As the sun spirals it’s longest dance, cleanse us.
As nature shows bounty and fertility, bless us.
Let all things live with loving intent and to their truest destiny.
The summer solstice marks the official start of summer and in the northern hemisphere, it's also the longest day of the year, where we will see more daylight hours than any other day.
It typically falls on or either side of June 21st.
For those in the more northern regions of the world such as Alaska, Norway, Finland and Greenland, it also marks the time when they experience the 'midnight sun' - where there are close to 24 hours of sunlight - and in the Arctic Circle the sun doesn’t set at all!
The summer solstice is a day where the full warmth and abundance of the sun's energy and nature is in full flow. It’s the end of spring and the beginning of the height of summer.
Also known as Litha in paganism, it is considered a day of joy at the light’s full return and one of inner power and brightness. Many also consider it an excellent time to practice love magick or get married. Hand fasting is also particularly prevalent in June and early July.
The summer solstice is celebrated across many different cultures and in many different ways, but here's just a few ideas to help you celebrate this important time in the pagan calendar...
1. Go for a barefoot walk in nature.
Soak up the sun's energies and at the same time gain the healing energies of the earth too!
Walk barefoot and flood your body with Vitamin D and the healing electrons from the Earth!.
What’s not to love about any of that..?!
2. Pick elderflower.
The Elder tree is an ancient and hugely sacred tree to witches and pagans alike.
Considered the 'ladies tree', it has huge magickal and protective properties.
Pick some elderflowers to make a delicious syrup and use it in Prosecco (or champagne if you’re posh) and enjoy the traditional taste of summer.
But be sure to ask permission before you pick the flowers from her tree - taking without asking is frowned upon and is frankly just rude!
3. Bake fresh focaccia bread to share with family and friends.
Decorate it with edible herbs and wild flowers such as herb-robert, rosemary, thyme, wild garlic and clover for a colourful, and tasty summer treat.
Have it with dips and wine as you sit outside and celebrate the sun.
4. Light those fires
It’s traditional to end the solstice celebrations with a bonfire.
Throw dried herbs such as sage, cloves and lavender or burn Palo Santo wood and bless your garden and/or crops with the cleansing smoke of the solstice.
However you decide to celebrate, an alcoholic beverage is a must!
Cheers to the arrival of summer!
For more musings, why not join our Facebook group Beneath the Canopy?
Or you can listen to our in-depth discussion on 'The Crow's Nest' about this topic - 'De-spelling the Myths about the Summer Solstice' here.