It's nearly Midsummer's Eve, the shortest night of the year. A time to enjoy long dusky evenings outside - though this far north, it's never as warm as it ought to be! But be careful, on this night the veil between the worlds is thin and the faery folk may come to join our revelry.
As the year turns, it's a reminder to us of life's trajectory. The first half of your time on earth is taken up with classic Freudian issues: breaking free from your parents, choosing friends and partners, finding a job. The second half of your life is more concerned with what Jung termed the 'inner journey': gaining insight, finding fulfilment, inner peace. Learning that the first sign of wisdom is realizing just how little you know.
But for now, let's stick with the festivities. Any excuse for a celebration, every day on earth should be a source of rejoicing. What could you do to mark this night? Buy some chunky candles at the supermarket, and put them around the room. Hang coloured paper streamers outside the window, to flutter in the breeze. Scatter rice before your doorstep, to signify plenty - no, that could attract ants - perhaps confetti, or ivy around the door handle would be better. Plan something different for supper, especially if you're by yourself: buy olives to start the meal, chocolate to finish, something bubbly to drink (needn't be alcoholic). Happy Midsummer's Eve!
Life Works is an ad hoc, alternative and occasionally aspirational approach to everyday life. Drawing on a combination of sense, sensibility and ancient wisdom it shows the relevance of mythic themes and archetypal figures to the modern world. Jane Bailey Bain teaches mythology in West London. Her book 'LifeWorks' was published in January 2012. For more information and further postings, visit the main LifeWorks site at http://janebaileybain.wordpress.com/
