Happy Summer Solstice from the Southern Hemisphere!
I live on the Gold Coast on the east coast of Australia. While our British and American friends are feasting on roast turkey, baked potato and hot chocolate, us Aussies are packing up the Esky with cold prawns and ham for a picnic or setting up folding tables to eat outside. Here, we have boardshort wearing surfing Santas, an unofficial tradition you’re likely to experience if you find yourself on a beach on Christmas Day.
While the Northern Hemisphere hides from the cold, here in the South we are out in the sun (unless we’re sheltering from an afternoon thunderstorm). This really is one of the most wonderful times of the year! Like us Aussies, fairies are very active and visible this time of the year, playing pranks and even, it is said, stealing away the young and beautiful to join them in the Hollow Hills.
The sun is now at the height of its strength, and this is an important crossover point, which the fairies love. For at the Summer Solstice, the sun stands still, before beginning to recede as we move into the waning half of the year.
At no time is the natural world is inviting: the flowers are colourful, and the days are long. You can immerse yourself in it by going on long walks to sacred spots, even camping with minimal equipment, to draw yourself close to the Fair Folk. Look out for water nymphs by streams, or for undines, or even the Lady of the Lake herself, rising from the depths. The beauty of the water fairies opens us to our unconscious. See them and you will be transformed.
Kate Kelsen 