Celebrating the Summer Solstice: Embracing Nature’s Energy

The summer solstice is a time of vibrant energy and renewal, a perfect moment to connect with nature and honor the life-giving power of the sun.  The word “Solstice” originates from the Latin “Sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still). It’s the time when the earth is highest in the sky and seems to stand still for several days. Which means that if you wanted to observe this time but can’t get to it today, that’s okay!

Just do something special or fun during the weekend. No pressure. Even just sitting outside in the sun for a few minutes, hiking, gardening, leaving an offering of honey for the fairies, burning a candle, or creating a simple floral crown or mini wreath out of wildflowers.

Or read one of my personal favorite summer plays: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”! 📖

Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate this special day:

1. Herbs 🌿

Herbs hold a special place in solstice celebrations. Using herbs like lavender,  rosemary, chamomile, and mint can enhance your rituals. A simple yet profound way to connect with the sun is by making sun water to use for clearing sprays, baths, or cleaning products.

Or you can make sun tea to drink by using dry tea leaves in some distilled water and setting them in a jar under the sun, allowing the sunlight to infuse them with its vibrant energy.

2. Plants, Fruits, and Vegetables 🍇

The solstice is a great time to plant flowers and herbs like marigolds, sunflowers and roses, celebrating growth and abundance. If you can’t plant, simply enjoy a nourishing meal in the sun, connecting with the natural world around you. Or drink some lovely tea.

3. Crystals 💎

Crystals like carnelian, citrine, and topaz, or quartz and calcite in shades of peach or gold are perfect for summer solstice celebrations. Charge them in the sun to amplify their energy and add them to your sun water (you don’t drink this) for use in rituals, sprays, or baths.

4. Fire 🔥

Fire has long been a symbol of the solstice. Whether lighting a bonfire or a simple candle, carving your intentions into a candle and burning it while it rests on a small bed of earth and cinnamon can invite good luck and positive energy into your life.

5. The Fae-Faeries 🧚🏻

Leaving offering of honey for the fae is also a great option. You can place sliced fruit (a strawberry or orange slice) in a tiny bowl and drizzle it with honey and place by your favorite tree, in your garden, or even on a windowsill or beside a potted plant, if you live in an apartment.

5. Just Be 🌞

The solstice is a time to play with animals or children, bask in the sun, and appreciate the abundance of life. Sit outside with tea during sunrise or sunset, play some uplifting music, and just enjoy the vitality of this time. Create a small (or large!) altar on a table, corner, or ledge. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors with candlelight, it’s all about connecting with the essence of the season and the emotions it brings.