Ritual Inspirations for Summer Solstice | Wednesday 6/21, 7:57 AM

"The Summer Solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment. As the days grow longer, the Sun gives our bodies and the plants around us more lifegiving energy. We can bask in the summer glow and recharge our spirits with light.

As our physical world is nurtured by the Sun, so is our spiritual world. Summer and the light it brings remind us that there is hope in the world. They also teach us that we each carry a light within that can spread to the far reaches of the globe to inspire others. We can nurture those around us, just as the Sun nurtures us.

The Solstice brings a shift of light and a change in season. Wherever you are in the world, Solstice marks a turning point. To welcome this pivotal point in the year, consider partaking in some nourishing rituals."

~Chani Nicholas

Here are a handful of Ritual Inspirations...

~Build a Summer Solstice altar - You can create an altar anywhere, indoor or out. If it's time to refresh your personal altar, this is a good time to do that. Use a fresh, brightly colored altar cloth. It's traditional to decorate your Summer Solstice altar with an abundance of fresh flowers and a candle, preferably white, yellow or orange. If you have symbols of the summer season, this is a good time to bring them out into the light. (We'Moon, Solstice Celebration)

~Do something you love - Art, game playing, snacking, love-making, hiking. Your imagination is the limit!

~Stand outside and say a blessing for the Earth, at this special time on the longest day of the year:

‍"The sun is high above us
shining down upon the land and sea,
making things grow and bloom.
Great and powerful sun,
we honor you this day
and thank you for your gifts.
Ra, Helios, Sol Invictus, Aten, Svarog,
you are known by many names.
You are the light over the crops,
the heat that warms the earth,
the hope that springs eternal,
the bringer of life.
We welcome you, and we honor you this day,
celebrating your light."

(Patti Wigington, LearnReligions.com)

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Summer Solstice Meditation at Sunrise

Thanks to Lena Schmidt at Chopra.com for this sunrise meditation:

"Try celebrating the summer solstice with a seated meditation at sunrise. The benefits of meditation, such as building focus and finding stress relief, are enhanced when your mind is free and clear before the stresses of the day have crept in. Arising before, or with, the sun is a recommended wellness tip from ancient Ayurvedic wisdom as well as modern health coaches. Watching sunlight streaming in through the window in the morning allows your body and mind to awaken naturally. Begin the long solstice day with a few minutes (or an hour if you have time!) of silence and contemplation.

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How to Practice

~Arise anywhere from one hour to even just ten minutes before the sun rises.

~Find a comfortable seat facing the direction of the rising sun (east). If you are able to go outside, do that. If you are inside, set yourself up to see the first light.

~Begin with several cleansing breaths to get settled. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then find an even inhale and exhale.

~Close your eyes or find a soft gaze.

~Feel your body on the ground. Notice what sensations arise as you sit.

~Allow yourself to be still. Continue to breathe evenly.

~Observe any thoughts in your mind. Give yourself permission to be present with what is and to let go of anything unnecessary for the moment.

~As you sit and breathe, connect with the rising of your breath just like the rising of the sun. With each inhale, imagine you are breathing in pure, warm light. With each exhale, imagine that pure, warm light pouring into your body. This light carries with it potential, possibility, and new perspectives.

~As the sunlight grows brighter, you may open your eyes to witness the rising sun. If it is too bright, simply close your eyes lightly again.

~Sit as long as is comfortable for you—breathing in pure, warm light and allowing it to pour into your body.

~You can come back to this feeling throughout the day to remain centered and calm.

~As you feel ready, open your eyes and continue with your day."

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"As the sun captures the top of the sky, we crest the day with exuberance, hand ourselves over to the juice, to wild swims, the silken overlap of petal on petal, open faced flowers loved by bees, their centres easy to reach…”

~Debra Hall © Mother Tongue Ink 2021
From page 98 of We’Moon 2022: The Magical Dark