Personal Reflections on the Summer Solstice A creative essay by Victoria Houser Creating Homelands
The summer solstice marks the peak of the year, a time when the sun lingers over the earth for long hours. Litha (a Celtic word for “June”) is the name used to refer to the deities of midsummer as well as the myriad events and traditions surrounding the solstice. In Greek mythology Litha was a time for people to worship and celebrate Apollo, the great sun god. Apollo is a fierce and powerful god,
the burdens carried through winter, Litha is
certainly worthy of much celebration during
a time to simply exist in the lightness that
the pinnacle of summer.
comes from unburdening oneself. The labors of life and love will still be there for
Closely connected to the sun god is the Greek
us when we cross the threshold of the
goddess Hestia, known as the feminine heart
summer solstice, but right now life is wide
of the sun. Hestia is goddess of the hearth,
open with the possibilities of all the work
watching over domestic life and promising
we’ve done to be here. It is an occasion
sanctuary to visitors. She is known for
marked with ceremonies of beauty,
hospitality and safe shelter in times of need.
sunshine, and fulfillment.
As we enter Litha, we are offered an opportunity to imagine homelands in all
During Litha, Hestia’s feminine heart of the
contexts. What does home mean to us as
sun reminds us of the importance of
individuals and communities? How can we
offering kindness to each other, but
extend sanctuary to those in need of a home?
especially to those seeking sanctuary and
In what ways can we contribute to cultures of
domestic peace. While we celebrate the
homemaking that are inclusive and holistic?
abundance of summer, the joys of warmer
Hestia dreams of a world where homelands
weather, and the beauty surrounding our
unite, opening and expanding generosity to
lives, it is also a time to extend what we can
strangers and kindness to those who need it
to those seeking reprieve from brutal
most.
injustices. French feminist philosopher, Hélène Cixous writes, “It is because of the
Litha brings joyous celebrations at the peak of
cruel price paid that, in joy, we can rejoice.
sunshine, joy, and all that is light. It is a
But to earn joy, one must first have broken
moment of intense celebration. Having shed
with oneself, life so great is knocking from
Cultivate SA | Summer 2021 | 27
