Is 2024 really half way over? Hard to believe, but this year, there’s a special way we can take stock, reevaluate and make new intentions for the remainder of the year. June 20th is known as the Summer Solstice — the longest and lightest day of the year. This midsummer celebration not only marks the official start of summer but also serves as a powerful symbol of light, growth, transformation, and abundance, making it the perfect time to refresh your routines, honor the light within and look at the remainder of the year with a fresh perspective.
If you normally spend Summer Solstice enjoying the longer hours of daylight, consider adding a little history and ritual as part of this year’s celebration. Summer Solstice is also known as Litha. Its a time-honored tradition that has been celebrated by various cultures for centuries. It represents the peak of the sun's power and energy. In astrology, it's a significant event and calls us to pause, reflect, play, and bask in the warmth and glory of the sun’s radiance.
From a metaphysical standpoint, the solstices hold deep spiritual significance. Summer is believed to be a potent time for manifestation, sowing the seeds you planted in the first half of the year, transformation, and harnessing positive energies. Why not use it as a day to set intentions, release any negativity, and welcome new beginnings into your life? We’ve come up with a few rituals that you can prep for and practice, so that part 2 of 2024 is a year of self growth, self love, and positive change.
1. **Sun Salutations**: Start your day with a series of yoga in the sun. It's a great way to get some extra vitamin D while beginning your routine on a positive note.
2. **Create a Happy Space**: Decorate with vibrant summer colors like gold, orange, and yellow or create your own "stone circle" with crystals like citrine, tiger's eye and amber. Add sun symbols, such as sunflowers or representations of the sun, to amplify the festive atmosphere. Honor the seeds you've planted in the first half of the year and journal new intentions for the rest of 2024.
3. **Bonfire Ritual**: In ancient cultures, because it could burn, consume, cook, shed light or purify, fire is an important element. Gather friends and family for a big bonfire! Write down your wishes on paper and toss them into the flames as a symbolic gesture of releasing them into the universe. (Remember to be safe and use the proper tools and precautions)
4. Spend some self care time metaphorically “cleansing” and washing away the first half of the year with Raw Sugar scents that reflect the herbs and flowers associated with Summer Solstice. Stock up on Lavender, Lemon, Mint, Orange, Rose and Sage.
Include Symbols, Scents, Colors and Flowers Of The Summer Solstice.
Colors: Gold, Green, Yellow, Blue, Red and White.
Crystals: Amber, Cornelian, Citrine, Diamond, Tiger’s Eye, Jade and Lapis.
Animals: Bees, Butterflies, Horses, Cows, Robins, Snakes and Sea Creatures.
Scents: Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Mint, Orange, Rose, Pine and Sage.
Flowers: Chamomile, Daisy, Lavender, Heather, Peonies, Rose and Sunflowers.
However you choose to midyear celebrate in the sun, may it be a reminder for you to shine brightly and embrace the abundance that surrounds you. 🌞🌻🔥
