June 21st – The Summer Solstice
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice is celebrated on June 21st – the longest day of the year. The Summer Solstice marks the shift from spring to summer as our days become longer. This astronomical event has a rich history of celebration, as even ancient cultures recognized the Sun’s influence over harvest and happiness.
Feng Shui And The Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice was an important celebration in Ancient China: some provinces celebrated through elaborate ceremony, others through traditional food (like lychee or noodles), and others with festival events like boat races. While many of these traditions have lost significance over time, the Summer Solstice remains an important day of spiritual celebration.
In relation to Feng Shui, the Summer Solstice celebrates the transitive powers in the yin and yang forces and the relationship between the Earth and the Sun. This is the time of the Small Summer Heat Qi node where yang stimulation of the sun reaches its peak and starts its inevitable decline. Hot Qi and Fire are the invisible forces of life manifested as heat. At this vital pivot in annual Qi, communication and transition are major skills to employ. Now is the time to embrace action.
During June, the manifestation of the Sun and abundance is cause for celebration; therefore, cultures all over the world observe the Summer Solstice.
Global Celebrations Of The Summer Solstice
DAOISM
The Summer Solstice is the one of the 24 Solar terms that make up the Daoist Solar Calendar. Along with ancient Chinese traditions, Daoism promotes harmony during this time of change through attuning yourself to the movement of the Sun. Daoist philosophy recognizes the Summer Solstice as a time of growth, allowing your energy to expand without excess or depletion in all parts of life.
The Dao of Heaven is like drawing a bow. What is high it draws down, What is low it lifts, What has too much it lessens, What does not have enough it adds to.
Laozi, Dao de Jing, Chapter 77
NORTHERN EUROPE
Being native to Latvia, Feng Shui Master Aelita is familiar with Midsummer traditions in Northern Europe. In Latvia, Jāņi or Liigo is celebrated on June 23rd and June 24th, adjacent to the Summer Solstice. Like in Scandanavian Solstice celebrations, this holiday originates from pagan harvest festivals. Today, Jāņi is celebrated with traditional music performed by the community. Nature is an important part of Jāņi. Latvians wear crowns of flowers and oak-leaf and do not sleep so they can walk through the morning dew for good luck. To rid oneself of burdens, there is a tradition to jump over a bonfire. In Northern Europe, the Summer Solstice is a time of trusting nature’s abundance and cultivating energy through celebration.
Overall, the Summer Solstice is the longest day of year, and it is celebrated around the world as a day of personal growth and prosperity. Using Feng Shui during this time can help you prepare for a new phase of life, cleanse your spiritual energy, and help you adapt to the changing energy of the Sun. Spring was about planning, and now it is time to act on your intentions.
The Summer Solstice is the perfect time to begin integrating Feng Shui into your life. Aelita Leto is ready to consult with you for the most comprehensive Feng Shui analysis.