Bask in the radiance of the longest day of the year!
Lithe, Midsommar, Ivan Kupala Day, Juhannus, Mittumaari, Sankthan, with its many names and many traditions, the Summer Solstice is here!
The long time sun shines brightest in the Northern hemisphere between 20th and 21st of June, ushering in vibrant, hot days and magical balmy nights. Midsummer has been celebrated worldwide by nearly every culture since ancient times. Marking and following the movement of the sun meant sustaining life here on earth and beyond. Those who came before us carefully observed the sun, moon, stars and the changing of seasons as sacred. They religiously worshipped these heavenly bodies and the changing seasons in order to yield better crops,, for a more gainful hunt and plentiful foraging excursions. They not only did so to preserve life here on earth, but to gain safe passage and a happy afterlife. The Summer solstice remains an auspicious day for good health, new beginnings and hope.
The rhythms of nature and planetary movements inspired many myths and legends. Celebrations of the Summer Solstice are rooted in the Primeval beliefs, legends. and superstitions of bygone days. In various cultures around the world it is greeted with much reverie and unique traditions. In Spain, bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits and jumping through the fire yelling" Meiga", is said to dispel witches and the evil eye. In Sweden young maidens will dream with their future husbands if they tuck a sprig of St. John's Wort under their pillows and in Slavic countries the washing of one's face with the morning dew off blooming flowers is said to bestow eternal beauty. You can explore and adopt any Solstice myths and legends to create some of your own.
However you spin it, Summer is a time of rest, respite and renewal. It has always been my favourite season because it is the perfect time to reset and recharge. It holds an air of new promise, romance and lightness. Time to step back into the light, into rebirth and to bloom again!
This Summer solstice is also an ideal opportunity to start some of your own traditions that channel all the qualities of the sun's vibrance into your own life. There are so many ways to celebrate the Summer solstice, I have listed a few simple ideas below.
Ways to honour the Summer Solstice
Declutter, release and introduce more lightness into your space.
Cleanse and detox: Lose those 5 kilos, do a juice fast or simply drink more water.
Plant some flowers and herbs, such as St. John's wort in your garden or in an indoor pot.
Organise a beach or community clean up
Have a Summer Solstice picnic and/ or bonfire with friends.
Create your own Summer Altar with photos, flowers and objects from nature that represent summer to you.
Beat the heat! Create a summer to-do list that balances active activities with restful ones.
Get outdoors and soak up the sunlight ( use sun protection of course).
Go to the beach or body of water near you and enjoy a cooling swim.
Journal about the past year, observe how far you've come and release what no longer serves through your writing. Upon reflection, pen your future hopes and dreams, visualising your ideal life.
Summer Solstice Blessings!
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