How do you celebrate Summer Solstice (June 21-22)? I remember being part of the Candelaria for Yemaya on a summer solstice ….. vibrant blue ocean… warm clean sand…flower petals as offerings…..quite lovely!
Astronomical Significance:
Niman is the time when we say goodbye to our Kachinas (or spirit helpers) who have stayed with us for the last 6 month cycle, from Winter Solstice on December 21st (Soyal) to Summer Solstice on June 21st (Niman). They have brought us lessons and knowledge, now it is the time for playing and relaxing in the sunshine.
Special Dances/Celebrations:
Traditionally, Niman, or the Home Dance, is a sixteen day ceremonial that begins shortly before the summer solstice and ends in mid-July. The dance marks the final performance of the Kachinas before they return to their homes on the San Francisco Peaks until next Soyal.
Agricultural Significance:
This is a time when our first corn harvest arrives from the March equinox planting season. This is the beginning of the slow summer’s gleanings of abundance.
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June Full Moon in the Hopitu Shinumu Tradition is called Kapnakoyapana, which means “Corn Tassel Coming Out Moon”. The moon’s energy reminds us to listen to the voices of balance, to try to gain the strength from both our male and female principles. The harvest will not grow if we have too much sun (male) or too little rain (female), we must both care tend our gardens as well as aggressively weed them for the plants to be healthy, and we must both consume the plants and save something back to encourage the growth cycle.
To The Dance of Life!
Diane Tegarden (aka) Esthana Thlehiya, white shell woman, abalone woman
Filed under: Hopitu Shinumu culture, Native Americans, Word for the Day, sacred imagery and spirituality | Tagged: Candelaria, Hopi Indians, Hopitu Shinumu, Kachinas, Niman, San Francisco Peaks, summer, Summer Solstice, Yemaya | Leave a Comment »