The invitation of the solstice is to create space for mystery, wonder, simplicity, and creation. The circle of Spirit Grandmothers draws nearer as the seasons shift. Each bird sings a message of kinship, awakening us at the start of a new day.

 

I invite you to contemplate on what has been lost, and what can be rediscovered.

 

"Where do I find this?" you might ask.

 

Listen to your ancestors' whispers and your own creation song, for you are the source of both, as you walk with the living knowledge and magic of all creation residing within you.

 

The Witch following the forest path, embracing creativity, the natural cycles, and the mystery of life itself. 

Check out the ritual suggestions for Solstice Gateways.

The equinoxes and solstices are known as the quarter-point solar festivals are based on how earth receives light from the sun. During the equinoxes and solstices there is a split in earth’s electromagnetic field. Ancient cultures acknowledged the power of these astronomical times, as the split allows an infusion of energies, which cosmologically represent the light and the dark.

SOLAR FESTIVALS

• Spring Equinox – balance of light and dark

• Summer Solstice – longest day / shortest night

• Autumn Equinox – balance of light and dark

• Winter Solstice – longest night / shortest day

Equinoxes are when light and dark are in equal balance. We have two equinoxes, one for the start of spring (Vernal Equinox) and one six months later at the start of autumn (Autumnal Equinox). These seasonal dates are the opposite for the southern hemisphere. The word ‘equinox’ is a Latin term and means equal (aequus) night (nox).

The word ‘solstice’ comes from a Latin term meaning ‘sun stood still’, because at this time of year the sun seems to rise and set in almost exactly the same place.

The Summer Solstice (Litha) is when earth has its maximum tilt towards the sun, and we have the longest day and the shortest night. Northern hemisphere kin celebrate the Midsummers Eve, known as Summer Solstice on Saturday 21st June 2025.

 

Midsummers delight with the fae

World between worlds

 

The Summer Solstice (Litha) is the festival of heightened creativity and passion. This celebratory festival is focused on the abundance and fertility that was planted earlier in the year.

 

Ancient druids with their golden sickles, considered the solstice to be one of the most potent times to gather healing herbs, as it is intricately linked to the feminine earth energies. The nature spirits spread their elemental magic of joy and frivolity on the Midsummers Solstice, the longest day and the shortest night.

 

Both a fire and water festival representing the masculine and feminine principles. The yang fire cleanses and purifies, whilst the yin water element of the holy springs, wells, lakes & oceans offer receptive healing & renewal.

The Winter Solstice (Yule) is when the earth has its maximum tilt away from the sun and we have the shortest day and the longest night. Those in the southern hemisphere celebrated the Winter Solstice on Saturday 21st June, and we are still on the solstice tide.

 

Vision Quests & Solitary Magick

Birthing of the New Cycles

 

Winter Solstice (Yule) is the birthing time, pagan mythologies and other ancient stories all share a similar theme about the sun returning, as the dark gives birth to the light.

 

The Winter Solstice is the halfway point of winter and is the longest night and the shortest day. This is because the earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the sun, and why it is so beautiful to have the element of fire present at this time.

 

During the magic of the solstice, there are energetic access points for the spirits of nature, the tree guardians and the fae-folk. They are all are weaving their elemental wisdom, as they welcome gifts and offerings from us.