The Summer Solstice on 21st June heralds the annual zenith of the Sun and there are the most hours of daylight and least hours of darkness of any day in the year. This is one of the power gates of the Wheel of the Year. The longest day of the year holds the maximum peak of the light that began to grow in luminosity after the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year. This is a time of celebration, to honour the light and our connection to the Sun and the Earth. It is also International Day of Yoga and has been celebrated since 21st June 2015 following its inception in the UN Assembly in 2014 following a suggestion from the Indian Prime Minister. Yoga embodies union of body, mind, thoughts and actions. It balances restraint, fulfilment and harmony between humans and nature.
In the bright Summer, the Solstice was a threshold of great celebration ancestors. These ancient celebrations are also known as Midsummer, referring to numerous festivals held over the solstice period from 19th - 24th June. Midsummer’s eve is a time when fairies and spirits cross more easily into the human world. In order to banish any evil spirits that might harm their crops, our ancestors would light fires where they would sing, dance and feast. Farmers would also jump, holding the belief that the higher they jumped, the higher their crops would grow. Solstice means “sun stands still". High summer celebrates the complete blooming and fruition of the seeds sown back in the depths of Winter.
At Solstice the sun appears to stand still before it changes direction. we too stand still, pause and take time to reflect on the year that was so far. We have reached the mountain top, stop to take in the view. Consider in the past half year, what have I achieved that I am most proud of?
The yogic concept of withdrawl comes into play at Summer Solstice when we gradually turn from an active, outwards focus to an inner, more contemplative focus. Withdrawl of the senses (pratyahara) is the fifth of the eight limbs of Yoga. Its about training the senses to quieten down and not get carried away by outside stimuli. Ever heard me say things like - focus on your breath or lock your gaze onto X or turn your gaze inwards? All subtle cues to withdraw the senses inwards. Withdrawl prepares Yogis for the last three limbs of yoga: concentration, meditation and pure bliss. The quieter calmer aspects of the self and associated with the second half of the year.
Ways to connect to Summer Solstice:
Gather Together
This is a time for gathering with friends, family, loved ones. A time for lighting bonfires, especially on hillsides, leaving gifts for the fairies in your garden, making a flower crowns!
Pause
A day to roll out your yoga mat under the summer sun and move your body, breathe and say a prayer of thanks for your body, heart, mind and spirit
Harvesting
Wild herbs for syrups, meads, salads and teas. Collect the herbs abundant in the hedgerows right now: Elderflower, St John’s Wort, Marjoram, Nettles, Vervain and wild rose. Remember to take only what you need. Drink a brew of your local rose petal tea to nourish your heart.
Decorate with Flowers
Midsummer is traditionally a time of wearing and decorating with flowers so it’s the ideal excuse to get gathering and fill your house with simple jam jar posies of wildflowers. Blooms are abundant everywhere at the moment, from hedgerow to woodland, garden to roadside.
Fires & Candles
Light a fire if it’s safe to do so, gather with friends and speak what you are grateful for, what is abundant in your life or light a candle, it’s an easy way to connect to fire if you can't light one.
Visit a sacred site
Gather with others to create a circle or spiral. Exchange songs, stories, and poems with others. Dance, drum, sing and celebrate. Involve water in your ritual. Prepare a ritual bath with seasonal flowers and oils or take to the ocean for a salty solstice swim at dawn. Lough Gur is associated with the Summer Solstice.
Meet an oak tree
For generations, people have sat beneath the mighty oak to gain strength and spiritual renewal. Thank the tree before you leave, as this helps to create a connection and relationship with the wild world
Reflect
This also a great time to go inwards and reflect on the past season and dream about the season ahead.
However you choose to honour the occasion, celebrate the nourishing light of the sun and honour the abundance of your life.
Le grá,
Maeve x
May you find time to honor the Sun which brings us Light and Heat and Fire,
May you offer gratitude to the Sun for bringing Life to Earth,
May your heart open to all that is created by the Sun on any given summer day.
by Jeanne Crane