At 00:56, this June 21st, the Sun will again stand still, balancing in perfect harmony the time of increasing light (the waxing year) and decreasing light (waning). Solstice, the name for the shortest night and longest day, is Latin. 'Sol', meaning sun, and 'sistere' – to cause to stand still.
Midsummer is also called Litha, St. John's Eve, Alban Hefin by the Druids, and in Gaul it's called the Feast of Epona. It is a time of fertility, and the best time to harvest honey from the hives. One of the names for the moon of June in Honey Moon. It has been, and still is a favourite time for weddings, and the newlyweds would drink mead (fermented honey, better than sex, believe you me) and eat honey-filled foods for the 'honeymoon' after their joining.
Tug of war is a traditional game played at this time, and will allegedly take place, among other exciting activities, at the London Events Team's Midsummer celebration on the 24th of June. From 8pm a Solstice ritual will take place in Conway Hall, Red Lion Square in Holborn, vividly portraying the battle between the waning and the waxing times of year, to the bitter end.
Stonehenge has been a usual place of revelry for the shortest night for years and years, and it no longer has to be illegal! Supported by police and ambulances, folk are invited to gather to watch the sun rise over the stones (approx 4.45am) while dancing and singing to them.
The worship of all Solar Gods is appropriate at this time. Apollo, Ra and Helios, with Sekhmet flying the flag for the girlies, can all enjoy our worship and devotion as we watch the Sun rise at its mightiest.