to do with art? Ermmm it depends how one may look at it…, for example today I will be sitting under my favourite tree in the park – a willow which is full of life and vibrant in colour and l and will no doubt be hearing the laughter of children playing in the distance.

Art for me isn’t just about drawing or painting, it’s about creating. Creating a happy safe place with lasting memories and summertime is one of the seasons when these outdoor memories are made.

Summer solstice is a magical time to many, especially to anyone spiritual, druids, pagans and wiccans, I like to think of myself as a bit of a green witch – that’s a good witch by the way who believes in the power of nature.

‘The Green Witch embraces nature by drawing on the energies from the earth and of untamed things.

She communes with the land, with stones and gems. She relies on plants, flowers, and herbs. She calls to nature for guidance and respects every living being – the true definition of nature relatedness.

The Green Witch understands that the earth incorporates the planet and all living things upon it, including animals, plants, and people. She understands that humanity impacts the natural world, not only by how we treat it but also by the feelings and energies of individuals.’ (naturallymodernlife.com)

Whatever you may be doing today, please take that moment to tune into nature and celebrate its powerful healing energies.

Happy Summer Solstice.