Three Nights of Summer
The only named holiday on the Coligny Calendar, Trinox Samoni had a fixed date: 17 Samonios. With the structure of the calendar and its intercalary months, its position relative to the summer solstice varied quite widely (assuming a spring start to the calendar). Summer solstice celebrations are widespread, as the stillness of the longest day begins a season of hot afternoons listening to droning insects. There are many ways to celebrate midsummer, but the feast of Saint John the Baptist is particularly relevant. Across Europe, Saint John was syncretized with thunder gods, and was celebrated shortly after the solstice. This is generally assumed to be the result of syncretism between Christian and pagan celebrations, as so many practices are.
Midsummer is, of course, also a time for storms. Depending on where you live, this can be a terrifying prospect, especially as the planet warms and Taranos wages his battles against imbalance more frequently, and with greater strength. But Taranos is not only a god of thunder. This time of year is ideal for considering what we can learn from him.
Dates
Gregorian: June 19th to 21st (Northern Hemisphere) or December 19th to 21st (Southern Hemisphere), assuming that the solstice occurs on the 21st (dates to be adjusted accordingly).
Luni–solar: The shortest night of the year and the two preceding nights.
Coligny: 17th to 19th of Samonios (first quarter/spring start)
Activities
With three nights to celebrate, we have the opportunity to tie in the Tri Entra Ollon (Three in One) philosophy at the core of Sepânio Roti. This consists of three different forces that are always acting upon us, which we try to consider in all we do, represented by the six spokes of the Wheel. As we celebrate the solstice, we can celebrate each of these three forces alongside Taranos with three fire-lit evenings:
Delwātos (Individuality) : A celebration of the self (or that reinforces one’s identity). Typically ritual bathing.
Andelwātos (Collectiveness) : A celebration that strengthens one’s bond to their community. Typically hosting a barbecue or other meal.
Buianos (Becoming) : A celebration of one’s personal development, growth, and self-actualisation. Typically ecstatic meditation.
Theological Importance
Esus finishes his work of cutting back the branches of Drus (the World Tree), forming them into a throne. Taranos takes his place atop the worlds as “Albiorix” (King of the Heavens) after his winter sojourn in Dubnos (the Underworld).
As Taranos scales Drus, he passes through the three worlds, and expands his own Tri Entra Ollon in each: Delwātos as he emerges from Dubnos, Andelwātos as he passes through Bitus (earth) teeming with life, and Buianos as he takes his rightful place. We do the same with three celebrations, marking the sunsets leading up to the pinnacle of his power.
Offerings
Beer, bread, strong incense, Wheels burned in effigy, hospitality.
Sepânioi Rotî 