Awed by the great power of the sun, civilizations have for centuries celebrated the first day of summer, otherwise known as the Summer Solstice, Midsummer (see Shakespeare), St. John's Day, or the Wiccan Litha.

The Celts & Slavs celebrated the first day of summer with dancing & bonfires to help increase the sun's energy. The Chinese marked the day by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Midsummer is when the Mother Earth is at the fullness of her strength, sexuality and fertility. The crops are in full bloom now, or past blooming and the grain forms on the stalk and the ear. There is trust in the harvest of seeds in the fall,  gestating through winter, sprouting in spring.

Why do I write about these seasonal changes and their significance in my newsletters? Because it is important to be informed and attuned to our planet. It helps us to harmonize intentionally with the cycles of life.

The nature of the human experience is about restoring balance. When you honor the rhythms and seasons, through diet, awareness, actions and even ceremony and ritual, you empower yourself to be a co-creator with all of life.Then you can add your intentions to these times for adding power to your creations.

What are you noticing that is in full bloom in your life? What seeds have you planted that are being fulfilled? Were you conscious of what you were harvesting and planting last fall during the Autumn Equinox?

The Summer Solstice is a time to reach high for what is blooming in your life. What do you want to see blooming at this time?

You are invited to take advantage of this season and make a wish on this Midsummer's Night that you want to see come true and then relish in the mystery and magic of this time.

Holly Shantara