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Friday 20 June 2008

Solstice Blessings



I know quite a few people who read my ramblings, have leanings towards Alternative and Pagan views. My cousin who is webmaster for the Pagan Federation and I have discussions about this. I believe in a spirituality related to nature, and conversely nature leads to a spirituality of the soul. Whereas he is more into meta-physical views. Strangely a few months ago I had the Mormons call at the door. Two nice men, who then had a bizarre conversation with me about Paganism. I think I may have inadvertently converted one of them, as he was very interested in what I was saying, and had a second cup of tea.

Anyway, at the moment we're at the peak of the Summer Solstice, Midsummer's Eve, Litha, St John's Day, Festival of Attainment, or whatever you may call it. Long before I knew why, I've stayed up all night on June 21st, right from being a small child. It's also my grandfather's birthday, he'd have been 109. As this is an important day for me, I'd just like to wish blessings to those of you who are celebrating, wherever you are, and also blessings to those of you who are of different beliefs. Humanity is something we all share.



In 2005 whilst developing my arcylic style, I painted this picture during the Solstice. I sold it a few weeks later, so somewhere out there it's hopefully still giving someone pleasure.

And in 2006, as the three photographs show, we found ourselves at the most important place for me in the whole of Britain. I will only say it's a hill fort in Dorset. I found it by accident in 1983 when having a holiday near there, after taking a drive on mid-summers eve. Not knowing where to drive, I can remember driving along what I now know is a Roman Road, and being stopped in my tracks at the beauty of this place. I was the only person there that Midsummers Eve, in total silence apart from the wind off the sea, watching the sun set over the English Channel. A memory I will never forget. For years afterwards I used to come here from the North East to sit on the hill and look at the view.

Enjoy this time of the year, and whatever you do, or don't do, be at one with nature and remember all those people who once also saw the sun rise. Happy Birthday Grandfather wherever you are!! A true Gentleman in all ways.

11 comments:

  1. We're celebrating the solstice up here by climbing Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh with my breath group. We're lucky in Scotland that the light lingers very late in the evening at this time of year. I'd agree with you that being with nature makes us more spiritual and much more in the present moment.

    I love the atmosphere of your Stonehenge acrylic too.

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  2. How wonderful being on Arthur's Seat for the Solstice. I hope you and the group have a wonderful time.

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  3. Litha Blessings to you BR. I'm having like minded people in to celebrate. Lots of food and drink. I don't say I'll be feeling too good the next day, lol.

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  4. I'll look forward to the posting and counting the empty bottles in the attached photograph of course. Have a wonderful time in the woods.

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  5. just did my own solstice post and then found yours, so wonderfully written (as always!) .. feel very similarly about the solstice, a time to reflect, be with nature and loved reading your thoughts on it, too. sending you blessings and all good wishes :-)

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  6. Thanks Hedgewitch. and if any of you are interested in 20 facts you never knew about the Solstice, have a peek at Hedgewitches posting today.

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  7. You have a beautiful blog (well, several, actually). I just came across them while reading some comments over on one of hedgwitch's blogs.

    Hope everyone out there enjoys the solstice. It's funny you should mention Mormons. I used to be one. Not any more. I'm not anything anymore. But I do love the natural things around me and always have. And I'll be ejoying the longest day of the year, which, so far over here across the pond where I am, is beautiful. So why am I sitting here typing? Bye! I'm going outside!

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  8. I think I know where your hill is. I also love those views and the atmosphere as you sit and stare at countryside that looks untouched... timeless and peaceful.

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  9. Thank you for posting a comment ICQB, nice to have you dip into my blog from the States. I hope future postings kep you entertained too.

    Hi Jane, I thought you may know where this is. Lets keep it to ourselves :-)

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  10. I may have stood on your hill, two years ago.

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  11. Hi ST, if you did, then you'll know what a great place it is. Mind you there's some canny views up in Northumberland too, a-top of Simonsides or Corby Crags.

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