One of the greatest monuments in Britain – Stonehenge – shows us the enduring significance of the Summer Solstice to our ancestors. Along with the Temple of the Sun in Machu Picchu, it bears testament to ancient builders’ alignment with the sun on the longest day of the year.
Image by K Mitch Hodge – Unsplash
Honouring Nature, Fire, and Oak
Nature is crucial to our survival, and the old cultures of Britain recognised this. Bonfires were lit to ensure a good harvest. Cattle were driven through smoke. People jumped over flames to welcome abundance. Ashes were spread over fields as fertiliser.
Dancing and feasting followed as folk stayed up all night to greet the dawn.
The oak tree, king of the forest, held deep spiritual meaning. Its Celtic name, duir – meaning “door” – is believed to be the root of the word druid.
New Book News: Amber Heart
My second novel, Amber Heart, is partially set in 77 AD, when Roman legions massacred the druid priests on Anglesey. This first of two past life stories follows a set of twins, one of whom communes magically with trees, especially the Grandmother Oak, who may hold an important key to the future.
Image by Andrew Shelley – Unsplash
Alban Hefin – The Light of Summer
The Druids called the Summer Solstice Alban Hefin, a time to honour sun deities such as Bel, Lugh, Ogmios, Áine, and Gréine. With the sun at its highest, it is also already beginning its descent. A moment of joy and reflection.
As the Green Man, or Oak King, reminds us: this is a time of balance.
Let us not forget the forests, the lungs of our world, and what we stand to lose if they are all cut down.
Image by Marita Kavelashvili – Unsplash
Pause, Reflect, Reconnect
This solstice, why not ask yourself:
- What do I love to do?
- What have I achieved this year?
- What is my relationship with trees – and how might I deepen it?
- What do I hope for the second half of the year?
Join Me: Much Wenlock Summer Festival – 21st June
I’ll be performing here on the day of Solstice itself.
The Eagle of Much Wenlock is a new story weaving together the legend of St Milburga, folklore, and myth.
Performed with harp and voice in Bardic style.
Followed by a talk on my Rune Trilogy.
2pm start | Free | Lasts just over an hour
It would be lovely to see you there if you’re nearby!
Final Drafts and Forest Whispers
As I complete the final draft of Amber Heart, the Grandmother Oak keeps asking me big questions. I hope to have a few answers by the time the book is ready for you next year…
Sending love
Wishing you a glorious and thought provoking Summer Solstice and wonderful July.
