Summer Solstice 2009

Summer Solstice – Litha

By Dawn “Belladonna” Thomas

This is the time of year when summer is at its peak. The earth is fertile and rich with life. It is a time to bless the crops for an abundant harvest.

In some myths the summer solstice represents the maiden goddess experiencing the sexual union with her consort. It is a time of fertility and sexuality. This is the beginning stage of her transition from the Maiden to the Mother.

This is also reflected in the Dianic tradition as the time women are fertile and creative in their lives. These are reflected when women can metaphorically and literally use our sexuality and menstrual bloods. All women become a “Mother” when they physically or emotionally give birth. They nurture, sustain and protect life whether it is the human species, or other species and through their work or activism.

It is a time for us to explore our sexuality. We celebrate the union within ourselves and with others in honoring fertility and creative expression. We use the power of fire to cleanse ourselves of negative body images especially related to sexuality. We energize our individual and collective creativity. We use a symbol of fire to magnify and illuminate our sexual awareness and actions. We energize our bodies and passions. The fire element is honored in our personal lives as it reminds us to keep our sensuality and sexuality alive within ourselves.

With the blessings of the season,

Dawn