21/06/2026
Midsummer has been celebrated for thousands of years, with deep roots in both pagan and religious traditions. It marks a time of abundance in nature, with festivities often focussed on fertility and the life-giving powers of the sun.
As the sun reaches its peak, mysticism and magic are also believed to be at the height of their powers.
Many traditions focus on reconnecting with nature. So it is no surprise that trees and tree worship feature heavily in both ancient and modern festivities:
🌳 At the heart of midsummer celebrations stands the oak tree, known as the King of the Forest. Its Celtic name, duir, means “doorway,” symbolising a portal to the mystical and to the darker half of the year to come.
🌳 The beech tree, with its fresh lime green leaves, is the Queen of the Forest and sacred to the summer solstice. To the druids, it represented ancient wisdom.
🌳 Hazel has long been linked to fertility and protection. In folklore, stirring jam with a hazel twig could keep mischievous fairies at bay!
🌳 The aspen, with its shimmering leaves, was believed to carry messages to the afterlife. Crowns of aspen were said to help wearers travel safely between worlds.
Whatever your beliefs, there is no better time to celebrate trees in all their glory with an uplifting walk in the woods. As the sun casts dappled light through new green leaves on long summer days, it is easy to feel real wonder at the natural world.
Find out more about the celebrations and mysticism at the summer solstice here - https://heyor.ca/RJ8Rxr
Photo description
Sunlight streaming through the serrated green leaves of an oak tree, casting dappled light and shadow. The leafy branch is backlit, glowing with the full brightness of a warm midsummer's day.
