The Summer Solstice or Midsummer is the longest day of the year in both the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemispheres – so depending upon where you are, this day may fall on June 22nd (Northern Hemisphere) or December 22nd (Southern Hemisphere).
From this point onward, the days become shorter, and nights grow longer until we reach the Winter Solstice. The Summer Solstice honors the fullness of life all around us. The Flora and Fauna of nature, and our bodies and spirits which crest with vital, creative energy pouring outward. Planted seeds of Spring are now in full bloom, gathering strength, readying for harvest at seasons end.
Solar energy reins influential during the Solstice while daylight is at its longest. These lasting hours of light remind us that we glow with eternal flame, our soul, which is a spark from the divine fire that animates the Universe. For this reason, we honor the miracles of life. Give thanks for the beauty, abundance and fecundity of nature. We express gratitude for our spiritual and material blessings. Reverently, we draw in solar energy to nurture, replenish and empower our very existence.
Shine Brightly, Shine Boldly
I drink in the beauty of the Summer Solstice to illuminate my head and heart. I am reminded by the Sun that I am a vital, vibrant being who should show up bold, bright and blazing in the world… We are meant to thrive, vibe and influence in our unique way. The Sun expresses that, not only does the light of the Universe shine on us, but it shines through us.
With this inspiring perspective, I focus on personal mastery and healing. My intention is to raise energy that clears and revitalizes my spirit, and my perspective. These energies are essential matter for abundant living… Working with this potential ignites your desires and moves you into a place of eloquent manifestation.
Your Summer Solstice Sun-Walk
On the Solstice, plan for a long walk, alone or with a close friend, as to have solitude and time for reflection. Let the Sun kiss your skin, releasing pent up toxins, and infusing your aura with a golden corona. During this Sun-walk, I like to contemplate where I am feeling bountiful in my life, and where I could release and let go. Ask yourself these enticing questions:
- Where do you feel bountiful in your life?
- Where do you feel depleted, and wakened?
- What areas could use some illumination?
- How can you feel stronger, and vital now?
- What truths are you grappling with?
It is said that during Midsummer, hidden treasures could be found in plain sight. As you open your mind, and ask these questions prepare to see gems of wisdom and healing where nothing seemed to exist before. The Sun’s light magnifies your own and cascades into the dark places where healing can begin.
A Sunny Solar Bath
Floral baths are magical remedies to cleanse, and enrich your body, mind and spirit during the Summer solstice. Spiritual cleansing and baptism of all types were performed during the Solstice, either by candle, or firelight to represent the Sun, or through water that has been nourished with Solar energy. People would gather at streams, rivers, and lakes to float fresh flowers and submerge themselves in “pools of light”.
A Solar Water Bath for Solstice Blessings
A few hours before noon gather together a large mason jar filled with spring water, add a few chamomile teabags, and seal the lid. Set in a warm, sunny windowsill to infuse in the light. Chamomile is connected to the Sun, and generates good fortune, prosperity and purification.
At noon when the Sun is at its zenith, pour the water into a clear crystal bowl. Add a few sliced oranges and lemons to the mixture to cultivate more solar energy, and to uplift the sense, cutting away negative attachments. Sometimes I feel moved to add petals or whole flowers of yellow and orange… Anything that grows in the area.
Hold your hands over the bowl letting yourself relax and center. Fill your mind-eye, and your senses with golden light seeing it move through you and into the water. Again, empowering the tea with solar energy. To focus your intention chant, pray, or affirm.
I might say…
Sacred waters glowing bright,
Help me now to grow my light,
Sun melt sorrow, be gone all pain,
Let only vitality and abundance remain
Or,
As I bathe in these waters I am enriched with the power of Sunlight.
When you are ready wash yourself in the bowl of water. Use your hands to cup water and splash your face, wash your hands and feet, and submerge your head. Or moisten a fresh, white washcloth and wipe clean your entire body. Being sure to wrap the washcloth around any parts where you are experiencing pain, or letting the washcloth rest on each chakra.
Solar energy, and colors relate to the lower chakras. The root, sacral and solar plexus. Activating these chakras helps build inner fire, cultivating personal power and self-expression. If you are feeling especially blocked in these areas, this ritual will give you a loving push into living!
If you feel inclined run a cool bath, pour in the mixture and soak for an afternoon of sun-bath healing. Allow the water to run down the drain and let the flowers dry to remove them easily. Or return the remaining water to a stream, or base of a tree.
Remember, you can focus on a specific intention while you do this bath. Recall what you illuminated during your long walk. Or whatever seems to live in your heart that wants to see the light of day. Perform these stunning rituals anytime you like… The Sun always finds time to shine a little light on us!
A Few More Bits of Magic
Create a talisman of solar magic by placing gold jewelry on a windowsill to soak up sunlight. Wear daily to raise your vibration, and link you into abundance, success and personal flow. You can place crystals and other objects in the sunlight as well. Pyrite and citrine love soaking in the Sun for a bit to charge and awaken. Both are great stones for success and opening the doors of opportunity.
String together sunflowers, daisies, and other yellow, orange or white flowers on a golden thread to create a lucky garland. Hang them over your front door, around your bed, or over your workspace to dry, and radiate their magical energy into your life for inspiration, abundance and creativity.
The Summer Solstice is the perfect day to spend time outside creating a mandala from found objects. Flowers, stones, twigs and shinny things. Arrange them into a circle however you feel inspired. Let your spirit speak to you. Whatever evokes light, uplifting, solar energy. Let the mandala be a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings in your life. Offer it to the Su, the Earth, and all the things you hold dear. Leave it there for someone else to find and be inspired.
One more traditional practice I like is the burning of old herbs from the previous year. The Summer Solstice was said to be the prime time to gather herbs for magical use. Letting them dry after the solstice preserves their power for the waning year. Old herbs are scattered in a fire as you name the things you wish to release from your life. The herbs become an offering, and the negativity the fertilizer it imbue your new intentions.
Sending you so much Solstice love. Stay vibrant, and magical. Show up BIG in your life. You have a message, a gift, a story… Grace the world with your beautiful light. When things get dark all you have to do is turn inward, and feed on your own light. And never forget to share the love with those around you.
