Celestial markers mark the passage of time from a different perspective. As Einstein noted, time is relative and it depends on your reference frame.

Humanity, despite its sophistication, still is attuned to the seasons, stars, planets, and celestial alignments.

In the Northern hemisphere, the longest day of 2010 arrives early on June 21st. Solstice (Latin meaning sun and to stand still) occurs twice every year when the axis of Earth is inclined towards or away from the sun.

In the Southern hemisphere people the shortest day in the year. Many of the Solstice celebrations revolve around fertility, marriage, and rituals.

The Summer Solstice occurs exactly when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. The day on which the Summer Solstice occurs is the day of the year with the longest period of daylight. Thus the seasonal significance of the Summer Solstice is in the reversal of the gradual shortening of nights and lengthening of days. The summer solstice occurs in June in the Northern Hemisphere, in December in the Southern Hemisphere.

Solstice Day marriages in June are considered lucky as this is also the time of the marriage of the Heaven and the Earth by the Druids. The term ‘Honey Moon’ is derived from Pagan celebrations. Chinese honor the Chinese Goddess of Light Li while some Christians celebrate the banquet of St. John also known as Midsummer.

Around the sacred fires many people honor spirit by staying awaking all night and welcoming the dawn. The Celtic/Druid traditions of Stonehenge and Avebury of England continue to celebrate Summer Solstice.

Sacred Marriage

A honeymoon is considered as the first moments a newly-wed couple spend together, or the first holiday they spend together to celebrate their marriage. A recent citation in the Oxford English Dictionary attributes its meaning to the inevitable waning of love like a phase of the moon. In many parts of Europe a newly married couple received enough mead or fermented honey for a month, ensuring happiness and fertility. From this practice we get honeymoon or, as the French say, lune de miel [lit. "month of honey"].

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp--or what's a heaven for?"
- Robert Browning

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