Summer Solstice
In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year (near June 22) when the Sun is farthest north. The declination of the Sun on the (northern) Summer Solstice is known as the Tropic of Cancer. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, respectively, in the sense that the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a maximum for the year...
The Summer Solstice marks the first day of the season of Summer in the northern hemisphere...
In ancient times it was considered a time of fullness of life, worldly blessings and celebration. Not much has changed today in how we look at summer. We see it as a time of vacations, play, celebration, fun, joviality, parties, and barbecues with family and friends at the beach or park. Days are longer which gives us more time to enjoy the sun and soak in it's warmth...
The Summer Solstice celebrates the joy, warmth and laughter of summer; and God's power. The beginning of summer represents a time for purification, renewal of the self, a time to release the sadness, fears and pains from your life. A time for purification and renewed energy...
For couples: it is also a time for renewing the bonds of love that brought the two of you together in the first place. Remember that song from the 1978 movie "Grease" with Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta called "Summer Nights"...the amazing feelings of youthful passionate love...bu-ut oh, those su-ummer nights....). With renewed energy of the Summer Solstice all things are possible...
The Sun exerts its' maximum power at the Solstice because the tilt of the Earth's axis makes the Sun's rays most nearly parallel on that date at points in the Northern hemisphere. The time is here to complete external physical manifestation and all energies are about exerting the will. In ancient times it was considered a time of fullness of life, worldly blessings and celebration...
The Solstice is a day to see the Creator in everyone you come in contact with and to recognize their divinity along with the recognition of your own self God image. John the Baptist is the recognized saint for the Summer Solstice. The belief is that summer solstice is for renewal, which needs to be a renewed commitment to God and ourselves...