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The
Summer Solstice
The
summer solstice occurs
in 2008 on Thursday, 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, 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]
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]
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.
Summer
Solstice ~ Global Meditations
Global
Solstice Meditation
For the Oceans and the Cetaceans
Summer Solstice
Saturday, June 21, 2008 - Anytime
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
Thursday,
June 21, 2007
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
Friday,
June 22, 2007
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 2007
Friday-Sunday,
June 22-24, 2007
8:00pm–10:00pm your time
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
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