Moonshadow Pagan Metaphysical and Magick Shoppe'

06/23/2026

Happy Alban Heruin/Summer Solstice
‘Light of the Shore’

The Wheel turns again. Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year when light reigns supreme. The Mabinog, born at Alban Arthuan (Winter Solstice) has reached his zenith. Darkness has been conquered. The Sun is the undisputed ruler. Alban Heruin, is the Durid’s most sacred celebration. Alban Heruin means ‘Light of the Shore’ the place where the two worldly realms meet, Earth and Sea, where the two dance together. It is the turning point for the year. Soon we shall reap the harvest of the seeds we have sowned in the spring.
The Druid’s celebrate the crowning of the Oak King at the Winter Solstice, God of the waxing King. By now he has won and diminished darkness to a few hours. His rays lend triumphant power of energy to the Earth Mother who receives and rejoices with the beauty of blossoms that will become the fruit of the harvest at Lughnassadh. Although the Oak King has reached his summit at his crowning, he must give way to his twin brother the Holly King, God of the waning year. The Sun has reach the zenith the days will grow shorter. We again begin the descent into the darkness of Alban Arthuan. The cycle ever continues. At this time of the Summer Solstice, the Holly King shall be crowned.
One of the customs of our ancestors was leaping over bonfires or passing through them. It was believed the higher they jumped the more abundant their crops would grow. The wheel was another symbol used representing the turning seasons. Wheels were decorated with flowers and lighted candles, then set afloat in a body of water at the time of the Summer Solstice.
Alban Heruin is a time for us to express and open ourselves to realizing our dreams. Now is also the time to nurture our goals.

by Blanchefleur Mariposa

06/22/2026

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The Three Rays of Light
by Blanchefleur Mariposa
1998
The Three Rays of Light or Three Pillars of Wisdom is called the "Awen' pronounced (ah-o'o-en). The ray on the left represents where the Sun rises at the Summer Solstice- Alban Heruin. The Middle ray represents the due East -the Spring and Fall Equinoxes- this is the time of balance. When day and night are equal in time. And the ray on the right represents the place where the sun rises South East at Mid-Winter Solstice- Alban Arthuan, the rebirth of the Sun.
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This is the Druid's most sacred symbol. The first ray pertains to vision, the second to letters or symbols, and the third to understanding the other two. All art was born from these rays. The Three Rays of Light also represent knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration of the Divine Spirit. The rays/symbolize the Divine Spirit as it descends from the heavens to earth. The rays /|\ symbolize our energy as it moves upwards from earth towards heaven and the Divine. The rays are expressed vocally as 'IAO' in one continuous deep breath, pronounced as 'eye-ay-oh' were especially chanted at sunrise on Alban Heruin, for it opens the gateways of harmony both within an individual and throughout the universe, aiding the marriage between heaven and earth that promotes the marriage of the masculine and feminine within ourselves. This most precious symbol is seen naturally and in full glory within the Temple of Stonehenge. On the Summer Solstice sunrise, the first rays of the sun rise beyond the Hele Stone.
Recommended Reading
The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols
Tree Wisdom by Jacqueline Paterson

04/23/2026