What does one do on a Soltice?

Question

I know that summer, winter, autumn and spring Soltices are important to many pagan relgions, but just out of curiosity, what would one do to celebrate it? I know some aquaintances do some really artsy stuff... such as painting the sunset under a bridge...

So forgive my ignorance, I'm just curious.

Answer 1

Artsy stuff seems appropriate.

The Incas and Aztecs used to sacrifice children and slaves but I don't suggest you do that..

Answer 2

We celebrate the fertility and the coming planting season as agricultural people have always done. Eggs are a powerful symbol of fertility so we dye them with the kids and hide them for fun (you though Jesus had an egg fetish huh?). We talk about how lots of animals are having their young (bunnies being especially prolific are a good one), we have a big party and make lots of dishes with fresh fruit and veggies and decorate with lots of flowers (being in Minnesota, the flowers are mostly fake and the fruits and veggies usually come from California etc but it works). In the week before the party, we all get together at a different friends house everyday and do some of that "spring cleaning". Its more fun together and then there are lots of people to talk to and people to watch the little ones so that we can get something done.

Answer 3

It depends on which solstice it is.

At the summer solstice, I celebrate the God at the height of His power -- appropriate for the day of the year when the sun shines the longest. For me it is a time to reflect on projects in motion, to give thanks for those that have come to fruition, and to generally appreciate the abundance in my life.

At the winter solstice, I celebrate the God reborn from the body of the Goddess -- the time when the sun's light begins to increase after the longest night of the year. It is a time to consider new projects and to contemplate the abundance that is to come as the days grow longer and the earth emerges from the grip of winter.

The specific ritual details vary from year to year, but those are the basics of my personal practice.

Answer 4

I often bless some of the seeds I'll be planting in my garden and clear out my house with sage for a new beginning. Then I do a Rite to Lucifer for enlightenment and often give offerings to the earth Daemons for fertility in my garden.