Light and dark are opposites that represent the balance we strive for in our daily lives.
Sun and moon wall sculpture. Image from Breathing Space.
Sunday, June 21, 2015, is the Summer Solstice. This is the longest day and the shortest night in the year. Lady Moon is in her first quarter in Leo, a fixed Sun sign; Lord Sun is in Cancer, a cardinal water sign. Balance is shifting!
Instead of seeing Lord Sun’s power manifesting more and more as each day brings more daylight time, from now until the Winter Solstice (December 21, 2015) we shall see less daylight each day. Remember that Light does not automatically represent Good, that Dark does not automatically represent Evil. Like the Yin-Yang sign ([), light and dark are the opposites that, in the proper proportions, give a visual representation of the balance we strive for in our daily lives.
Use the colors white, red, and golden yellow in your decorations and dress. You may accent these major colors with shades of green, blue, and tan. The emphasis is on vitality, creativity, health, and especially abundance. Yellow, in particular, represents not only Lord Sun but also prosperity.
Serve orange and yellow foods, fresh fruits and veggies, pumpernickel bread, and fresh fruit juice. Your menu could include: roasted bell peppers of all colors; summer squash; hamburgers cooked on a grill; pumpernickel buns or bread; fresh tomatoes; orange segments; strawberries with yogurt or other tasty dipping condiment; a salad that includes carrots and red cabbage.
This is a time to celebrate both work and play. Have fun and enjoy the occasion. You could even encourage your guests to reenact the dance between the Oak and Holly kings, twins who trade sovereignty every six months. The Oak King rules as Lord Sun grows in strength from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice. Then the Holly King rules as Lord Sun’s presence steadily decreases. Play the music of your choice and let the “twin kings” improvise steps as their dominance shifts. A crown for the “winner” to wear would not be amiss.
If possible, celebrate outside with some sort of fire. Traditionally, nine different dried herbs are added to the fire and the smoke from these herbs is then wafted over you, your guests, and any animals present; this creates healing and blessing energies. mistletoe, vervain, St. John’s Wort, pansy, and lavender are the usual herbs used; you may choose any other four herbs that please you. Use the smoke to bless yourself, your guests, and any animals present.
Destroy any amulets that have fulfilled their purpose or ended their usefulness by casting them into the fire. When cool, the ashes from that fire should be scattered across your garden or lawn to bring prosperity. If you do not or cannot have a fire, then carefully crush the amulets and gently distribute the pieces around your yard and garden.
Remember to include fairies in your planning. Set out a bit of food and drink for them. Watch for fireflies at sundown as fireflies can be an indicator of fairies’ presence.
Kate will be participating in a Spiritual Life Productions Metaphysical Fair on Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, 2015, in the Marchesa Hall and Theater, in Lincoln Village, between Highland Mall and I-35, in Austin. Use GPS address 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd. and you will find the location easily. There’s a $7 admission daily.
[Kate Braun was a contributor to the original Rag. Her website is www.tarotbykatebraun.com. She can be reached at kate_braun2000@yahoo.com. Read more of Kate Braun’s writing on The Rag Blog.]
