Solstice

The summer solstice is celebrated across the globe in many variations. A few times in my life I happened to be abroad at those times and none of them were quite the same as the celebrations in Latvia. Our celebration is not rooted in Christianity, but pure pagan beliefs - the power of nature and elements. Mother forest, Thunder, Sun, Mother wind, Mother sea, Mother earth, and much more. It is about being connected with nature, being aware of all the processes happening around us in perfect synergy, and about being respectful of them, embrace them. It is mystical and magical when you can take it all in, let it flow through you and around you. If you let it happen.

To me, the solstice is not some regular gathering or party, which has become that for many now. It is a gathering, but more like the magical gathering of creating celebrations together. The together part is one of the most important elements, as it all falls apart without it. Too many cooks in the kitchen are the reason why for many years now I have not been celebrating the way I would want to and it makes me sad, and even bitter. I rather hide away than see the abomination of the thing. Of course, there are things I still can’t ignore. Gathering wildflowers as all the flowers blooming at the solstice is appropriate for the celebration, and burning the fire for the shortest night. I am learning to appreciate these things quietly to myself for what they are, regardless of everything else.

I hope to restore the former glory of Solstice one day. Somehow, someplace that I can truly call home. Where I will love every tree, meadow, every corner. Where I will dance around and sing with my soul. And you know, no one will cut down the entire meadows for no reason either, as many people do right before Solstice, because then people are picking wildflowers to make their crowns and to decorate their homes, but the owners of the lands are selfish asshats. Look at the magical meadow that I’ve posted about before on my blog below! All destroyed. For what? They are not using it to grow crops there. Simply ruined the meadow and the habitat for many, tiny critters. It had such a diverse selection of plants too.