Summer Solstice
Summer solstice is my favorite day of summer for one perfect reason… besides being the longest day of the year, and being the official start of summer, it’s a chance to connect with nature and yourself in the most beautiful of ways. Spending time outside in the warmth of the sun, reflecting on how life is going, can be one of the most magical times of year. Combined with letting go of anything that has been dimming your internal sparkle, makes it even more so.
Scientifically speaking, summer solstice is an astronomical and solar event that happens once a year. In the most basic explanation, here’s how: The Earth is tilted at angle towards the Sun, causing this cosmic alignment to create the longest day on the Northhern Hemisphere with some parts of the Arctic Circle experiencing 24 hours of continuous daylight. Once the Sun reaches its most northern point, the Tropic of Cancer, it appears to stand still before reversing direction and heading south.
Many ancient cultures celebrated this annual event, thinking of it as a day to bask in the sun’s peak power and rejuvenating energy. Ancient civilizations were inspired to build monuments (Stonehedge), hold festivals (Romans, Celtics) and mark the start of the Olympic Games in Greece. Native American tribes had sacred Sun Dances to honor the life giving energy from sun. Long ago farmers relied on the solstice for planting and harvesting. They used it to signify the shift from spring scarcity to summer abundance for crops and livestock. Today, there are still many festivals celebrating the first day of summer and the solstice. You will find markets and fairs, groups gathering for yoga at dawn, and people sitting around bonfires, staying up intentionally late, waiting for the sun to lower and the stars to emerge.
At home, there are many ways to partake in the summer solstice. Whether you want to celebrate with friends or spend the day alone, I have a few, easy ideas for you to feel inspired and enjoy the vibe!
Here they are:
make a flower crown with fresh flowers
brew sun tea adding fresh herbs and citrus
watch the sunrise or set or both!
host an outdoor meal using locally sourced foods
do some sun salutations with the rising sun
give yourself a mid year check in, releasing whatever is no longer serving you
This year Summer Solstice falls on Father’s Day (and interestingly enough won’t happen again until 2037!), but maybe you can include dad in your plans by making a delicious feast from your local outdoor market, add a handmade floral crown and he’ll feel like a king! Whatever you do, enjoy being outside, appreciate the wonder of nature and take a few minutes to reflect on this season of life. It’s a beautiful way to move into summer with all the feels.
