The Summer Solstice
The summer solstice occurs in 2008 on Friday, June 20, at 4:59pm PDT; 23:59 UT, when the Sun enters Cancer. This is the earliest solstice since 1896!
You know it's summer because the Sun reaches its farthest point north for the year. It is at its highest in the sky at local noon and the solstice shadows are very short.
The higher the Sun rises in the heavens the more distance it has to travel from one horizon to the other and hence, the longer daylight. This is the longest day of the year, or so they say!
Hmmm ... there are 5 longest days (14hrs./47mins.) in San Francisco. How many are there in your area? Check it out for yourself ... Sun Data /One Year Table See The Winter Solstice to learn why this is.
The
Sun's Seasonal Path
Image: TheSky Astronomy Software
The Sun's path is shown after sunrise during the solstices and equinoxes. When the solstice Sun appears farthest north, it marks the beginning of summer. After the summer solstice the Sun begins its journey southward and the days start getting shorter.
High Sun ~ Low Moon
When the solstice Sun swings high, the Moon around the Solstice swings low to the south. Compare the summer solstice paths of the Sun and Moon.
In 2005 and 2006 we had two extreme low "solstice" Moons at declinations of –27º to –28°+. These extreme southern positions were due to the lunar standstill season that occurs every 18.6–19 years. See Moon Swings ~ Highs and Lows to learn more.
In Britain this is traditionally known as "midsummer." In the southern hemisphere the Sun is at its lowest, casting long shadows and it is the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. This is the darkest day of the year for the South Pole, which has already had three months without the Sun and expects three more! This is the brightest day at the North Pole with the Sun at its highest all day long! This land of the "Midnight Sun" is in full sunlight (except for clouds) during the entire summer and this solstice marks high noon in its 6-month day! These different seasons are the result of Earth's tilt, together with its orbit around the Sun.
Day
Star Day!
A Celebration of the Summer Solstice and the Star We Call Our Sun
Image: The Sky Astronomy Software
Every year near the summer solstice, Star Gazer asks everyone to celebrate the rising of our local day star, the Sun, because most people never truly experience a sunrise. You are encouraged to get up before twilight begins, to observe the effects of sunrise on everything all around you. Create your own official Day Star Day!
Participate in This Unique Celebration!
Get
up about
15 minutes before sunrise,
while it's still dark outside.
It's not the Sun itself that you are going to observe but the effects of sunrise on everything around you as night slowly turns into day. It is better to be outside but if not just sit by an open window.
Now for the rules, which are absolutely essential: no radio, no television, no doing your normal wake up routine. All distractions must be eliminated. Simply sit quietly inside or outside and when you see the skies slowly start to brighten, look, listen and feel what happens all around you. Watch the delicate interplay of light, color and shadow. Listen to the different sounds of our world and its creatures waking up. Feel the wind change, the temperature change, and much, much more as night slowly slips into day.
Keep track of all the subtle changes you notice and record your observations on paper or into a tape recorder. And then read or listen to your observations a few days later ... if you've never done this before, you're in for a pleasant surprise ... experiencing the effects of a sunrise using all of your senses and your full attention is one of the most wonderful experiences this planet has to offer ... you'll be amazed at what a star rise over a small planet can do for you. Star Gazer
The spiritual significance of the Summer Solstice
Global
Meditations ~ Summer Solstice
Global
Solstice Meditation
For the Oceans and the Cetaceans
Summer Solstice
Saturday, June 21, 2008
This
is a beautiful meditation that
includes stunning pictures,
inspirational words and
18 minutes of wonderful music.
Anyone who participates will be
sending as well as receiving a healing!
The
Gathering of One
Summer
Solstice
Saturday,
June 21, 2008
7:00pm PDT; 02:00 UT
Or 20:00 UT - Or Anytime
An
historic global event is brewing and you
can participate on many levels. The Gathering
of One, Global Eden Event is based on
sacred geometry with peoples
from all over the world
coming together
in very unique ways.
Everyone is welcome
to participate and share in the
common
intent. Gathering
of One Video
World
Peace and Prayer Day
Summer Solstice
Saturday,
June 21, 2008
This
is an annual gathering of all nations and all faiths
joining hearts in prayer for world peace and global
healing. You are invited to gather at sacred sites
across the world, and make a great circle of prayer for
world peace and the healing of Mother Earth.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, spiritual leader of the
Lakota people and the 19th generation keeper of the
Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, received the vision
for this day and performs ceremony each year
with the indigenous people of North Amercia.
Ceremony
Suggestions
People who practice non-traditional spirituality,
can use these suggestions during the ceremony.
Also see … Walokota
Institute
Worldwide
Didgeridoo Meditation
Summer
Solstice
Saturday,
June 21, 2008
Sunset your time
This
meditation is a worldwide link-up of people
supporting environmental and personal awareness.
It is held on the equinoxes and solstices.
Starting at sunset participants are asked to play or
listen to meditative music (preferably didgeridoos)
for 45 minutes and then to sit silently for 15 minutes.
Candle
Night Summer Solstice 2008
Saturday,
June 21 2008
Spend
an evening or more by candle light
and take a break from the hectic pace
of your everyday life. You don't have to
turn off your power, just your lights.
Lots of ideas about how to enjoy these evenings
are included on the Candle Night website.
This biannual solstice event held since
2003, was originally initiated by
several of Japan's environmental non-
governmental organizations. Candle Night
is spreading from Japan to the world.
Current and Ongoing Global Meditations
I'd
like to know your thoughts about The Night Sky and
if you'd like reminders to Look Up! ...
send me an email.
May your Night Sky traveling always be filled
with Celestial Delights and Treats!
Susan Sun
For a print-friendly version of this page, click here.
|
Inspired? We invite you to participate! There
are several ways to |