This week we celebrate the Solstice.
'The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) because, during the solstice, the angle between the Sun’s rays and the plane of the Earth’s equator (called declination) appears to stand still it is this stillness
In the Northern Hemisphere, The Winter Solstice or Yule it is celebrated on the shortest day. Although many of its traditions have been weaved into Christmas. (see blog on Yule if you are in the North)
Here in the Southern Hemisphere, We are celebrating the Longest Day of the Year. The highest peak of summer- Litha. This year falls on Friday 22nd December. many traditions still celebrate Midsummer or Midsommer.
Summer Solstice is the end of the Inhale of the year the pause before we exhale and let go of the second half of the year.
It symbolises a time to pause and honour a stillness before we start to move inwards. It doesn't mean summer is done, but all the energy moves from growth to maturing, potentising and being 'fruitful' Take time to listen to yourself and nature. what is it you really need to honour, manifest or celebrate yourself? Here are a few ideas on how you can honour the Solstice in your daily life.
Celebrate Yourself
Although this is the peak of the solar year, it is a great time to take stock and celebrate our yearly wins and achievements. before you start making New Year resolutions and planning your new year, take time to go back and look at what you have achieved, the places you have been, and the memories you have made. You will be amazed at how much has happened in one year or even since the winter. this brings us to the next idea.
Practice Gratitude
Although summer can feel busy and overwhelming, remember to pause and give thanks for all we have. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, The solstice is combined with the height of busyness, many end-of-year activities, school holidays, Christmas, and family... It can be overwhelming. Make sure you have some tools of self-care and gratitude to ground yourself and realise what is important.
Create with Nature
With summer comes good weather and longer evenings. A great way to honour nature is to make nature art, bring flowers or nature inside, or make flower crowns, nature mandalas, and daisy chains. stone art. anything to bring the beauty of nature into your life.
Honour Your Cycles
As with every change or shift in season, notice how this affects you. What does summer mean to you, what jewels of wisdom can you take from the changing cycles and apply to your own life? I used to think summer was all about busyness and being big and bold. but in fact, summer is also a time for stillness, calmness, and going with the flow... watch the animals in summer, they are calmer in summer than in spring or autumn, mostly lazing around in the summer sun.
Move your Body
Move your body in ways that feel good, In ancient times, the solstice was for dancing, celebrating and being merry! can you put on some music and dance, or flow through any movement that nourishes and feels good?
Re-evaluate intentions
Like watering a garden, it is important to check in with your intentions, give them some love or rework them if you need to, and keep nurturing them for the coming months. Have you done a simple vision board this year or have some goals in mind? maybe this is a good time to reevaluate or start a new one.
Invite Creativity
There are no seasons and cyclical life without creativity. with creative energy at a peak,
(think abundance, fertility and manifesting) What is going on with your creative life? are you in a playful mood, a doing phase, a finishing up stage or just going with the flow? check in with yourself, and follow where your energy is taking you.
Top Tips, Questions to Ask Yourself and Rituals for Summer Solstice:
I honour the season
Ideas- Journal, meditate on or share in a circle or with a listening Partner
What Jewels of wisdom does summer offer me?
What beautiful abundance can I carry with me?
What do I need to celebrate about the last year?
Gratitude
Write 3 things I am grateful for today.
What resources do I have for summer and busy times?
What abundance and love do you I have in life,
What are you grateful for today?
I Honour Nature
Ideas- Decorate homes or gardens with natural seasonal objects, and make wreaths, crowns or candle holders. take a nature walk to witness the life and the stillness
What are the most beautiful things I notice in summer?
I honour the celebration and fertility of life.
I honour the Summer
Ideas- Light a fire, light candles, decorate with fairy lights, watch the sunrise and sunset, and celebrate the sun.
how can I invite the light into my life in the coming months?
how can I honour and respect the stillness in busy times?
what does the sunrise/sunset make me feel?
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