As the wheel of the year turns and the days begin to shorten, we prepare to bid farewell to the deities who have guided and nourished us throughout the summer. This is a time to reflect on the warmth, growth, and abundance that the summer deities have bestowed upon us, and to honor the lessons they have imparted.
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Lessons of the Sun God and Sun Goddess
The sun deities, radiant in their power, have watched over us during the long, bright days of summer. They have fueled our passions, illuminated our paths, and nurtured the seeds we planted in the spring. Let us take a moment to honor these deities and the unique gifts they bring.
Amaterasu
The Shinto sun goddess, Amaterasu, embodies light and truth. She teaches us the importance of honesty, transparency, and the power of our inner light to dispel darkness. This summer, Amaterasu has reminded us to stand tall in our truth and to let our authentic selves shine brightly.
Sul/Sunna
The Norse goddess Sunna (or Sul) rides across the sky, bringing warmth and life to all beings. Her lessons are those of endurance and consistency. As the days grew hot, Sunna reminded us of the strength found in perseverance and the beauty in the daily rhythms of life.
Sekhmet
The Egyptian lioness goddess, Sekhmet, is both a healer and a warrior. Her fiery energy has been a source of both destruction and creation, urging us to transform what no longer serves us. Sekhmet’s presence this summer has challenged us to confront our fears and step into our power with courage and conviction. Her ways teach us that fire is a force of transformation. We have been encouraged to release what no longer serves us and to allow the flames of change to purify and renew us.
Apollo the Sun God
The radiant Greek and Roman sun god, Apollo, is also the god of music, healing, and prophecy. He symbolizes clarity, harmony, and the pursuit of knowledge. This summer, Apollo has guided us to seek balance in our lives, to heal ourselves through art and creativity, and to embrace the light of wisdom as we move forward on our paths.
Hathor
An Egyptian sun goddess associated with the sun, Hathor represents joy, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of life. She is often depicted as a cow or with cow horns and a solar disk. This summer, Hathor has reminded us to embrace the beauty of life, to nourish our connections with others, and to find joy in the simple pleasures. Her presence has encouraged us to celebrate the abundance and warmth of the season while nurturing ourselves and those around us.
A Farewell Ritual for the Summer Deities
As we prepare to transition into the cooler months, let us offer a final farewell to the deities of summer with a simple ritual of gratitude and release.
You Will Need:
- A yellow or orange candle (to represent the sun and the summer deities)
- A small bowl of water (to symbolize the cleansing and cooling energies of the approaching autumn)
- A piece of paper and pen
- A small offering of seasonal fruits, flowers, or herbs
Ritual Steps for Saying Goodbye to the Summer Deities:
- Set Your Space: Find a quiet place where you can perform the ritual undisturbed. Place the candle, bowl of water, and offering on your altar or a sacred space.
- Light the Candle: As you light the candle, visualize the warmth and light of the summer sun. Feel the energy of the summer deities surrounding you.
- Reflect and Write: Take a few moments to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned this summer. Write them down on the piece of paper, expressing your gratitude for the guidance of the summer deities.
- Give Thanks: Read your reflections aloud, and then place the paper under the candle. Offer your seasonal fruits, flowers, or herbs to the deities as a token of your appreciation.
- Release and Cleanse: After giving thanks, dip your fingers into the bowl of water and sprinkle it around your space, symbolizing the cleansing and cooling energies of autumn. As you do this, imagine any lingering summer energies being gently released.
- Close the Ritual: Finally, extinguish the candle, acknowledging the end of the summer season. Allow the candle to cool, and then bury the paper and offerings in the earth as a final act of release.
As we say goodbye to the deities of summer, we carry their lessons in our hearts, knowing that their warmth will return with the turning of the wheel. Until then, we honor their gifts and prepare to embrace the mysteries of the dark half of the year.