Summer Solstice – Alban Hefin

The druid name for Summer Solstice is Alban Heflin. A magical time full of joy but the so say progression of civilization has meant many of these old traditions have been lost. But it’s through the personal interconnections at such gatherings that we can fortify our strength, health, and well-being. You don’t have to be a druid or practice spirituality to benefit from such occasions. Simply being in the company of like-minded souls sharing joy and laughter will improve your health. And I say that from a place of scientific fact not just whimsical belief, “(Harvard Study of adult development)”.

Summer Solstice has been celebrated globally for millenniums.

With stone circles aligning with the rising sun on the longest day of the year. Where the goddess crowns the solar god as king of summer, in gratitude for the abundance already bestowed. And in anticipation of that yet-to-be-gifted. With the air heavy with fragrant and the landscape vibrant with all the colours of the rainbow, it’s difficult not to feel truly blessed. 

And yet these life-giving festivals have been discouraged in many areas. Leaving humanity’s heritage forgotten and the traditions of paying gratitude to the directions that give us life forgotten. But not in the Celtic lands of Britain… The ancestral bloodline here is so strong it couldn’t be broken. Weakened perhaps but as we move further into the age of Aquarius more and more are awakening to their soul selves and begin the journey home.

I am a perfect example of such awakening, starting my spiritual journey 10 years ago whilst living in Spain. And it was within the northern aspects of Spain, Celtic land that the divine reached down and touched my heart. In doing so opened my third eye and crown Chakra so I may start to reconnect to all that I am. It’s from that connection that I was guided to return to the motherland to rediscover and reconnect to my native heritage. And so 2023 see’s me joining my fellow druids at Stanton Drew. As the sun rises and we rejoice, paying homage to the splendour of its magic, its power, and unconditional love afforded each of us if only we learn to accept it.

Celtic Places of Celebration

When most think of summer solstice celebrations, the mind inevitably goes to Stonehenge! One of the few occasions when the public can now enter the circle and where a gathering of souls can easily reach 10,000. Glastonbury is another popular gathering ground where the festivities start and midnight on the evening of the 20^th. With many making their way down from the tor following the sunrise to partake in a collective meditation at the Chalice Well. Cornwall, you will find the ancient sites of the ‘Nine Maidens’ Stone Circle, the ‘Men-an-Tol’, Mulfra Quoit and Lanyon Quoit.

Traditionally beacon bonfires were lit across the highest points on Tors and Moors, from Ding Dong in Madron to the most northerly reaches of Bodmin Moor. I smile as I write this, a reminder that my whole life has been guiding me back… Cornwall practically being a second home for me as a young adult.

Moving up the country into Scotland we cannot but mention Callanish on the island of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. Here, four rows of stones lead into a circle from the four directions, forming a Celtic cross in the landscape. As well as the Ring of Brodgar, on Orkney. And obviously but not least Newgrange Ireland, where the sun enters the chambers. the most astounding thing about Newgrange is its great age. The Passage tomb is older than Stonehenge in England and older than the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And of course, Stanton Drew stone circles as I mentioned earlier.

Other than Britain

Of course, these are places and monuments within the British Isle and only the most well know. Globally there are places and spaces that have been traditional to their respective country. Having lived in Spain I can share my knowledge of their celebrations and it’s not too dissimilar. Although celebrated on the eve of the 23rd, now not consciously celebrated as Summer Solstice but as St John’s feast day held on the 24th. I can not say for certain without doing further research. But it’s possible this is yet another indigenous festival that was hijacked by religion, but it is very likely. The tradition of San Juan is to head to the beach.

The Druids also hold the shore as a place of importance and reverence where the three realms of Earth, Sea, and Sky meet. And like the Celtic lands, they build bonfires. As in Ireland their tradition is to jump the fires. At midnight everyone enters the sea, cleanings themselves of the old and welcoming in the new.

Traditionally they would wash their faces and feet with seawater three times, believing themselves to be cleansing away evil. But for me, I suspect there were latent subconscious indigenous memories coming to the surface regarding the auspicious power of three. Another beautiful addition to these celebrations is to write down our hopes, and dreams. Make that into a paper boat, setting it out to sail at midnight. It’s a beautiful and majestic moment to watch the joy, love, and laughter on the faces of young and old in the dancing moonlight.

Preparation for the Summer Solstice

There are no hard-set rules, the key is doing whatever fills your heart with joy and gratitude. With the only proviso of do no harm.  Having been connecting with the Goddesses in a much greater way over the past 6 months. I fill inspired to dress for the occasion honouring the divine feminine – I’m normally a jeans and Tee girl! 

I’ve also been nudged to create and wear a flower crown. If you do decide this is something you would like to do and you do so from foraging, please remember to ask the plant’s permission and only take between 5- 10% of the plant, leaving plenty for the plant to continue flourishing. (Most recommend 10-15% but I recommend taking less, to take into consideration air pollution these days!).

The most hilarious message I have been getting from my guides is to bake a lemon drizzle cake! I highly suspect they are all sat within the spiritual realm doubled over with laughter. I rarely cook let alone bake, so this could be immensely interesting. Luckily, I have some amazingly game souls with which to share, all adding to the love laughter, and fun.

Solstice Ideas

If you do feel the urge to dress up, white is the traditional colour. Symbolizing innocence, peace, hope, purity, kindness, patience, simplicity, idealism, and attracting positive spiritual energy. As I mentioned above I’m getting to make a lemon cake honouring the fruit that is currently abundant to use. So preparing foods and beverages from natural and seasonal produce. Then sharing them with friends and family is a great way of showing gratitude. Homemade lemonade or rose petal tea spring to mind but ensure you only use ingestible species.

Making a dedicated altar is also beautiful and energetically powerful, placing deities, photos, and flowers. I like to draw an oracle card and place that on my altar. Along with vegetation, I have collected whilst out on my meditative walks.

Do not get hung up on what you think should be placed on your altar. But to instead listen to the inner whisperings of your soul, allowing yourself to be in the natural flow. And you will know if you achieved it because you will have no concern as to what your altar looks like aesthetically. But when you look at it you feel an overwhelming sense of joy, peace, and serenity.

These are just a few ideas – breathe, quieten the mind. Connect with the heart and allow your creativity free run and act from whatever comes forward. The key is to have fun, filling your heart with joy and gratitude.

Happy Summer Solstice Blessings x x x