Ahh… Summer! What
an affirmation of Life! I remember the first time I held a
Summer Solstice ceremony at Doheny Beach, Dana Point. Can
you imagine doing it in the middle of the beach where
everybody was going to witness this rather unusual
gathering? What was I thinking? It did not matter… my
friends and sisters of the path were as enthused as I to
show the community that we’re normal, mentally equipped,
well adjusted citizens
Noontime was the
start of the ceremony. We wanted to feel the heat of the
sun, honor its glory as it rises every morning and express
gratitude as it rests at sunset. For its power that gives us
warmth, vitality and richness of Life. About fifty people
came. Dressed in brilliant summer colors, the women wore a
wreath of flowers around their head while men wore light
colored shirts. We formed the circle; a bonfire in the
center was getting really hot. The ceremony had begun
“In the
beginning, All is One…? my opening on most ceremonies. A few
words were uttered, the whole crowd was quiet as they stood
still waiting … contemplating… mesmerizing
A song was
started, everyone sung along, the beating of the drums got
louder, body movements were becoming fluid yet intense, we
closed our eyes, we danced with the rhythms of the music.
Then… We stopped. We acknowledged the presence of one
another in the circle and expressed our gratitude to the
power of the Sun God, and the Great Goddess. We prayed for
their continuing guidance. We uttered our self-blessings. A
non-alcoholic red wine was tossed in honor of the Divine
Presence.
A maiden carrying
a basket of red roses for the females and small yellow
candles for the males made her round to give the gift of
Summer. Hugs were exchanged. A potluck of delicacies of
fruit salads, baked oysters, and sun and moon shaped cookies
perfected the gathering.
Have a Blessed
Summer Solstice!! Merry Meet!
According to
witnesses, there was an outer circle about 10 feet away from
ours, formed by a larger crowd who happened to be at the
beach (for Father’s Day) and watched the ceremony. I knew
then that my community had accepted my beliefs.
Keep Sharing the Light!
