Every year since I was 12 my family has celebrated both winter and summer solstices. I am 28 now, and since I have lived on my own I have carried on the tradition with friends. Most of my friends were unable to make it out late on a Wednesday night, so 3 of us made our way to a cliff spot overlooking the Stockton Lake in Missouri. The stars were dense, no moon to obstruct their view. I got to see 3 shooting stars, and make new wishes for the shortening days. During the summer solstice we burn the ideas thay we want to come to pass, like insecurities and regrets. All in all, it was a highly cathartic night with the perfect atmosphere.