Longest Day, Shortest Night

Longest Day, Shortest Night

This Saturday is the Summer Solstice; the point at which we in the Northern Hemisphere enjoy the longest day of the year and the shortest night.

The Summer Solstice, or Midsummer, is a day which has been celebrated in many cultures for many, many years – since pre-Christian times. For many of these cultures, it was not the day as we calculate it that was celebrated – the celebrations would begin at sunset on the previous evening, rather than at midnight or dawn.

One of the oldest traditions of the Summer Solstice is the lighting of a bonfire. This is still done in many places around the world today, from the hills of Cornwall to the mountains of Norway and other Scandinavian countries. The flames and heat of the bonfire echo and bolster the strength of the sun, and serve to bring the community together.

In Pagan circles, the Summer Solstice is often called Litha, and it is an important point on the Wheel of the Year.

Some Celtic traditions regard it as one of the two points in the year when the Oak King and the Holly King fight; the Oak King has ruled since he defeated the Holly King at Yuletide, and now it is the Holly King’s turn to win the battle and rule for the rest of the year.

Other traditions regard it as the point when the Goddess is at the height of her power, and as a time of fertility and abundance.

However they view this moment, many will gather at Stonehenge, Glastonbury Tor and other important Pagan sites to watch the sun rise on the longest day.

It is also a significant time for love, and many Pagan couples will tie the knot – literally – with a handfasting on this day.

Because Midsummer is quite literally the height of the year, it is an excellent time to reflect on the things that you have achieved since the Winter Solstice and since last Midsummer, to assess your circumstances and identify areas where you need to make changes. If you are looking for clarity on questions like this, you can call me or my team for psychic readings at any time.

Call me or a member of my team to get a reading now.

To call me, the number for UK callers is 0800 999 3831. Australia 1800 558 140, Canada 1866 403 3407, USA 1855 864 9382, Ireland 015 060 692, Rest of the world +44 1749 860 777.

To call a member of my team, the number for UK callers is 0800 999 8831. Australia 1800 018 367, Canada 1866 76 9422, USA 1855 864 9383, Ireland 015 060 693, Rest of the world +44 207 111 6115.

Tony Hyland
tony@tonyhyland.com