The summer solstice, the beginning of summer…or is that the equinox?
Is there even a difference? As it turns out, solstices and equinoxes are sort of opposites. We know that seasons are caused by Earth having a slight tilt on its axis. As Earth moves around the Sun, different points of the Earth receive more or less sunlight throughout the year. This is the reason why the length of days and nights vary and are not the same anywhere in the world.
If Earth wasn’t tilted, the Sun would just shine directly on the Equator all year long, leaving us without seasons. We also wouldn’t have solstices or equinoxes. Solstices designate the point where the Sun’s path in the sky is the farthest north or south from the Equator, which occurs around the 20th and 21st of June and the 21st and 22nd of December. Equinox refers to a day with an equal duration of day and night. We have two equinoxes in a year which are: Spring equinox around March 21 and Autumnal equinox around September 23.
The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer and is the longest day of the year, just as the winter solstice marks the beginning of winter and is the shortest day of the year. But which solstice happens on which day depends on the hemisphere you live in. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer starts in June, while winter starts in December.
We call the beginning of spring the vernal equinox, while the beginning of autumn is, conveniently, the autumnal equinox. During both equinoxes, day and night last the same amount of time each year when day and night are the same length in all parts of the world. The summer and winter solstices result in the longest and shortest day of the year all across the earth.
Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon and after spring equinox. The spring and autumn equinoxes have played roles in a number of historical, religious and cultural celebrations around the world. For those without religious affiliations or those who enjoy spreading love, it might be time to revisit pagan practices and get in sync with the seasons. Pagan is being revitalised by people who like being spiritual and has become something that many associate with eco friendly movement. It’s a way we can celebrate connection with the earth, sun, moon and seasons. These are all inseparable from our lives, however in recent times we’ve spent a lot of time removing ourselves from them. A popular place to gather is at Stonehenge at the summer and winter solstices to witness the pivotal changes in the movement of the sun, and to conduct rituals and ceremonies relating to the changing seasons. Marking this yearly cycle may have been one of the reasons that Neolithic people constructed Stonehenge – a monument aligned to the movements of the sun. Avebury stone circles are much easier to access and are one of the busiest places to celebrate summer solstice as well as Glastonbury Tor and also Glastonbury Festival in Pilton the largest music festival. Acknowledging the solstices and equinoxes isn’t anti-religious it can help with keeping oneself tuned into the changes the planet goes through. And this connection can improve our appreciation of the environment and the gifts the planet gives, which is worth celebrating. Regardless of whether it’s a solstice or an equinox, there’s bound to be a celebration happening somewhere.
Happy Summer Solstice
Landscape Drawing Workshop, Coaley Peak Viewpoint
Friday 23 June 11.00 – 14.00
One of the longest, brightest days and shortest nights of the year. Here are a few ways to celebrate summer solstice and welcome light, renewal, and life. It’s also referred to as midsummer, though it’s actually the first day of summer. Celebrating the summer solstice centres on appreciating the powerful sun by spending time outdoors.
Ways you can celebrate –
- Get creative.
- Eat outside and tune into nature.
- Set summer intentions.
- Stay up late and stargaze round a campfire.
Join me for a mindful art drawing day held at the Sundial, Coaley Peak on Friday 23 June. A relaxing session and the perfect opportunity to refresh and reset while sketching the beautiful landscape in front of you. Give yourself time to slow down and find some magic taking in the colours, textures, and shapes of the natural surroundings in a relaxed and informal environment.
On the day you will be developing your artistic skill which will be fun and engaging for both beginners and the more advanced artist wishing to work in the company of others. My aim is to encourage and nurture ‘creativity’ in people of all ages and ability, while offering encouragement and guidance to each of you.
An inspiring workshop with a relaxed vibe, in a creative atmosphere.
To find out more about this landscape workshop or if you have any questions then please get in contact Landscape Drawing Workshop | Zen Pamper
Autumn Equinox Flower Crown / Art Workshop 22 September
Autumn Equinox or Mabon is when the day and night are the same length. This time the planet is beginning to settle for its winter. It marks the beginning of Autumn and the days becoming shorter than nights. This is the time of gratitude and celebration of the harvest coming from Summer. Ways you can celebrate –
– Make a list of things you’re grateful for.
– Get into arts and crafts, collect a few of your favourite flowers, fallen leaves, dried seeds.
– Go on a mindful walk in nature to appreciate the vibrant colours and breathe in the crisp air while restoring balance and harmony in your life.
Join me for a mindful art creative day on Friday 22 September. A relaxing session and the perfect opportunity to reset while making a flower crown or flower art picture inspired by nature. More details to follow. Contact Us | Zen Pamper
Winter Solstice Wreath / Festive Art Workshop 22 December
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year (in the northern hemisphere) There are lots of well-known holidays that have derived from it such as Yule or Christmas which is celebrated here in the UK. This special time can be celebrated by burning a yule log, hanging mistletoe over the doorway and bringing evergreen inside. This event marks the return of the sun, the moment when the days begin to grow longer again (until summer solstice). Ways you can celebrate –
– Clean out your home before decorating. Now is time to get rid of the things that have accumulated over the year.
– Write your intentions for the coming year and then throw them in the fire while the yule log is burning.
– Make a wreath and festive decorations using items that may inspire you.
Join me for a fun and creative mindful art session on Friday 22 December. A relaxing workshop and the perfect opportunity to reset while making a festive wreath and decorations with friends and family. The perfect accent to decorate any home or personal space inside or out. More details to follow. Contact Us | Zen Pamper
Spring Equinox Wreath/Lantern Workshop 22 March (This event has expired)
The Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox is when the sun is directly overhead at the equator at noon. The day and night are roughly equal lengths on the equinox. It has been adapted into holidays like Easter. It’s a time of rejuvenation, a recognition of the life cycle coming back to earth. The Vernal Equinox is the right time to get excited about life. Ways you can celebrate –
– Wake up at dawn to watch the sunrise. This marks the moment when days become longer than nights (in the northern hemisphere).
– Take a walk and appreciate the signs of spring, early flowers blooming, birds singing, and trees budding. – Collect a few pieces in nature that may inspire you to add to your artwork.
– Make a wreath or lantern with different elements and materials that represent spring.
What a wonderful year
The seasons and the changes they bring keep the planet healthy and happy. Understanding them and celebrating them are great ways to keep in tune with the earth.
How do you feel when you spend a day in nature – provided it isn’t raining or anything like that. Do you feel refreshed? More energy? Those emotions are instinctive because it’s good for people to spend time outside. Being in nature can inspire a sense of awe and help you find meaning in your everyday life.
A few more reasons that the natural world and being creative can be fantastic for your health and overall wellbeing.
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It can help alleviate stress, try to find a few minutes to breathe deeply in a natural setting and focus on leaving stress behind.
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Uplifts our mood and give us a greater sense of vitality.
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Improves clarity of mind and the ability to focus.
If you’re looking for an activity that helps get you into a creative mood, then landscape drawing could be for you! Being in nature and drawing the landscape can be a form of meditation and mindfulness. Making it even more appealing to those looking for relaxation and become more aware of the connection between greenery and health. It will help with your ability to focus and you will learn to look at things from a different perspective. A fun inspiring workshop and a great way to meet new likeminded people. Nature isn’t just there for us to enjoy; it keeps us alive. From the bees to the forests, every plant and animal is essential to keeping our world healthy and diverse. Spending more time outside whether it’s on a walk or sitting in an open space admiring the view, is time to appreciate the silence. You might even realise that there is actually a lot to listen to, like a bird chirping or the rustling of leaves in the breeze. The more time you spend in nature, the more in turn it boosts your connection and awareness which is important for our bodies and minds.
Below is a list of Zen’s Mindful Art Workshop dates for your diary.
In these creative workshops, you will hone in our your talents and learn a new skill. Suitable for all artistic levels to enjoy. Contact me for more details Contact Us | Zen Pamper
Upcoming Dates
- Autumn Equinox Flower Crown/Art Venue Egypt Mill, Nailsworth GL6 0AE
22 September 2023 11.00 – 14.00 (lasts approximately 3hrs) - Winter Solstice Wreath Workshop Venue Wonderland, Montpellier Arcade, GL50 1SU
22 December 2023 19.00 – 21.00 (last approximately 2hrs) Spring Equinox Wreath & Lantern Workshop Museum In The Park GL5 4AJ 22 March 2023 10.30 – 14.00Summer Solstice Landscape Drawing Coaley Peak GL10 3TP 23 June 2023 11.00 – 14.00
Thank you for reading.
Zen Pamper Company