21 December and 21 June annually
'SOL' means SUN plus 'SISTERE' which means TO STAND … this is exactly what happens in the sky – the sun is at its northern most point from the equator at Summer Solstice and mid-Winter in the North.
The Summer and Winter Solstices: Celebrating Nature's Rhythms
The solstices—those two magical moments each year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky—are much more than astronomical events. They’re milestones of the natural world, steeped in tradition, symbolism, and meaning.
Whether you’re basking in the glow of the Summer Solstice or embracing the stillness of the Winter Solstice, these celestial events offer a chance to connect with the rhythms of the Earth.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the solstices so special and how cultures around the world have celebrated them throughout history.
The Summer Solstice: A Celebration of Light and Abundance
The Summer Solstice, usually occurring around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the longest day of the year. On this day, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and we’re bathed in the fullness of its light.
For centuries, the Summer Solstice has been a time of celebration, joy, and connection.
Ancient cultures recognized it as a powerful moment to honor the Sun’s life-giving energy and the abundance of the Earth.
Summer Solstice Traditions Around the World
Stonehenge Gatherings
In England, thousands still gather at Stonehenge, where the Sun aligns perfectly with the ancient stones at dawn. This tradition dates back thousands of years and speaks to our ancestors' deep relationship with the cosmos.
Midsummer Festivals
Scandinavian countries celebrate "Midsummer" with bonfires, dancing, and maypoles, honoring fertility, love, and the natural world.
Indigenous Celebrations
Many Native American tribes mark the Summer Solstice with ceremonies to honor the Sun and its role in sustaining life. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, for example, aligns with the solstice sunrise.
Summer Solstice - A Time for Personal Reflection
For individuals, the Summer Solstice is a chance to reflect on growth, abundance, and vitality. It’s a time to celebrate the light in your life - whether that’s your relationships, achievements, or personal growth - and to set intentions for the second half of the year.
If you’re inspired to celebrate, try spending time outdoors, journaling about what you’re grateful for, or hosting a gathering to share the joy of the season
The Winter Solstice
The Solstice arrives between the 21st and 22nd June every and is the day with the shortest period of Winter sunlight for the Southern Hemisphere and the day with the longest period of Summer sunlight for the Northern Hemisphere.
Celtic and Pagan in origin, the Winter Solstice is also known as “Yule” or “mid-winter” and has been celebrated for centuries as a rebirth of the sun.
It was revered as a catalyst of great resilience to endure the dark, cold days before the sun's radiance returned once again.
The Winter Solstice: Finding Light in the Darkness
The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. On this day, the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky, and we’re plunged into the heart of winter.
But the solstice isn’t just about darkness—it’s about the promise of light returning.
This event has been celebrated for millennia as a turning point, a moment to honor the cycle of death and rebirth. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and look forward to the growing light of the days ahead.
Winter Solstice Traditions Around the World
Yule and Pagan Celebrations
In many ancient European traditions, the Winter Solstice was celebrated as Yule, a festival of light. People lit candles, burned Yule logs, and exchanged gifts to welcome the Sun's return.
Saturnalia in Rome
The Romans honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, with a weeklong festival featuring feasts, games, and gift-giving. Many of these customs influenced modern holiday traditions.
Dongzhi Festival
In China, the Winter Solstice is marked by the Dongzhi Festival, a celebration of family and the balance of yin and yang. Special foods like tangyuan (sweet rice balls) are eaten to symbolize reunion.
Winter Solstice - A Time for Personal Reflection
For many, the Winter Solstice is a time to turn inward. It’s about finding warmth and light within yourself, even in the darkest times.
Consider lighting candles, meditating, or writing down what you’re ready to release as the year comes to a close.
