Summer Solstice's Soulful Celebration

Photo by Pedro Lastra on Unsplash

I know it's a little corny to call the solstice the soul-stice, but this June I'm feeling a little bit corny!

June 21st is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, and the first day of Cancer season.

It is the longest day and the shortest night of the year, creating beautiful opportunities for ritual, celebration and harvest. We honor the light, and look toward the dark on the Summer Solstice. We acknowledging that even as summer blazes forth, we are still marching toward colder days and longer nights.

The Southern Hemisphere is moving through their Winter Solstice, or Yule, today. They are bowing to the light on the shortest day of their year, also integrating and coming into wholeness in a totally different way.

I shared back in January that 2024 is an '8' year, meaning we'll go in one way and we'll come out with another perspective ∞

For me, I came into this year with a lot of energy and some major goals for expansion. January and February were alright, but I can be honest, March was tough and April was brutal. Now, midway through June, I am feeling that expansion return.

The Solstice is a good time to check in with yourself and ask, how are you feeling energetically now vs January?

On the Wheel of the Year, the Summer Solstice is known as Litha, and it's a fire celebration.

In Tarot, we look to the suit of the Wands to explore our fire energy. The biggest lesson when working with the Wands is to learn how we can keep our energy flowing in support of our passions.

It takes a lot of energy to follow your passion. It takes even more work to deny your authentic self and sacrifice joy for fear.

2024 is a year that will require us to keep our energy strong and dedicate ourselves to what truly calls our soul forward. This is a Strength year in Tarot, a card in which we shift from asking, "Is it right?" to "Is it right for me?"

To help you make the most of this energetic expansion, I've got five suggestions for ways to make this Solstice a celebration of your soul and a fuel source for your passions.

Photo by Allison Heine on Unsplash

5 Soul Celebration Rituals for the Summer Solstice:

1) Sunrise Meditation or Yoga: Begin the day with a sunrise meditation or yoga session outdoors. Find a peaceful spot where you can witness the first rays of sunlight and feel connected to the earth awakening. This practice can help you set intentions for the season ahead and align yourself with the energy of the solstice. I like this one from Boho Beautiful.

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

2) Create a Nature Mandala or an Alter: Spend time in nature collecting natural materials like flowers, leaves, herbs, and stones. Use these to create a mandala or artwork on the ground, focusing on symmetry and beauty. This artistic expression not only connects you with nature but also serves as a symbolic representation of balance and harmony.

Photo Credit: Childhood by Nature

3) Light a Bonfire and Host a Drum Circle: Gather friends or community members for an evening bonfire. Drumming circles around the fire can create a rhythmic and soulful atmosphere, encouraging participants to let go of negativity and welcome positive energy. Share stories, sing songs, and celebrate the longest day of the year together. If a bonfire isn't safe in your area, light candles instead.

Photo by Kimson Doan on Unsplash

4) Soulful Reflection and Journaling: Find a quiet place outdoors, such as a garden or a peaceful spot in the woods. Take time to reflect on the past months and journal about your experiences, growth, and goals. Write down what you're grateful for and set intentions for the rest of the summer. This introspective activity allows you to connect deeply with your inner self and the rhythms of nature.

If you created a Vision Board at the beginning of the year, take some time to revisit it. Put a gold star on the visions that you have brought to life and meditate on what you would still like to see for your future self.

Photo Credit: Author

5) Feast on Seasonal Foods: Prepare a feast using seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Honey is a popular ingredient in recipes for Litha, as it represents the sweetness of the season and was used to make mead.

Incorporate ingredients that are abundant during the summer solstice, such as berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like basil and mint. Enjoy the meal outdoors if possible, savoring each bite mindfully and appreciating the nourishment provided by the earth during this abundant time of year.

Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash

I'm sending out love this Solstice, Litha, Cancer Season, and for the Full Strawberry Moon in Capricorn!

Whatever you are doing to stay present in your life, show up for yourself, and follow your heart, I salute you.