The summer solstice is a significant event in various pagan traditions and holds special meaning for those who follow these ancient beliefs. Paganism encompasses a wide range of spiritual practices that are often nature-based, celebrating the cycles of the Earth and the natural world. The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer or Litha, represents the peak of light in the year when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. **One of the key interpretations of the summer solstice in pagan traditions is the celebration of abundance and fertility.** The long days and warm temperatures during this time of year allow for a bountiful harvest and the flourishing of life. It is believed that the energy of the sun during the solstice increases the power of growth and abundance in all aspects of life, whether it be crops in the fields, animal fertility, or personal aspirations and projects.
Buses
The Magic Bus is our University of Michigan bus that takes students, faculty, and staff where they need to go across central, north, and athletic campuses for free. The Magic Bus site gives you real-time bus updates, allows you to plan your trips and even sign up fo text message updates on when you can expect the next bus to arrive at your stop.
Ann Arbor Buses:
Ann Arbor Transportation Authority or AATA bus rides are free if you swipe your Mcard; otherwise regular fare is $1.50. Passes are available at the downtown AATA Blake Transit Center and online. Check bus routes and schedules.
Central Campus > North Campus: Take either Northwood, Bursley-Baits, Diag to Diag, or the Commuter North and Commuter South buses.
Central Campus: The Oxford Shuttle allows students to travel around central campus quickly and efficiently. Also, this bus travels to the Oxford dormatories.
Shuttles:
For information about transportation between Ann Arbor, Detroit Metro Airport, and East Lansing, please visit the Michigan Flyer Website.
Interested in traveling to the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)? Check out a shuttle service offered by the AATA called AirRide.
Need to get to the airport during a school break? There is a service provided by Central Student Government, CSG AirBus, available to students for a small fee.
D2A2:
The D2A2 provides transportation between Ann Arbor and Detroit in support of curricular, research, and community service opportunities.
Routes and Schedules
Bus routes can generally be broken into two groups based on the main areas of the University that they serve. The two groups are Campus focused routes and Michigan Medicine focused routes.
You can also download the University Bus Routes guide for your reference.
It is believed that the energy of the sun during the solstice increases the power of growth and abundance in all aspects of life, whether it be crops in the fields, animal fertility, or personal aspirations and projects. This is a time when pagans often come together to honor the Earth and all its gifts. Rituals and ceremonies are performed to give thanks for the abundance of nature and to ask for continued blessings.
Campus Focused Routes
Bursley-BaitsEvery Day (Fall & Winter)
Bursley-Baits provides service between the Central Campus Transit Center, Bursley Hall and Vera Baits Houses on North Campus. Bursley-Baits operates seven days per week during Fall and Winter terms only. The evening and weekend Bursley-Baits route also provides outbound service to Stockwell Hall and the Cardiovascular Center along Observatory.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
Commuter NorthMonday - Friday
The Commuter North begins at Crisler Center and ends at Glazier Way, connecting South Campus with North Campus via Central Campus, the Hill area, and the Medical Campus, and serving destinations including the Michigan Union, Central Campus Transit Center, University of Michigan Hospitals, and Pierpont Commons. Routing varies before 7:00 AM and after 7:30 PM, and during Ann Arbor Art Fair; check our website for details.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
Commuter SouthMonday - Friday
The Commuter South begins at Glazier Way and ends at Crisler Center, connecting North Campus with South Campus via the Medical Campus, the Hill area, and Central Campus, and serving destinations including Pierpont Commons, University of Michigan Hospitals, Central Campus Transit Center, and the Michigan Union. Routing varies before 7:00 AM and after 7:30 PM, and during Ann Arbor Art Fair; check our website for details.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
Diag-to-Diag ExpressMonday - Friday (Fall & Winter, class days only)
Diag to Diag provides service between Cooley Lab via Pierpont Commons to the Central Campus Transit Center (and continuing to Oxford Housing). Diag to Diag operates on a limited schedule Monday through Friday during Fall and Winter terms. Check our website for details.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
NorthwoodEvery Day
Northwood services Central Campus and Northwood Housing areas on North Campus. It operates 7 days a week, year round, except for University holidays. During the spring and summer terms there are weekend service gaps; check our website for details.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
Northwood ExpressMonday - Friday (Fall & Winter, class days only)
Northwood Express provides service between the North Campus Fire Station through Northwood Housing areas to the Central Campus Transit Center (and continuing to Oxford Housing). Northwood Express operates on a limited schedule Monday through Friday during Fall and Winter terms. Check our website for details.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
Oxford ShuttleEvery Day (Fall & Winter)
Oxford Shuttle provides service between Oxford Housing, Trotter House, Shapiro Undergraduate Library, Michigan Union, the Central Campus Transit Center, and East Quadrangle. Oxford Shuttle operates weeknights and weekends only.
Please see the Route Details for more details regarding specific stops and hours of operation.
U-M Magic Bus 4+
U-M Magic Bus, your guide to campus bus travel at the University of Michigan. Plan a trip, find a bus route, track your bus, and get real-time bus arrival information on your mobile device. The application uses data provided by University of Michigan – Transportation Services and its bus tracking system over your device's WiFi or cellular network connection. Magic Bus riders have real-time bus information at their fingertips for the first time. Enter your starting location and destination to access fast trip planning. Save your favorite bus stop on the app for quick bus arrival information. Receive rider alerts and detours on your device, before you head out the door. Click on the University of Michigan system map, select a route, and see where your bus is in real time. Traveling by bus has never been this easy!
Bonfires are lit as a symbol of the sun’s power and as a way to connect with the primal forces of fire and light. It is also common for pagans to decorate their homes and altars with flowers and greenery to honor the beauty and vitality of the Earth. **The summer solstice is seen as a time of joy and celebration, a time to honor the light and warmth that nourishes and sustains all life on Earth.** In addition to its association with abundance, the summer solstice is also seen as a significant turning point in the annual cycle. After the solstice, the days gradually become shorter, and the nights grow longer, leading up to the autumnal equinox. This shift in energy is often interpreted as a time of reflection and introspection. Pagans may use this period to contemplate and evaluate their spiritual journeys, set intentions for the coming months, and release any negativity or old patterns that no longer serve them. The summer solstice is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection for pagans around the world. It is a time to honor the abundance of nature, the power of the sun, and the interconnectedness of all life. By embracing the cycles of the Earth and aligning with the energy of the solstice, pagans seek to deepen their connection to the natural world and live in harmony with its rhythms. **Ultimately, the pagan interpretation of the summer solstice serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the Earth and the importance of living in harmony with nature.**.
Reviews for "Druidry and the Summer Solstice: A Deep Dive into Paganism"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - While I appreciate the effort to celebrate the summer solstice with a pagan interpretation, I found this event to be a bit of a letdown. The organization was lacking, with little information provided about the activities and schedule. Additionally, the interpretive performances felt forced and disconnected from the true essence of pagan traditions. Overall, it seemed more like a commercialized gimmick rather than an authentic celebration.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I was thoroughly disappointed with the summer solstice pagan interpretation event. It felt like a complete misrepresentation of pagan culture and customs. The rituals and ceremonies seemed contrived and lacked depth, making it clear that they were simply trying to capitalize on the trendiness of pagan spirituality. The lack of knowledge and understanding of pagan traditions was evident, and it left me feeling disheartened and disconnected from the event.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As someone who has a deep interest in pagan spirituality, I was excited to attend the summer solstice pagan interpretation. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The event felt superficial and lacking in authenticity. The workshops and discussions were oversimplified, and the overall atmosphere felt more like a themed party rather than a genuine celebration of the summer solstice. It was a missed opportunity to educate and engage attendees in a meaningful way.
4. Alex - 1/5 stars - The summer solstice pagan interpretation was a complete disappointment. The event seemed more concerned with aesthetics and aesthetic appeal than with the true essence of pagan spirituality. It was nothing more than a glorified photo-op, with attendees more interested in posing for pictures than actually connecting with the natural cycles and energies of the solstice. The lack of substance and depth left me feeling disillusioned and unsatisfied with the experience.