Summer Solstice

sunrise

Summer Solstice is just two days away and officially comes in at 12:39 p.m. EST.  I always get excited when there is a Solstice or an Equinox as I feel that it is a time for celebration, ceremony and new beginnings.  It is a good time for us to recenter ourselves and focus on all the possibilities before us.

The Summer Solstice marks the longest day; the day where we in the Northern Hemisphere have the most sun light.  In the Southern Hemisphere they will have their Winter Solstice; or the shortest day and least amount of sun light.  We flip that around on December 21st, but it is almost Summer now and that is my focus today.

The Summer Solstice is linked to many ancient cultural ceremonies and celebrations.  The Druids and Pagans marked this day and celebrated at Stonehenge, probably the most popular site to welcome in the solstice and still today it draws tens of thousands of people vying for a spot.

Some ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice usually involve:

• Watching the sun rise on that day and would usually include a fire or the lighting candles.
•  Focus and recenter ourselves and think about the first half of the year and where you want to be in the second half of the year.
• Connecting with nature and just relish in being outside.  Whether it is to meditate, taking a walk, earthing and walking barefoot or enjoying a good book.
• It is a time for fresh harvests, fertility and new beginnings so why not eat more of the fruits and vegetables that are now freshly available during this time.
• Slowing it down and appreciate the dog days of summer.  Refresh and Relax.
• Open the windows and refresh your home.  Bring in fresh cut flowers, switch out furnishings and decorations for lighter and brighter choices.
• Refresh and change up your wardrobe and your style look.
• Reconnect to Mind, Body and Spirit; do something healing and holistic.

I will most likely do all of the above.  I already feel the relief of Mercury going direct last week and am feeling more like my usual self.  I have been spending more time outside, swimming, gardening, grilling and playing with my dogs.  Meditating outside and just adoring everything that is surrounding me, from the chirping birds, the beautiful trees and the warm breeze in my hair and on my face.  Spending the majority of that time barefoot and earthing.

Do whatever feels good to you on the Summer Solstice.  Do not force it and you can always make up your own tradition or ceremony.  Go with the flow and have a happy Summer Solstice.