Summer Solstice 2022

Wow!!!! We’ve made it! Summer Solstice 2022…The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, 2022!

And for now at least, no lock-downs in sight! Phew! We can finally enjoy this summer; no masks, breathing oxygen the way Creator intended…PHEW!!!!

So what now? How to celebrate this achievement? How should we celebrate the longest day of the year?

Well let’s start with what is the Summer Solstice? The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere…this is the direct opposite to the Winter Solstice which occurs on December 20-21 each year. The summer solstice is the official start to summer as per our current calendars however, by this time, the majority in the northern hemisphere have already been enjoying warm weather and have had seeds in the ground for several weeks and sprouts of the future harvest are starting to show through the ground. The summer solstice is also known as Midsummer’s Eve for many in the EU and the UK.

One of the best ways to celebrate is to actually acknowledge this longest day by getting up with the sun - wake up at sunrise and practice yoga, do a few sun salutes, or just sit outside quietly as the sun rises and allow her warmth to penetrate your bones. Plan to stay up until sunset and fully embrace this long day. Spend as much time outdoors as possible; work your garden, swim (if possible in a natural body of water rather than a pool), go for a hike, and spend a few moments acknowledging that none of our food would exist without the sun and these long days.

Food too is always a part of the summer solstice celebrations…Mother Earth is at her peak and blossoming; typically at this time of the year, the first of the spring/summer foods are ready, including strawberries, asparagus, spring onions, and sometimes beetroots. Cherries are now available in some areas as are early peas, rhubarb and raspberries. What a feast…imagine the possibilities? Rhubarb/strawberry pie, pickled beets, asparagus chopped into a fresh salad with spring onions on top…Wow. As you prepare and eat your summer solstice meal, be sure to take a few moments to give gratitude for the abundance of this time of the year.

Moving into the evening, it’s traditional in some areas to have a large fire on summer solstice. These fire represent not only the sun, but the burning away of anything that no longer serves us so that we can move through the summer months with a lightness in our steps. Remember too that spring was a time for planting seeds for our future (both physically and figuratively)…so by extension, summer is the time of the year to nurture those seeds, care for them and bring them to fruition…so by having a fire and burning away, energetically (and maybe physically too?) that which no longer serves a role in our lives, we are given more space and energy to put into our seedlings.

Summer Solstice is also known as Litha. It is one of the 8 Sabbats for practicing Witches. (Sabbats are like the high holidays for Witches and Wiccans). It’s a day when some pagans believe the veil between this world and the faerie world is thinnest…so as you acknowledge the sunrise/sunset on this day, watch for the faeries in your gardens, put out a plate of offerings for them, ensure they have water outside too. As a cautionary note, do not invite these mischievous creatures into your home…although they mean you no harm, their sense of fun tends to not mix with our modern ways of living and they can quickly become a daily disruptive presence for you and your family.

If you plan on conjuring spells on this important day, here are a few suggestions to integrate into your practice: Fire is definitely a must as Fire represents the Sun. Therefore yellows, oranges and reds figure prominently. Fresh cut flowers and the fruits of the season should also be used. The scents used should be fresh and natural, including some of the sweeter more flowery scents. Stay away from heavier scents like cinnamon, clove or sage. Sage is best for later in the summer and cinnamon or clove best reserved for autumn. Scents like basil, lavender, ginger, honeysuckle and rose are all spring like and light. Mint is also a positive addition. Rocks or gems are Sunstone, Orange Calcite, Carnelian, Citrine, Amber, Tiger’s Eye, Ruby and Garnet.

Another little project that can be done on summer solstice is hanging sun-catchers on a tree or building / creating a scare crow. Both of these projects are fun for the kids too and have an added bonus; both projects will help to ward off those pesky birds who like to steal and meddle with our future harvest.

Finally, reflect on this wonderfully long day, spend time with yourself and with family…spend a few moments in gratitude today.

In Love and Light