Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice, we meet again! 

Summer Solstice, Midsummer or Litha to some, Celebrated on Sunday, June 20th. The Summer Solstice is the longest day and the shortest night. We celebrate the Sun, the warmth, the manifestations of early Spring planting(material + natural)!

Welcome the warmth, bask in the Sun(with sunscreen + breaks!) Take notice that everything around us is lush and abundant, filled with life. The Goddess is at her peak of fertility and the God at full strength of his power. Allow the Sun light to expand you, mediate in the Sun with the intention of calling in the Sun to your Solar Plexus Chakra. Allow the bright yellow light to illuminate and inspire you!! I feel warm just typing that, like a Hug from the Sun.

There are endless traditions throughout history by many cultures, to name a few, the Hopi Tradition is to celebrate Niman and say goodbye to the cold weather with a 16 day festival of communal meals and dance, or in Norway they celebrate Norse Sun Goddess with bonfires that last all night, Celt Pagans celebrate Litha with bonfires and dancing-even jumping over the bonfires for good luck! Wiccan rituals are derived from a multicultural background, perhaps your own ancestors, there are endless traditions throughout history by many cultures, I hope you find your own way of celebrating this day and inspiring your own tradition.

Ideally I’d love to be at a bonfire on a beach but alas I am on the island of Manhattan!

However, I will be going on a hike, decorating my altar with orange, yellow candles, traditional fresh flowers and herbs.

Some traditional herbs and flowers: Think Yellow!

Sunflower, Mullein, Mugwort, St. John's Wort

Burn or Decorate your home with these! 

Spend time in your garden

Hike

Get to a bonfire 

Use your fire pit!

Get together with friends, Have a picnic, Enjoy Fresh foods!!

Ultimately, Enjoy the longest day of the year-it comes just once a year!

Lots of Love, Rina