SUMMER SOLSTICE

Since Beltane begins summer in May, this is really mid-summer. Works for me since I always thought that the longest day of the year is really the middle of summer, not the beginning.
GREETING TO THE SUMMER SOLSTICE

Glory of the Day-Star hail!
Lifter of the Light, Burnisher of the Sky.
Gifts of love to earth are bringing,
Summer's shimmer, dew's delight.
Dancing be the heart within us,
Open be our souls to bliss,
Courage vanquish every shadow,
Greet midsummer with a kiss.

From Caitlin Matthews Celtic Devotional.

A DIFFERENT BLESSING

This is from Caitlin Matthews Celtic Devotional. I figure I can use all the help I can get. The feeling that wherever you walk you are protected and blessed the world around you. I'm fortunate to be in an area that's closer to the natural world than many in this country.

BLESSING OF THE NINE ELEMENTS

May you go forth under the strength of heaven,
under the light of sun,
under the radiance of moon;

May you go forth under the splendor of fire,
with the speed of lightning,
with the swiftness of wind;

May you go forth supported by the depth of sea,
by the stability of earth,
by the firmness of rock;

May you be surrounded and encircled,
above, below, and about,
with the protection of the nine elements.