In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the moment in time when daylight is the longest and night is the shortest of the year. The word solstice means “sun standing still”. At this time, the Earth is positioned farthest from the Sun in what is known as the Tropic of Cancer. This year, the Summer Solstice occurs on June 20 at 4:51pm. Many consider it the official beginning of the summer season.
The extra light and the warmth comes about gradually as the sun rises earlier and sets later in the day. This shift is most welcome, especially by those closely connected with nature. As summer approaches, all around us we see the natural world come alive and begin to blossom. We may be experiencing this ourselves as the seeds of intention we planted in spring come to fruition.
Summer is a time to be patient and trust that our seeds will bear the fruit we intended. Just as we tend to our gardens to ensure they are well nourished during the growing season; we must also nourish ourselves to grow and evolve as we so desire. While it is always important to be doing this, it is even more so at this time of year.
Many cultures around the world celebrate the summer solstice with ceremony and elaborate rituals including festivals. Whether you are in a group or on your own, there are many simple ways to recognize this change of seasons. Some ideas include incorporating the elements of nature:
Embrace the sunrise, join a community sunrise ceremony or simply go out stand in the sun. If you practice yoga, perhaps do a sun salutation as a way to honour and express gratitude to the sun.
Harness the energy of the sun to create something or start a project. You might want to make yourself a floral wreath with wildflowers.
Sit in a garden, park, or your favorite spot in nature to appreciate the plants and other life forms around you.
Use water to cleanse yourself of what might be holding you back. You could go for a swim or simply have a bath with the intention of releasing what no longer serves you.
Forage in a garden and/or savour the seasonal produce available at this time of year from local farmers’ markets.
Build a fire and gather with friends or light a candle and spend some quite time in self-reflection. How are the intentions and seeds you have planted in the spring coming along? What can you do to nourish them?
For every solstice and equinox, we Wild Women meet up and do a 7-card spread, which is always very insightful. Using oracle cards is another way to review and regroup. Even a 3-card spread representing past, present and future can be insightful as you move through the seasons.
However you choose to acknowledge the changing seasons, your outlook will certainly be enhanced if approached with awareness, intention, and gratitude.
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