On our recent trip through the Yucatan we visited the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and got to see the wonderful ruins of the ancient Mayan city, including the pyramid of Kukulukan. We were both in complete awe of the Mayans and their connection with the seasons and the earth. We left our guide full of information and questions and as students hungry to learn more about this amazing civilization whose daily life depended on their devotion to the sun. We both vowed to be more aware of the solstices and use our telescope more to study the stars and planets. This tied right in with our new philosophy of being more present and more in touch with our world, experiencing our life by taking part in it rather than watching from the sidelines.Midsummer day is a fixed date in many parts of the world, (near June 23rd) but today, June 20th is the longest day of the year according to the more official solar calendar. For the next few days the sun will appear to stand still in the noontime position for much of the day. According to the pagan religions, magical entities are no longer hidden & the veil that seperates us and them is lifted during Midsummer. Magical indeed! Our wishes and desires are more likely to be granted at Midsummer Solstice so take advantage of this time to concentrate on your heart's desires and keep your eyes alert for fairy people!
Today and tomorrow I will take Little S and Charlotte up to the ridge and let them see some trees and wildflowers again. It is important to appreciate nature during this day, to be outside and to feel connected to the elements--a small hike or a wade into a country stream, feeling the cold water bubbling gently over your feet. In fact what will you do on this day? Where will you go to get your dose of nature and midsummer bounty? Will it be in the garden digging out weeds or in the forest brushing your hands over a mossy tree? Maybe a short walk on your lunch break? Maybe just a drive through the country after work and just the simple act of picking a flower. Whatever it is be sure to get outside today.
A quatre pattes did a very lovely and informative post on the solstice a few days back. She's a wealth of knowledge on paganism and has some wonderful ideas about what to do with your children and family during the various seasons of the year. Go pay her a visit.
2 comments:
thanks for the mention - I think it is really important to show your kids about the turning of the year. This sounds great!!!!
happy Midsomer to you Christine.
p.s. have you read the book 'Chocolat' by Joanne Harris and her sequel 'The Lollipop Shoes'? You would love them, all about Mexican Lore, quiet magic and......chocolate. the first one was made into a film a while back.
btw, I have created a meme and I have tagged you to write about 'places you have called home' as part of the NaBloPoMo posting month, which I am participating in.
Please visit this page to read the 'instructions' here. http://quatrepattes.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/places-i-have-called-home/
Hope you enjoy it and don't forget to list five more bloggers who you would like to pass the meme onto.
Lune x
I loved that meme so thank you. It sounds like a good catalyst for self reflection. I will have to do it when we get settled on our vacation and that will be better anyway because it will give me some space to think.
I have been meaning to read those books and they are on my Amazon list (looooong list). I've seen the film more than once and I figured the book must delve a lot deeper into her mystical side that was only briefly mentioned in the film.
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