The word “solstice” comes from the latin words sol (sun) and sistere (stand still) because on June 21, the sun appears to stand still before it reverses direction and begins its decent back into the southern sky. The Summer Solstice is the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest day of the year. The sun is at its peak, the highest point in the sky. The rays of the sun are the clearest and warmest for this longest day, and shortest night. Celebrations of the Summer Solstice vary across the globe and from culture to culture. In some cultures, it is also known as “Midsummer’s Night” and celebrations begin with twilight. In others the Summer Solstice starts with sunrise and continue well into the night of the 21 June. Countries such as Alaska, Iceland and the Nordics are blessed with continuous sunshine after enduring long months of darkness and here the festivities may continue for several days! In Shamanic practice the Summer Solstice is one of the most sacred days of the year. At this time the Sun and Earth align in such a way as to support all growing things to come into their completeness. This is the time of year when we gather together and celebrate all that we have accomplished and all that been bestowed upon us. This is a time to laugh and share with our friends. This is a time of passion and energy, openness and joy. Avebury Circle by @SamCannonArt www.samcannonart.co.uk Shamanic Summer Solstice celebrations honour the energy of the day and focus on the themes of fulfilment, enlightenment, abundance, sharing, and the joy of living on this beautiful Earth and are full of Shamanic journeying, story telling, dancing & singing, together with sharing food with welcome friends. Summer Solstice allows us to absorb beneficent power and strength from the Earth and Sun into our minds, bodies, hearts and souls - just as are the plants, animals and other beings drawing power and strength during this time. Celebrating with a Shamanic circle we can intentionally send back to the universe an abundance of spirit, love and of nourishment; just some of the energy and blessings that we are always receiving. This is a time to share what we are grateful for in our lives appreciating that the experience of abundance and gratitude is universal. If you don’t usually celebrate the summer solstice, why not give it a try this year? We have a Summer Solstice Celebration at The Clophill Centre, Shefford Road, Clophill, Beds. MK45 4BT on June 21 starting at 7.30 p.m. For more details or bookings see our Facebook page here, or contact Melanie at  [email protected] About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at  www.shamanicquest.co.uk Directions to The Clophill Centre can be found here