These are some of the ideas of Summer Solstice that seem most meaningful to me:
* For everything there is a season, and this is the season of the Summer Solstice.
This is a time for family reunions, and renewing neglected friendships. Draw all friends, old and new, into the fun and enjoyment of the season.
* A magical time, June 21, the longest day of the year, and the first day of summer when the sun seems to pause in its progression across the sky, and everything seems possible. Hurt feelings can be mended and new, deeper relationships begun.
* This is a time, not only for happiness, but to have fun, and to know the difference.
* All energies are at work as we renew our habits of prayer for guidance and assistance. Its time to gather personal courage.
* It is time to strengthen the passions and bonds of love among family, friends, and those of special affection.
* Its time to reaffirm vows and dedications, and re-tune our natural rhythms of life.
*First fruits of the earth; flowers, fruits, herbs, honey harvested from the hives; are celebrated with a new awareness and appreciation.
*Its spring cleaning time. Clean to spotlessness. Use soaps and herbs to clean all your surroundings, your home, and your body. Cram your consciousness so full of all that is positive there is no room for that which is not.
* Be good to yourself.
* Be sure you're getting enough Vitamin D from the sun. Surround yourself with the colors of summer. Wear the golden yellows, red, purple of the sun and the season.
* Cook some dishes using summer herbs and plants, and all the fruits and vegetables in the bright yellow squash, red and orange pepper, and eggplant colors. Drink a bloody Mary with its bright red color and fresh vegetable garnish. Eat a strawberry shortcake for a sweet beginning to summer.
* Christians celebrate a religious rebirth; many churches hold services of revival.
* We celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist who came baptizing large crowds and preaching the imminent coming of the Kingdom of God with a new hope.
* And, at the proper time during my contemplations of the Summer Solstice and the meanings of its rituals, I will, either virtually or in reality, gather sweet herbs and put them in a pretty pouch. Then, I will pour all my troubles, sorrows and pain into the pouch, tie it with a red cord, and bury it deep, deep into the earth where it's contents can never again enter my life.