Summer Solstice: Transitions and Tradition
With the arrival of the June solstice, we officially marked the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere marked the astronomical start of winter. These astronomical events that mark the beginning and the end of each season also carry with them traditions and reminders of ancient celebrations. Stonehenge has been thought to have played a role in organizing calendars in ancient England, as it may have been erected to help establish the date of the June solstice. In ancient China, the June solstice was marked by a ceremony to celebrate the Earth, femininity, and the “yin” forces which contrasts with the December solstice honoring the heavens, masculinity, and “yang” forces. There is beauty in remembering traditions and ancient celebrations. It reminds us of our ancestors and those who came before us.
Solstices and transitions have another sort of symbolism. They mark the end of something and the beginning of something. With the solstice, spring ends and summer begins and at this transition, we see the longest period of sunlight. There is something special and maybe even scary about transitions. They offer us the chance to say goodbye to one thing and hello to another. Maybe this is a good time to reflect on what in life needs to be let go of and what in life needs to be embraced or welcomed. That may mean living in a liminal space for a bit to figure out what needs to be embraced. Liminal space can be a bit challenging as it means that we are in a state of uncertainty that many of us do not necessarily enjoy. Though, if we embrace this chance to play in liminal space and the opportunity to be creative, there is joy to be found. Joy in knowing that we pushed past our edge into our growth zones and found something within ourselves that will carry us into the new season.
There has been discussion about tradition and remembering as well as transitions and saying goodbye and hello. Can these two concepts live together? Yes, they can! It asks us to hold a paradox. The paradox of “and” and not “or.” This is an area that we all need to grow in as holding a paradox is not something we are asked to do on a daily basis. However, in this world, there are not many things that are black and white. There are many shades of gray and those shades of gray can make life interesting and fulfilling.
On the solstice, the Sun makes its way to the highest point in the sky which means that it takes longer for it to rise and set. This is a reminder that there is space to be mindful during the transition and tradition journey. Those journey moments are precious and there is learning to be had if we only embrace it.
Two hands meeting to form a heart around the sun.
take action today moment:
Reflect on transitions in your life as well as what transition may need the time and space to emerge. Also, reflect on traditions that mean something to you. Practice holding both. Then as you journey through any transitions make sure to give yourself the chance to grieve the things you let go of in the transition and honor the new that you bring into your life.