image copyright: Karen Cater, Hedington Fair
The Summer Solstice is the time of longest daylight when the Sun reaches the apex of its yearly cycle. This triumph of its power is also the start of its decline, as the year changes from waxing to waning.
Many megalithic monuments, including the iconic Stonehenge are aligned to the Midsummmer sunrise. People of all ages gather at these places to observe the sunrise and celebrate the Solstice in a joyful manner. At Stonehenge, the Sun rises in alignment with the avenue - this is the processional route of the Sun, known as Alban Heruin - the Light of the Shore.
Envoi
In the name of the bee
And of the butterfly
And of the breeze
Amen
(Emily Dickinson 1830 -1886)
