Happy Summer Solstice!
I love the Earth Holidays. They invite the people of Earth to come together and celebrate! The spring and fall equinoxes and the winter and summer solstices are holidays (holy days) that are universally relevant to all the peoples of Earth. They are based in what is actually happening in Nature, and are not limited to any religion or nationality, and so can be embraced by all.
Summer Solstice is exact on Sunday, June 21, 2015 in the northern hemisphere (when it is winter solstice in the southern hemisphere; as the adage goes, as Above, so Below).
Here in the north, our sun is farthest away from Earth, and yet directly overhead, so we experience the annual peak of LIGHT. It is a potent time for illuminating your shadowy places and bringing them into the light of love to be embraced and accepted to nourish your own wholeness.
Summer Solstice is a time of creativity and passion, of love coming to life in the bright heat of summer. The summer sunlight brings abundant sexuality and growth of food, flowers and fruits.
Summer solstice celebrations can be enhanced by drinking rose or linden blossom infusions, burning sage or sweet yellow clover, and then jumping over a candle to make a special summer wish just for you. Children love to do this, too.
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Pear Ginger Cordial
Fresh Pears - 4 parts
Crystalized ginger – 1 part
Cinnamon stick – 1
*Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
Brandy – 4 parts or to taste
Honey – 1 part, or to taste
(*Or 1 vanilla bean)
Chop or slice ripe pears, any variety. Put them into a jar with the crystallized ginger pieces. Break up and add the cinnamon stick. If using a vanilla bean, cut it open and scrape out the insides and add them, then cut up the rest and add it all into the mix. Cover all the ingredients with the brandy and honey. If using vanilla extract, add that when you add the brandy and honey. Stir everything together. Shake gently. You can enjoy this in a couple of hours, but if you can wait a month, or longer, it only gets better over time. Drink this on its own, “on the rocks”, over ice cream or cake, on cheese and crackers, or over plain yogurt with fruit. No matter how you have it, enjoy this lovely taste of summer!
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