The Writers' Collective

Summer solstice is nearly upon us! Called Midsummer or Litha by Western European Pagans, summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is a special day across the globe.

And here in Canada it is also National Aboriginal Day – a day when we can celebrate the diversity and community of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

The summer solstice has always been a sacred time for Aboriginal people. Traditionally, Plains people have celebrated and honoured this time of year with intense Sun Dance ceremonies. Solstice was the start of our calendar, and many of the ancient stone circles, very much like Stonehenge in the UK, that have been found across North America, including Oodena at the Forks here in Winnipeg, have centred on this day!

Plus, hey, it’s summer! What’s not to love about the Solstice?!

Below is a poem I wrote many moons ago. I hope you like it. I hope you can go out and get inspired by the magickal solstice and write a poem or story about it too….

 

summer solstice

 

a thin night descends

witches raise their noses to the wind

like dogs

we know the sky

 

the waxing

the waning year dance

together this night

 

babies run in

and out of circles

chased by sleep

we raise our arms

and surf the year

 

and light a candle

light enough for half the world

….

 

happy writing,

 

kate

 

Katherena Vermette