The summer solstice, which marks the longest day of the year, is a significant event celebrated by various cultures and religions around the world. In particular, the Pagan community views this moment as a sacred time, often referred to as "Litha" or "Midsummer." In 2023, the summer solstice will occur on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the beginning of summer. This pagan holiday holds great importance due to its association with nature, fertility, and the power of the sun. Pagans believe that the sun reaches its peak strength on this day, radiating its energy and vitality on the earth. Celebrations during the summer solstice often involve rituals and ceremonies to honor the sun and the abundance it brings.
Lupercalia
Lupercalia was an ancient pagan festival held each year in Rome on February 15. Although Valentine’s Day shares its name with a martyred Christian saint, some historians believe the holiday is actually an offshoot of Lupercalia. Unlike Valentine’s Day, however, Lupercalia was a bloody, violent and sexually charged celebration awash with animal sacrifice, random matchmaking and coupling in the hopes of warding off evil spirits and infertility.
Celebrations during the summer solstice often involve rituals and ceremonies to honor the sun and the abundance it brings. Many Pagans gather at sacred sites, such as Stonehenge in England or Newgrange in Ireland, to witness the sunrise and pay homage to the natural world. These gatherings often include bonfires, music, dancing, and feasts, fostering a sense of community and connection with the earth.
Lupercalia and the Legend of Romulus and Remus
No one knows the exact origin of Lupercalia, but it has been traced back as far as the 6th century B.C.
According to Roman legend, the ancient King Amulius ordered Romulus and Remus—his twin nephews and founders of Rome—to be thrown into the Tiber River to drown in retribution for their mother’s broken vow of celibacy.
A servant took pity on them, however, and placed them inside a basket on the river instead. The river-god carried the basket and the brothers downriver to a wild fig tree where it became caught in the branches. The brothers were then rescued and cared for by a she-wolf in a den at the base of Palatine Hill where Rome was founded.
The twins were later adopted by a shepherd and his wife and learned their father’s trade. After killing the uncle who’d ordered their death, they found the cave den of the she-wolf who’d nurtured them and named it Lupercal.
It’s thought Lupercalia took place to honor the she-wolf and please the Roman fertility god Lupercus.
Midsummer is also a time for personal reflection and introspection. Pagans may engage in meditation, divination, or other spiritual practices to align themselves with the energy of the sun and find balance within their own lives. It is believed that the summer solstice holds a powerful transformative energy that can assist in personal growth and manifestation. Additionally, the summer solstice is associated with the faerie realm and magic. It is believed that on this night, the boundaries between the mundane world and the supernatural realm are blurred, allowing for increased communication and interaction with faeries and other mystical beings. As such, many Pagans engage in rituals and offerings to honor and connect with these spiritual beings. Overall, the summer solstice in 2023 will be a time of celebration, connection, and spiritual growth for the Pagan community. It is a moment to honor the sun, the earth, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Whether through communal gatherings or personal practices, Pagans will embrace the energy of the summer solstice and find inspiration in the abundance and vitality of the natural world..
Reviews for "Creating a Midsummer Altar: Pagan Decorations and Offerings for the Summer Solstice"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I attended the Summer Solstice 2023 Pagan Holiday and was extremely disappointed. The event seemed disorganized and lacked any real substance. The workshops that were promised were either canceled or poorly executed. Additionally, the atmosphere was quite chaotic and there was little effort put into creating a sense of community. Overall, it felt like a cash grab rather than a genuine celebration of the Pagan holiday. I wouldn't recommend attending this event in the future.
2. Emma - 2/5 stars - As someone new to Paganism, I was really looking forward to experiencing the Summer Solstice 2023 Pagan Holiday. However, I found the event to be quite underwhelming. The schedule was hard to follow and I missed out on some of the activities I was interested in. The overall energy of the event was lacking, and there was a general lack of engagement from both the organizers and participants. While there were a few enjoyable moments, I feel like the event fell short of its potential.
3. Robert - 3/5 stars - I attended the Summer Solstice 2023 Pagan Holiday with mixed feelings. On one hand, I appreciated the effort put into organizing the event and providing various workshops and rituals. However, there were some issues that detracted from the overall experience. The event space was quite crowded, making it difficult to fully participate in some activities. Additionally, I found that the event lacked diversity in terms of representation and perspectives within the Pagan community. There is definitely room for improvement in future iterations of this holiday celebration.