The Summer Solstice brings together sun myths, legends, and ceremonies from around the world that honor the sun as the source of human life. Many ancient cultures worshipped the sun. From the Inca temples of South America, to Native American petroglyphs, and Celtic rituals, cultures have celebrated the beginning of each new day and new season as a time of cultural and personal renewal. Today, we still come together on May Day, at Midsummer, and at harvest festivals, just as our ancestors did. The Summer Solstice shows you how to connect to the past and appreciate the present through activities and simple celebrations to enjoy with family and friends. You'll find meditations and recipes, instructions for a Midsummer feast and a Harvest Home supper, to help you celebrate the turning of the seasons in ways that are both meaningful and fun.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Caitlin Matthews Chapter One: Fires of the Sun Chapter Two: Gods and Heroes of Summer Chapter Three: The Games of May Chapter Four: Midsummer Nights and Days Chapter Five: Gods of the Harvest Chapter Six: Days of the Sun: A Calender of Festivals and Celebrations Further Readings and Organizations Index

Author Biography

John Matthews has been a professional writer since 1980 and has produced over forty books on the Arthurian legends, esoteric wisdom, and the Grail, as well as numerous short stories and a volume of poetry. He and his wife Caitlin co-authored a pioneering study of the western mystery tradition, which has revolutionized contemporary approaches to the ancient British Mystreres. Together, they created the best selling arthurian tarot, which has been translated into several languages. John also advises on film projects. Between 1989 and 1992 he co-organised the Merlin Conference. He is much in demand as a speaker in Europe and America.