Summer Solstice is a time for us to celebrate the strength and warmth of the sun.
It’s a time to acknowledge the power of its energy, and recognize the significance of this turning point in the calendar, where the days grow shorter and the dark stays longer.
Summer Solstice is associated with change, new beginnings and nature.
So, what are some ways to celebrate and honor Solstice?
~ Bonfire
A bonfire honors the fullness, intensity and heat of the sun. It’s at its peak of energy and strength at this time. (If you’re not able to do a full-fledged bonfire, and since fire is used symbolically to praise the sun, light a candle in the warm colors of summer - orange, yellow, and red!)
Use an oak log in the fire if you can (or burn oak leaves). Oak is strong, and its Celtic meaning is “doorway” - this night celebrates the light of sun but we are now entering the door to the waning part of the year. What some call “The Great Turning.”
~ Celebrate the Light
Spend some time outdoors.
It’s a time to feel connected to the earth and warmed by the sun.
Walk, run, hike, swim, dance, or just sit outside and meditate, even if for a few precious minutes.
Give thanks for the rays that light our days.
Can’t get outside?
Refresh your altar with summer colors - replace your altar cloth with something bright and summery, add flowers and ripe fruits like oranges and tangerines (which you can enjoy later!)
~ Brew Sun Tea
Make a delicious, sun-energy charged brew using fresh or dried flowers to celebrate!
Here’s a recipe we love (use 1 quart-sized canning jar):
- 1 Tbsp Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- 1 Sprig Lavender buds (or ½ tsp of dried lavender)
- 1 Tbsp Peppermint
- 1 Tbsp Chamomile
- 1 Tbsp Rose Petals
- Directions
- Place all ingredients into jar.
- Fill jar with filtered water.
- Place your jar in a sunny spot, covered by a lid or piece of cheesecloth and rubber band.infuse in the sunshine for about 3 hours.
- Use
- Strain and enjoy your sun tea over ice and add some honey!
~ Prepare a Summer Feast
Head to your local farmers market, or better yet, find a garden in which you can spend time, and pick your own!
Find yellow, orange and red foods, or foods that are round and symbolize the sun!
It doesn’t have to be fancy - maybe you want to grill burgers and veggies. Or maybe it’s a salmon dinner.
It’s a time to connect with family and friends, and nothing bonds like having a meal together.
~ Create a flower essence
Flower essences are simple yet exquisitely beautiful energetic plant medicines that are perfect for supporting the emotions.
They’re easy to make, and ecologically friendly!
Simply source a fresh flower, preferably just as it comes into bloom, and in the morning.
Sit with the flower, making sure you connect with its energy, and give thanks for the beautiful work you’re about to do.
Using a jar or bowl full of spring water, gently place your flowers, always mindful of giving thanks throughout the process, and perhaps offering affirmations as you create.
Allow the flower and water to sit in direct sunlight for at least 4 hours.
After 4 hours, filter out the flower, and add alcohol (40 proof) at a 1:1 ratio to preserve it.
This is now called a preserved “mother” and you may add a few drops to a 30 or 60 ml dropper bottle of a 50-50 blend of water and alcohol, or add to a blend of tinctures.
There are numerous online guides about the energetics of flowers!
Celebrating the sun, and its warmth really does stir our energy after the long (and boy did it feel long) winter. We’d love to hear the way you love to celebrate solstice!
