How (and why) to celebrate the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice will be on Thursday June 20th this year - but what exactly does that mean?

Every year during December, we have a tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice by gathering around a fire and burning our burdens. The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year, and folks traditionally spend a quiet evening honoring the dark, and lighting a fire or candles (or decorating with holiday lights!) as a way to "invite the light back in."

Juxtaposed to the Winter Solstice is the Summer Solstice! Occurring approximately 6 months after its winter twin, the Summer Solstice occurs on the longest day of the year (typically between June 20-22) in the Northern Hemisphere. During the three months of our summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, whereas in winter, we are tilted away from the sun. As you already know, our planet’s axis spins on a tilt instead of straight up and down, and without this tilt we would not enjoy 4 seasons or the abundance and diversity of our blue planet!

How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
There is a vast array of Summer Solstice traditions, from all over the globe. We are fascinated by the interconnections of nature and ancient traditions that originally celebrated nature, but have now morphed into national holidays (like Christmas & Easter).

We encourage you to take a page out of their book - or create your own Summer Solstice tradition. Here are just a few ideas of how you can celebrate the sunshine:

PICKLE SUMMER VEGGIES in preparation for winter & celebration of the harvest!

MAKE A SUN TEA. Brew your favorite summer tea outside (just let the bags steep in a jar of water outside all day) and add some fresh mint for that extra kick of freshness.

MAKE GARDEN ART. So many options here...you could paint or draw the wildflowers you're noticing outside, press flowers onto paper, or watercolor some seasonal fruits & veggies.

EAT LOCAL FRUIT. Maybe you keep forgetting to check out your local farmers market? Summer Solstice is a great excuse to support local and eat foods that are fresh & in season.

WATCH THE SUNRISE. Or sunset, if you're a night owl like me ;)

The Magic of the Solstice
Be mindful that today is a highly sensitive day, so you may feel more in-tune with the energies around you. 

And if you feel like gettin’ witchy - now’s the time! Some believe that the veil between our world & other realms is thinner, making it easier to connect with our deities/angels/spirits 🍃

As we celebrate the sun, imagine light radiating from your being. Step out of the shade of fear and let yourself shine, dear one!