summer solstice

 Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.

Maori Proverb 

So we'll be hosting a burn tonight in honor of the longest day of the year. As my loyal (hehehe) readers know, I have a lovely fire pit and I having fires in the backyard is one of our favorite pastimes. There is no better time to fire it up than on the solstice dedicated to fire.

letting go. warmth.  solar power. inner fire. generosity. fire. warmth. bright. light. 

It truly is a lovely time. I've begun harvesting some herbs and made the first delectable pesto of the year. The hydrangeas and lilies are in bloom. My grapevines are dripping with half ripened grapes. The Queen Anne's lace, trumpet vine and mimosa are all in bloom and the sunflowers are also beginning to make a show. What an amazing time of year.  Salud !

 

Check out Religious Tolerance.org's great article on the modern and ancient celebrations of summer solstice worldwide.

<To the left: lotus flowers at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens >