Summer Solstice and the Strawberry Moon
Observing the longest day of the year and June’s full moon in the Adirondacks.
The Strawberry Moon lights up the Adirondack night.
The summer solstice and the June full moon, known as the "Strawberry Moon," are two celestial occurrences that have fascinated humans for millennia. These events, which occur this week on June 20 and 21, 2024, offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the wonders of our natural world in the Adirondacks.
Many believe both of these phenomena are imbued with significant mystical properties. They're occurring so close together that it could create intense vibes this week. We tell you how to make the most of this magical time.
The summer solstice: light and celebration.
The summer solstice, which occurs on Thursday, June 20, 2024, marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. During the summer solstice, the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees causes one hemisphere to experience the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
Adirondack summer morning daybreak.
This happens when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun as the Earth orbits around it. As a result, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. Various cultures have celebrated this moment throughout history.
For ancient civilizations, the summer solstice was a time of great importance. The Egyptians built the Great Pyramids of Giza so that the sun set precisely between the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre on the solstice. When viewed from near the Sphinx, the sun appears to set between the pyramids' silhouettes, creating an image that resembles the Egyptian hieroglyph akhet, which means "horizon." Similarly, Stonehenge in England aligns with the sunrise on this day, suggesting that the solstice played a crucial role in its construction and use.
In many cultures, the days around the summer solstice are a time of festivity and rituals. In Native American traditions, the solstice was a time for ceremonies and gathering tribes. In Scandinavia, they celebrate the days around Midsummer with bonfires, dancing, and singing. These celebrations reflect a universal recognition of the solstice as a time of abundance, growth, and vitality.
Harnessing the mystical powers of the summer solstice.
Many cultures believe the summer and winter solstices have magical qualities that can be optimized depending on personal beliefs and traditions. The longest day of the year can symbolize enlightenment, growth, and the cycle of life.
Sunrise over Blue Mountain Lake in the Central Adirondacks.
The Solstice can also represent the triumph of light over darkness and the transition from action to nourishment. Some say it's a time to connect with inner fire and passion, set intentions, and release things that no longer serve a purpose. Others say it's a time to embrace the light, strength, and courage and to find meaning in life's journey.
Some celebrations can include creating a sacred space with symbols of the sun, fire, and abundance to harness the intense power of the summer solstice.
The Strawberry Moon: An essential time for Adirondack native people.
The full moon graces the night sky on Friday, June 21, 2024, the day after the summer solstice. The June full moon is traditionally known as the "Strawberry Moon," a name that originated from the Algonquin tribes of North America. This name was given because the moon appears during the strawberry harvest season (not because of its color).
June is peak season for wild strawberries in Adirondacks fields and forests.
The Strawberry Moon is a marker for the strawberry harvest and a time of gathering and celebration. Many Native American tribes, including the Haudenosaunee in the Adirondacks, held strawberry Thanksgiving festivals and ceremonies to honor the bountiful harvest and the light provided by the full moon. For example, the earliest sweet red berries are celebrated with a special ceremony in mid-June, and the fruit holds the distinction of being the Oneida name for June – Awʌ́hihte’ (a-WUH-heat).
The biggest, brightest full moon you’ve ever seen?
A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, allowing the sun's light to illuminate the moon's surface fully. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Strawberry Moon will be particularly bright because it occurs so close to the Solstice.
Beginning on Tuesday, July 18, before the moon is even full, its brilliance will rapidly increase. For nearly a week, people in remote or rural areas, like the Adirondack Park, can see spring’s foliage by moonlight alone. More than that, the moon will be bright enough to see colors.
June’s full moon will appear big and bright in Adirondack skies.
Tupper Lake, NY, is one of the best destinations for viewing the Strawberry Moon. The combination of low light pollution, low humidity and high altitude provides nearly ideal conditions for viewing the night sky.
The solstice Full Moon owes its strangeness to yet another little-known lunar reality: the Full Moon is opposite the sun in all respects. It rises just as the sun is setting, and it sets when the sun rises. At midnight, when the sun is lowest down, the full moon is highest up.
Because the 2024 June full moon happens on the solstice, the very day the sun is absolutely at its highest of the year, this month’s full moon on the 21st is the very lowest. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it will be the lowest moon in years. Because the moon will rise low in the sky, it will appear bigger than ever. This phenomenon is called the “Moon Illusion.”
Full moons bring intensified energy, renewal and transformation.
Like the eclipse, many cultures and traditions believe the full moon has mystical properties, including:
Sunset on beautiful Long Lake in the Central Adirondacks.
Intensified energy: As the moon reaches its fullest, its power and ours may intensify, leading to amplified emotions and clearer desires. This heightened state may create an opportunity to manifest intentions and aspirations.
The full moon can also symbolize completeness, clarity, harmony, balance, fertility, abundance, transformation, and a time for renewal and fresh starts.
Four ways to experience the magic of the Summer Solstice and Strawberry Moon
This year’s close occurrence of the summer solstice and the Strawberry Moon provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Earth's and sky's natural rhythms. Here are some ways you can enjoy these events:
1. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset – On the day of the summer solstice, take the time to watch the sunrise and sunset. These moments will be most dramatic, with the sun taking its most extended and highest path across the sky.
June’s Strawberry full moon is the perfect time for camping on an Adirondack Lake and building a big bonfire.
2. Gaze at the Strawberry Moon – On June 21, find a spot away from city lights (like the Adirondacks!) and watch the Strawberry Moon rise.
3. Celebrate with a Bonfire – In the tradition of many solstice celebrations, gather with friends and family around a bonfire. This ancient practice honors the sun's power and the life it brings to our planet. And it’s an excellent time for S’mores.
4. Reflect and Meditate – Both the solstice and the full moon are times of heightened energy. Use this time for personal reflection and meditation. Consider the goals you want to achieve during the longer days and how to harness the full moon's energy for clarity and inspiration.
You can also take a contemplative walk or hike or, for something totally cool, walk the Adirondack Labyrinth.
Labyrinth in Johnsburg in Warren County in the southern Adirondacks. Photo courtesy ASA Adirondack.
The convergence of the summer solstice and the Strawberry Moon in 2024 reminds us of the intricate dance of celestial bodies that govern our natural world. It is a time to celebrate the light, enjoy the season's warmth, and reflect on our place within the cosmos. Whether through ancient traditions or personal rituals, let this time be one of joy, connection, and appreciation for the beauty surrounding us.
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