Summer Solstice: Reverence
Ellen F. Franklin, PhD
The 2024 Summer Solstice occurs this year on June 20 at 20:51 UTC, 2:51 PM Central Mountain Time in North America, marking the suns most northerly point in Earth’s sky, and our longest day. Early civilizations had great reverence for this day building monuments to track the trajectory of the sun throughout the year. Stonehenge in the UK, the pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru and our own Chaco Canyon here in New Mexico. Life giver, source of warmth and light death and resurrection.
Complex deities that represent the power of the Sun can be found in myths from around the world. These include Viracocha, the universal father of Peru, who wears the tiara of the Sun and sheds tears that bring life to the valley, but also clasps the destructive thunderbolt in both hands. Helios, Apollo, and Pele multi-layered deities expect respect and reverence for their generative and destructive powers, embodiment of the element of Fire.
The Fire Element may be expressed as joy, love, laughter, and enthusiasm. It can be expansive and warm, inviting growth and flowering. The beautiful qualities of Fire were abundant at a recent family wedding that Donna and I attended on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our nephew Kyle and his partner Liana wed at the Pu’u Wa’awa’a Ranch, situated in an area that was once private ranches but is now managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. This historic site’s name means many-furrowed hill and is home to an ancient cinder cone, more than 100,000 years old. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and more than 2000 feet above sea level the site has spectacular views of the Kona Coast.
Despite the extensive growth on the Island, cinder cones, ancient lava flows, and signs of active vulcanism are an integral part of Island life. Pele the goddess of volcanos and fire, creator of the Hawaiian Islands embodies passion, perseverance, creation, molten strength, power and fierce determination. She is not a gentle guardian but a fierce protector defending her sacred lands. She has a strong presence and cultural influence and is known as the shaper of the sacred land. Her presence is an integral part of the myths, legends and ever-present reality of living on the Island where we witnessed an eruption of the Kilauea Volcano and experienced vog, the hazy air pollution caused by the eruptions that occur.
During summer, we are pulled willingly or unwillingly into understanding the power of Pele, and other aspects of the Fire Element. As temperatures skyrocket, and each month becomes the warmest on record only to be eclipsed by the next month, it is important to remember that we have tools to help us navigate these challenges. As we explore the Element of Fire in this newsletter, take the time to try some of the treatment ideas presented by our contributors. Jude Ponton writes of the spirit of the heart, the unifier that defines our humanity our Shen which guides inspiration and compassion. Cultivating Shen Jude writes, allows us to live in harmony even in the face of adversity and chaos.
May each of us find joy in this summer season planting potent seeds for healing, harmony and inspiration.
Ellen F. Franklin & Donna Carey are co-founders of the Acutonics Institute of Integrative Medicine, LLC. They can be reached via email at ellen@acutonics.com, and donna@acutonics.com