July 24, 2022

GoAvo

Summer Solstice

Single

Today is Tuesday, June 21, 2022, and it’s the first day of summer. In addition to being the Summer Solstice, it is World Music Day and International Yoga Day. This is seen as a significant time of year in many cultures and is celebrated with diverse as well as beautiful festivals and rituals.

It is a perfect 75°F at Venice Beach. The first to arrive is a lovely couple and they are carrying all the gear for the Summer Solstice Circle. Soon thereafter, a friend arrives and says as he approaches, “I thought you might need help”. He joins the couple in setting up the circle. I was pleasantly surprised to witness the lady lead the men by example; she went first to bring water from the ocean to pour on the sand for better support for the circle. It was evident that her message was well received.

The Summer Solstice occurs when one of Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward/from the sun. It’s also when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of daylight. Summer Solstices occur twice a year, in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, respectively.

It is now 7:00 PM and more people are arriving; the circle is starting to get fuller. It's impressive to see regulars bringing a friend along to join the circle.

An LAPD surveillance helicopter flies over for a short visit; joyfully, the leader raises her alarms to the sky, waving hello with both hands at the helicopter, which sends a universal single that all is good, thank you for stopping by and nothing here for you to worry about.

The time now is 7:30 PM and more friends of the circle are showing up. Upon their arrival, they are greeted with joy. I was told by a lovely lady that the ritual usually starts by 8:00PM and goes on until 10:00PM. Near 8:00 PM, the leader of the festivities starts motivating everyone to rise and go to the water. Slowly, but surely, everyone did follow along and walk in the water.