How To Celebrate The Summer Solstice
Happy Solstice!
For those in the Northern Hemisphere today marks the Summer Solstice. Today the sun reaches its highest point in the sky making it the longest day of light. For centuries the solstices have been celebrated as a special moment in nature. Native Americans dressed up and had a celebration of the sun, In Sweden they collect flowers and herbs and hang the bundles in doorways, and in Portugal there are celebrations with brightly colored balloons and paper decorations.
The solstice is a time to honor the blossoming of the season and the day of long sunlight. It is a time to connect to the nature from which we came and celebrate the earth. Here are some simple rituals and crafts you can use to celebrate the Summer Solstice this year!
Get outside! A great way to celebrate nature is to be immersed in it. I like to go skiing, kayaking, or hiking and find a place in nature to sit and observe the different plants and animals around me.
Make a fairy home or mandala in nature. A fairy home is a great activity to do with kids or on your own. Imagine (or believe) there are forest fairies that are about 3 inches tall, they need homes to rest in, what can you build out of nature that would give them a comfortable place to rest their heads at night? A mandala is a geometric pattern that symbolizes the cosmos and can be brought together in circles of nature materials.
Have a dance party. Dance and movement are a big part in many ceremonies and celebrations. If you can, find a place in nature to move your body, dance, shake, drum, sing, or whatever feels good.
Light a fire. If you have the space, you can light a campfire or bonfire, or keep it inside by lighting a candle for the day.
Set goals. Use the sun’s energy to tune into what you want to create or focus on for the second half of the year. If you set new years intentions, this could be a great time to review these goals and see what you want to bring back, adjust, or add.
I hope these give you some fun ideas. Have a great solstice!
