Solstice time! Midsummer! As the sun makes its longest journey across the sky and bathes us in its warm, vibrant light, we are reminded of the power and beauty of nature – and of hardcore magic. The summer solstice marks a time of celebration and appreciation that has been revered by civilizations around the world for millennia. Often referred to as ”Litha” in Pagan traditions, Midsummer is a day filled with joy, hope, and renewal. But beyond the physical changes that occur during this season is an equally powerful impact on our psyches.
The summer solstice brings about a surge of solar energy that can have profound effects on our psychological state. This dramatic increase in sunlight not only affects our bodies but also our minds and emotions; exposure to natural light can improve mood and overall well-being by stimulating the production of serotonin – known as the "happy hormone." Experiencing extended periods of daylight during this time can lead to increased levels of happiness and wellbeing. As well as insomnia for those who visit Scandinavia from other parts of the world!
On a deeper level, there is a sense of magic associated with this occasion. Solar power is the original power: the only real divine force that transcends petty human terminologies. Throughout history, cultures have recognized the significance of this peak-solar event through rituals and ceremonies aimed at tapping into these mystical yet very concrete energies. The idea behind these practices was to harness and amplify positive intentions during this mega-abundant period when nature itself seems to be overflowing with CHI/life force, and we are quite literally exposed to a maximum amount of solar energy.
Traditionally, everyone has been able to observe the seasonal correlation between sowing/birth cycles which called for harmony with natural law; thus a time of appreciating Mother Earth and her life cycles became intimately tied to midsummer. It is also in this season that nature offers us an abundance of resources – from fresh produce to an increased variety of opportunities and experiences. This sense of plenty can evoke feelings of gratitude, fulfillment, and positivity within us. These sentiments are usually the incentive to share; hence a cycle of human culture begins.
Just as plants need sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis to occur, humans require sunlight both literally (for Vitamin D production) but also symbolically – for our souls to flourish and grow. With increased exposure to sunlight during this time, we may feel more motivated and driven towards achieving our goals – just as plants reach upward towards the sun. I don’t mean that only in a ”spiritual” or symbolic sense: we are literally infused with incentivizing energy around the time of the solstice.
Midsummer also serves as a reminder that nothing lasts forever – not even plentiful sunshine can endure indefinitely. As much as we celebrate the arrival of summer with its longer days and warmer weather, we are aware that after reaching this magical peak, the sun's glory will start to dwindle again. This cycle of change and impermanence is mirrored in our own lives – we must embrace the present moment and make the most of it while recognizing that all things are bound to change – and eventually end.
What begins with the new year cycle celebration at around the vernal equinox, is now ultra-boosted at midsummer. What began as foreplay in spring now spurts out in literal solar bursts.
Magically speaking, the summer solstice is seen by many spiritual traditions as an auspicious time for manifestation and healing rituals; of setting intentions for the coming year. It is the time of the ”Midsommar-blot” – the ritual sacrifice to the gods of nature: the impregnation of your soul. Personally, I make the blot for Odin, as he is the father of magic in our particular pantheon. The sacrifice can vary: red wine, mjöd (mead), apples and pieces of wood with runic inscriptions and bind-runes; these have all been used and will be soon again.
In ancient Celtic tradition, bonfires were lit on hilltops during midsummer celebrations to represent purification and renewal – both physically and emotionally. Similarly, modern-day Pagans use ritual fire ceremonies during Litha to manifest their desires or release negative energies that no longer serve them.
In Scandinavia in general, and in Sweden in particular, the Midsummer pole of the community is still dressed, feasted, communally inserted into the earth, and then eventually danced around on Midsummer’s Eve. This is not some aloof or esoteric cult activity – it is still a family feast, in which people from all walks of society have fun and celebrate summer and its inherent fertility incentives together.
Girls still pick seven different flowers during the day, to put under their pillows in order to dream about who will become their husband. They also adorn their heads with garlands of flowers, symbolizing the female genitals and fresh fertility. Similar circles of flowers are attached to the midsummer pole ”cross bar”, where they symbolize testicles. I have also seen – besides much revelry and sexual activities in the bright nights – people rolling around naked in meadows on Midsummer’s Day’s morning, to immerse themselves in the most powerful dew of the year (I wonder what that could symbolize? Hint: the Swedish word for pussy – ”fitta” – is an old term for a wet meadow). And many other weird customs that are all living remnants of ancient traditions – essentially all having to do with fertility.
The will to live and love was never crushed in Scandinavia by the Christians, so they basically gave up and let people do what they had always done: celebrate life itself and the original life-giver: the sun (which is feminine in the Germanic spheres).
The Christians may have stolen real magical dates and imposed arbitrary symbols on top but eventually failed in the full life-negating appropriation. Attaching the birth of the mythic Jesus to the winter solstice, and John the Baptist to the summer ditto makes no sense of course, but rather comes across as half-assed attempts at control-colonization.
The sheer act of gathering together in celebration of natural forces creates an atmosphere that encourages positivity, creativity, and collaboration – all essential ingredients for building strong relationships, culture, and fostering societal growth. This is obviously a threat to any power structure that tries to control a particular society and its people.
Perhaps most importantly, midsummer teaches us about balance, renewal and our interconnectedness as individuals within society and nature's cycles. As we celebrate this annual event with joy and optimism for what it brings, let us also take its lessons to heart in order to lead more fulfilling lives aligned with nature’s rhythms. So as we greet each other with "happy solstice," may it serve as a powerful reminder of the magic that surrounds us every day…
Happy Summer Solstice!
P.S. As an occultural side note, I recommend watching the horror film ”Midsommar” (Ari Aster, 2019) as an example of how the collective unconscious à la Jung makes the important and beautiful things in life come to the surface – regardless of this film’s obvious malicious intent.
Thankyou for the insight.