Summer Solstice
   Celebrating the God at MidSummer

Before you can design a celebration for the Summer Solstice you first need to determine what the holiday means to you. If you know why we honor the God at solstice, you will have a better chance of designing a ritual to meet your needs.

For myself, I recognize three aspects of God, just as I recognize the traditional three faces of Goddess (maiden, mother, crone.).I view the masculine energy of Divinity as the Youth (often a Loki-type energy), the Hunter/Provider (Cernunnos-type energy, but also Pan energy), and the Elder (wisdom, forethought, compassion). These aren't hard and fast categories or aspects, just a convenient way of mentally sorting through the various aspects and manifestations of Deity energy.

At Summer Solstice, I honor the fact that the youthful passionate energy of Beltane (Pan) has matured and ripened into a new form. This is the God's day of glory. He peaks in strength and virility, bringing abundance and joy. This is manifest in the "Hunter/Provider" aspect of God, at his height of glory.Masculine energies at their strongest and most productive.

To honor this, I dress my altar with solar objects and colors.I bring my magical tools and items outside to charge in the Solstice Sun. (Weather permitting.) I wear bright sunny colors, and tune into the masculine, solar energy.My celebration includes Drawing Down the Sun, (Like “Drawing Down the Moon”) and taking His energy directly into my solar plexus. (Needless to say, never stare directly into the sun.)

If my circle gathers for celebration, we definitely play the drums very energetically and dance like crazy around the bonfire.

At the very least, your celebration should leave you feeling energized and more connected to the masculine aspects of divine energy. I hope this helps to inspire you to honor the masculine energies of Divine at the Summer Solstice!

Bright Blessings!

~Flame RavenHawk
   June 19, 2002