summer solstice

[quiggers]

As the summer solstice approaches I for one would love to know a bit more about it's origins, mythology, and some of the practices that take place in modern day around this event.

If anyone has any links or can explain some of the origins and what it means to bushcraft, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[JonnyP]

Good question, I would like to know too..............Jon

 

[morch]

You could start here, some interesting info although a little basic http://www.mystical-www.co.uk/solstice/index.html#sols

 

[Toddy]

In the UK look for "Litha" or "Alban Heruin" and you'll find lots of (usually) open events happening.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Tor helge]

Modern day practice in Northern Norway at summer solstice is usually to go out and make large bonfires, barbecue and drinking.
I write usually because the weather plays an important part, at least for me. It`s no fun sitting out in heavy rain and 10 degrees.

This summer solistice I`m beeing married, so no bonfires for me, but I guess there will be drinking .

Tor

 

[Ogri the trog]

This summer solistice I`m beeing married, so no bonfires for me, but I guess there will be drinking .

Tor

Well congratulations Tor.
And the good lady too.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Pablo]

Have a look here:

http://www.candlegrove.com/solstice.html

What it means to Bushcraft depends on if you view the solstice as part of a religious festival. Paganism - I say paganism in the broadest terms as there are many different groups (heathens, wiccans, druids etc) recognise the divine in nature and this is the heart of their belief. Pagans respect the natural world and see the divine as ongoing life and death cycles. This is where there is an affinity with Bushcraft as they are eco-friendly and seek to live in a way that minimises harm to the natural environment. They generally worship the divine in many forms. The solstices are part of the wheel of the year with the four equinoxes. The other four festivals are of celtic origin.

It's not just pagans that celebrate solstice. Many cultures in many countries celebrate the longest day.

I hope I'm reasonably accurate in this simplistic explanation. I'm sure someone will correct me.

Pablo

 

[stovie]

This summer solistice I`m beeing married, so no bonfires for me, but I guess there will be drinking .

Tor

Congratulations Tor. May the warmth of the summer months stay with you and your wife always.

As far as bushcraft is concerned, it means my batteries last longer

 

[locum76]

for quite a lot of young people from central scotland, the solstice usually involves obtaining some kind of stimulant/ deppressant - taking the lot and then dancing round a big fire with yer pals to very loud music.

(taking care to tidy up after of course).

 

[jay120970]

anybody wanting to know anything about this subject should go and look at the
pagen federations website
i carnt remmeber the link but will find it for you all
hang on

 

[jay120970]

right here you go

www.paganfed.org

any questions should get awnsered here
hope you find what your looking for

 

[jay120970]

http://www.paganfederationdevonandcornwall.com/pages/wheel.htm

 

[maddave]

Here's all the pagan sabbats for ya...

 

[quiggers]

thanks all - some good resources there