June 18th, 2010
Know Thyself Center to host Summer Solstice celebration

A summer party by Renoir in 1881, “Le déjeuner des canotiers” (Luncheon of the boating party). Phillips Gallery, Washington, D.C.

STAFF REPORT

Know Thyself Center, 326 North LBJ Drive, will host the Summer Solstice Celebration on June 21 from 11 a.m-5 p.m. at the headwaters of Aquarena Springs at Aquarena Center.

“This event is a community co-creation, so use your imagination and creativity,” said Randall Wood, co-director of Know Thyself Center along with Claudia Berry. “Bring your musical instruments, bring a picnic, and bring the kids.”

The solstice, strictly speaking, is a precise time, usually on June 21, when the sun is at its highest point, creating the longest amount of daylight in the year. It is considered to be the first day of Summer.

Also known as Alban Heflin, Alben Heruin, All-couples day, Feast of Epona, Feill-Sheathain, Gathering Day, Johannistag, Litha, Midsummer, Sonnwend, Vestalia and many other names, the summer solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by humankind.

Since archeologists have found evidence that San Marcos has been the site of human habitation for more than 10,000 years, a case could be made that the summer solstice is the oldest holiday celebrated by inhabitants of the area.

Wood’s approach to the holiday, however, is fairly practical.

“Acknowledging and celebrating these solar turning points tunes us into the natural rhythm of the seasons,” he said.

Know Thyself Center is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

“Know Thyself Center promotes spirituality and is not affiliated with any religion,” said Berry.

For more information about the event, visit www.knowthyselfcenter.com.