Aligning With Abundance: Embracing The Summer Solstice

-

Sunset at Stonehenge


The summer solstice arrives today, marking a turning point not just on our calendars but in the subtle hum of the cosmos. As the Earth reaches its maximum tilt towards the sun, we in the Northern Hemisphere experience the year's longest day, a time steeped in symbolism and ripe with esoteric potential.

This celestial event isn't merely a prelude to long, lazy days by the pool; it's a potent surge of solar energy believed by many (including myself), to amplify intention, heighten intuition, and illuminate new pathways for growth. Today I'm sharing my favorite traditions and rituals that I practice to honor the energetic power of the Sun.

Celebrating The Longest Day Of The Year

Walking in nature, foraging

Take a walk in nature to connect with the earth. Collect flowers, herbs, or stones that you find along the way, with respect to the environment. Take the time out to connect with your bare feet (or hands if needed) to the earth and visualize the sun pouring beautiful golden energy into you as you release anything no longer serving you back into the earth.

Craft Sun wheels

When my kids were younger, they loved this type of thing! If you have children this is a tradition they can participate in and also have a physical item to hang in their room as a form of protection. Create a sun wheel or wreath from flowers, herbs, and vines. We hang ours as part of our seasonal decor and it is for energetic protection and to honor the energy of the Sun.

Create a solstice alter

Setting up a seasonal altar with sunflowers, citrus fruits, solar symbols, candles, and anything that represents the sun and summer to you. This does not have to be a designated alter area either, and that's why this is one of my favorites! I love decorating and doing little things around the home, with the changing of the seasons is something I find so refreshing. 

Herbal crafting

Gather herbs associated with the sun, such as St. John's Wort, mugwort, or lavender. This is something I do not always have the pleasure of doing, but I wish I made it more of a priority! I would use them to create sachets, incense, or herbal teas. You of course, could use the herbs for whatever fits in your practice. 

Crystal charging

I place my crystals outside or on a windowsill to charge them with the potent energy of the solstice sun. I will note this should be done year round, but especially now!

Sunset(orange color)

Sun rituals

Conducting a ritual to honor the sun is a MUST for me! I love using candles, sun symbols, and solar herbs like chamomile, sunflower, and calendula, and of course focusing on themes of light, growth, and energy.

Meditation and visualization

Meditate outside under the sun. Visualize absorbing the sun’s energy and letting it fill you with vitality and positivity. Once again if you are able to connect bare feet with the earth, and visualize your breathing through the bottoms of your feet.

Music and movement

Celebrate with music and dancing. Create a playlist of songs that most evokes the energy of the sun and summer for you, and let yourself move freely!

Affirmations and intentions

Write down affirmations or intentions for the second half of the year. Focus on what you want to grow and achieve. I like to look at my journal at this time as well. It gives me a chance to see what needs to be paid attention to more.

Any of these activities and rituals can help you harness the vibrant, potent energy of the summer solstice, from foraging in nature, to crafting beautiful pieces that capture the solstice light. Each of these activities offer unique ways to connect with the pulse of the planet. Remember, the most important aspect is to approach these practices with an open mind and a heart ready to receive! May we all align with the natural rhythms of the Earth and the cycles of the Sun. 

















Popular posts from this blog

Navigating Difficult Conversations

-
Image
Navigating Difficult Conversations When engaging in conversations, it's crucial to approach them constructively. This means leading with empathy, being clear about your intentions, and choosing a neutral setting. Keep in mind that addressing issues and fostering long-term understanding sometimes requires short-term discomfort. By embracing this discomfort, we can pave the way for constructive and meaningful conversations that lead to progress. Some tips to help you embrace these conversations follow: Time and place matter.  To ensure a meaningful conversation, it's important to select the right time and place. Search for a peaceful and private setting where you can talk without any interruptions. It's essential to choose a time that works for both of you so that you can give your undivided attention to the discussion. By thoughtfully selecting the time and place, you can create an environment that fosters constructive communication. Be empathetic. To build a better connecti
Read more

Developing Mindfulness

-
Image
Developing Mindfulness  Ok so if you are like me and working on yourself, you've probably seen over and over again is to be mindful. Mindfulness involves having a deep sense of awareness and acceptance of our own thoughts, feelings and surroundings without judgement. People typically develop mindfulness through practices like meditation, deep breathing, and focusing on the present moment.  Regular practice helps to strengthen mindfulness skills over time. I've found the most effective mindfulness practices for myself are: Meditation  Focusing attention on the breath, body sensations, or a specific object. (See here for more on meditation) Deep Breathing Exercises  Inhaling and exhaling slowly to calm the mind and body. Body Scanning Bringing awareness to different parts of the body, noticing sensations without judgment. Mindful Walking Paying attention to each step, the sensations of movement, and the surrounding environment. Loving Kindness Meditation  Developing feelings of c
Read more

The Importance Of Chakral Balance

-
Image
The Importance Of Chakral Balance  Chakras are energy centers in the body, originating from ancient Indian spiritual traditions. There are seven main chakras aligned along the spine, each associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. The importance lies in maintaining balance and free flow of energy within these chakras, as disruptions can lead to physical or emotional imbalances.  What Are Chakras Exactly? Chakras are best visualized as spinning wheels of energy located at major nerve clusters and organs along the central channel of the human body. Many believe these centers reflect the state of health of the physical, energetic, and psychic systems in our body. Here are some key functions tied to the chakra system: Associated with the nervous system and key endocrine glands Responsible for emotional health and behaviors Reflects the flow of vital life force energy in the body Balance affects moods, feelings, and thoughts Blocks or imbalances manifest as illness
Read more