The earth is always in movement, as is the rest of the cosmos. The earth spins around the sun, giving us the experience of the Yearly Calendar. The Earth also spins on itself, which creates the experience of day and night. As well as this movement, the North and South poles move in one direction for half of the year and in the other direction the other half. This is why in the Southern Hemisphere, Winter and Summer are opposite to Summer and Winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Twice a year the Earth reaches its tipping point in one direction and the days (the hours of sunlight exposure), either begin to lengthen or shorten.
This movement of the planet we live on is an opportunity to check in with ourselves, connect with the energies available at these transition times and decide on how and where we want to direct our energy in the coming cycle.
About the Solstice
The 21st of June is the moment when the earth’s tilt reaches its tipping point, bringing the northern hemisphere closest to the sun and the southern hemisphere furthest to the sun. This results in the longest day of the year for those of us in the northern part of the world and the shortest day for those in the southern part.
Although this date is also known as ‘Midsummer’ above the equator and ‘Midwinter’ below the equator and it may indeed feel more like we are “in the middle of it”, than at the end or the beginning of anything. Astrologically speaking, it is the end of a 6 month cycle where days have been getting longer or shorter depending on where you are, and the beginning of another 6 month cycle where the opposite will begin to happen.
And why does this matter?
Simply put: The macro and the micro are directly linked or in other words as the Earth shifts so do we. This planetary transition from darkness to light (for those of us in the north) is associated with death and rebirth and is a great time to consider what parts of ourselves must die for a new version of ourselves to come into existence.
Autumn is symbolic of ripening, harvest, and abundance; while winter is a symbol of decay, decline, old age and death. As we gently begin our journey towards the autumn equinox (23rd Sep) we can celebrate this time of plenty and consider how we can begin our preparation for the longer nights to come.
Summer Solstice Rituals
Human beings around the world have practiced rituals for thousands of years. We can see ritual depictions on the most ancient cave paintings known to mankind. A powerful reminder that we are ritualistic beings.
Rituals don’t have to look any particular way, though we may want to include some of these practices:
Make an altar or refresh your altar
Watch the sun rise and/or the sunset
Watching the sunrise and or the sunset is a wonderful way to connect with the magic of life on earth.
Make a fire
Making a fire and sitting with it is an ancestral way of connecting with the energy of the fire element, referred to as grandfather fire in many indigenous traditions.
The fire element is symbol of transformation.
Be sure to give thanks for the trees and use this time with the fire to give thanks for the abundance of mother earth.
Set Your Intentions for the coming cycle
Possible reflection questions:
- What were the blessings and the challenges of the past 6 months?
- What do I want to release for this coming cycle?
- What do I want to nurture for this cycle?
Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature is always a great idea of course.
But particularly around these dates,
Sing and dance
Singing and dancing have been part of celebrations for eons.
Today is a great day to sing your heart out or dance like nobody’s watching to celebrate life.
Finally I’d like to share with you a crystal bowl sound bath I recorded yesterday at sunrise. You can find it here.
I hope these ideas are helpful for anyone who would like to celebrate this special date.
Thank you for reading,
With Love,
Melissa
Yogibee 