THOUSANDS of hippies descended on Stonehenge at dawn to mark this year's Summer Solstice to kiss the stones at dawn.
The crowd cheered as the sun came up at the neolithic Wiltshire monument.
Summer Solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year.
It has been celebrated since the times of Ancient Greece.
According to some Greek calendars, the solstice marked the start of the New Year and it began the one-month countdown to the Olympic games.
Read our Summer Solstice blog below for the latest news and updates…
- By Louis Allwood
What can Leos expect on this Summer Solstice
Your dramatic flair is never better understood than it is now. Be more spontaneous in relationships and don't be afraid to mix things up.
Your confidence radiates to others this summer solstice, if you're in a relationship look at spicing things up.
- By Louis Allwood
Summer Solstice and Cancer
The summer solstice marks the Cancer season in astrology. Consider using your birthday month to reinvent yourself.
This is your time to shine, say yes to as many invitations as you are willing to try, be bold this is your time to shine.
- By Louis Allwood
How else is the summer solstice celebrated?
Midsummer festivities are held across the world in many different cultures.
In many cases, the rituals are linked with themes of religion or fertility.
Wianki celebrations in Poland are similar to those held in Britain, as the day is largely considered a pagan religious event.
There are different traditions across Europe, with Estonia using the day to mark a shift in agricultural patterns.
- By Louis Allwood
What has the summer solstice got to do with Stonehenge?
The day is celebrated by pagans and druids, with rituals of rebirth performed throughout history on the day.
One of the biggest celebrations in the UK occurs at Stonehenge with crowds gathering to watch the sunrise.
The tradition sees revellers waiting by the Wiltshire monument on midsummer, facing towards the north-easterly direction.
Crowds of devotees, often dressed for the occasion, regularly gather to watch the moment the Sun rises above the Heel Stone.
It’s just one of the many pagan festivals, which include midwinter and imbolc – the day that traditionally marks the start of spring.
- By Louis Allwood
Do days get shorter after summer solstice?
After summer solstice, days do get shorter – but this isn't noticeable for several weeks.
Summer days slowly become shorter as the length of daylight hours begins to slowly decrease.
It's because after summer solstice, the Sun's direct rays start to move southward from the Tropic of Cancer towards the equator.
- By Louis Allwood
What does your star sign mean?
Find out all the attributes your sign has with this handy graphic.
In order, the signs are – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
- By Louis Allwood
Why do we believe in Astrology?
Have you ever wondered why people believe in astrology?
Well, look no further because we have the answer right here.
People have been studying astrology for thousands of years, and to become a horoscope reader, you need to go into great depths of knowledge of star charts and interpretations.
Although astrology is not backed by hard science, many believe the predictions it provides to be accurate.
It is believed horoscopes can determine personality traits, the success of relationships, career goals and aspirations – and checking them can be lots of fun!
- By Louis Allwood
Summer Solstice and Taurus
You’ve been dealing with unexpected successes recently, perhaps a promotion or a sudden location change. But be wary you need to restore the energy you have lost.
Rest and recovery is essential for you this summer, consider the importance of self care and appreciating how far you have come but recharge for future endeavours.
- By Louis Allwood
Summer Solstice and Aries
Inspiration sparks change for your sign this Summer Solstice. You may feel the desire to pick up a new creative hobby or go back to an old passion.
Now is the time to enjoy being a novice and connect with your adventurous spirit. Consider embarking on a new journey physically and spiritually.
- By Louis Allwood
What the Summer Solstice on 21st June means for your star sign
The summer solstice is a time for meditation, gratitude and appreciation and an opportunity to fully celebrate our wins so far this year.
With the right mentality you can focus on growing and rebuilding yourself for the rest of the year.
What does it mead for you?
SUMMER STARS What the Summer Solstice on 21st June means for your star sign
- By Louis Allwood
Why is it celebrated?
The summer solstice has been celebrated since the times of Ancient Greece.
According to some Greek calendars, the solstice marked the start of the New Year and it began the one-month countdown to the Olympic games.
Before Christianity took hold of Europe, many tribes including pagans in Ireland celebrated the midsummer with bonfires.
They believed that the fires would give the Sun's energy a boost which would guarantee the crop-reliant people a good harvest.
In the UK, people gather at Stonehenge as the Sun rises behind the Heel Stone with its first rays shine into the heart of monument.
- By Louis Allwood
Is the summer solstice on the same day every year?
No, although it is narrowed to just three days.
The summer solstice can occur between June 20 and June 22 each year in the northern hemisphere depending on when the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at midday.
This year's summer solstice began on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
In the southern hemisphere the date in June marks the winter solstice, or shortest day, when they have the least amount of daylight.
- By Louis Allwood
What is the summer solstice?
The name summer solstice is derived from Latin and comes from the Romans' observation that the Sun's position in the sky at noon didn't change much for the entire day.
It is the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year.
This is because the tilt of the Earth’s axis is most aligned with the Sun, providing the northern hemisphere with the most daylight of the year.
The UK enjoys approximately 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight on the summer solstice each year.
After the summer solstice, the nights will begin to close in as our planet rotates with the northern hemisphere tilting further from the Sun.
- By Louis Allwood
Thousands celebrate at Stonehenge
Thousands descended on Stonehenge at dawn to mark this year's Summer Solstice to kiss the stones at dawn.
The crowd cheered as the sun came up at the neolithic Wiltshire monument.
Summer Solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year.
Credit: Alamy
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