Light of the Shore
Added 2021-06-21 20:14:09 +0000 UTC
As part of my ritual practice this Midsummer—my first Alban Hefin, or Light of the Shore in Welsh, the time when the connection between earth and sky is at its peak and the apex between one season and another—I did a number of things: stayed up all night to keep a candle burning, did sun salutations, performed a ceremony invoking and honoring the goddess Áine, did some moderate feasting (plan to do a bit more), and also said a series of prayers at sundown yesterday, sunrise this morning, and sunset tonight. Among them was this one, said at sunset yesterday, taken from Xavier University’s resource for summer prayers:
Creator God
who breathed this world into being,
who is discernible within
the harmony of nature,
the perfection of a butterfly's wing,
the grandeur of a mountain range,
the soaring eagle and humming bird,
thank you for this world
which you have created.
Thank you for summer sun,
which reminds us
that your creative breath
is still alive and active.
Thank you for the warmth of your love,
sustaining this world, your garden
Blessed Alban Hefin/Litha/Midsummer.
