Jess

Book of Shadows

June 19, 2024

The summer solstice, which typically occurs around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, holds immense significance across cultures. It marks the longest day and shortest night of the year and astronomically, it’s the point when the Earth’s tilt makes the sun reach its highest northern position in the sky.

Historically, the summer solstice served as a crucial guide for agricultural societies. It signaled the peak of sunlight hours, which is vital for plant growth and crop yields. Farmers would use the solstice as a marker to determine planting and harvesting times, ensuring optimal harvests.

Perhaps the most iconic example of a solstice celebration site is Stonehenge in England. This prehistoric monument aligns with the sunrise on the summer solstice, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Archaeologists believe it served as a gathering place for ancient people to mark the transition to summer and honor the sun’s power.

Across Europe, vibrant Midsummer festivals erupt around the summer solstice. Often referred to as St. John’s Day, these celebrations are filled with joy and merriment. Bonfires blaze throughout the night, accompanied by music, dancing, and feasting. Traditional customs include jumping over bonfires for purification and fertility, crowning a May Queen or King (symbols of fertility and growth), and adorning homes with flowers and greenery.

There are countless ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Let’s dive into my top 6 favorite ways to celebrate!

One of my most cherished ways to celebrate the Solstice is by setting an alarm for just before dawn. I love to prepare a steaming cup of my favorite tea or coffee, then I grab a light, cozy blanket and make my way to the porch. As I settle in, I await the sunrise, greeting the emerging sun with a warm smile and a soft hello. The stillness of the early morning provides the perfect atmosphere for journaling and meditation, allowing me to savor the tranquility and embrace the sense of renewal that comes with the new day.
I highly recommend sitting outside if you have the opportunity, as there is something truly special about breathing in the crisp, refreshing morning air and witnessing the glow of the horizon as it gradually transforms into daylight.
Even if you’re not an early riser or happen to miss your alarm, you can still partake in this mindful ritual of celebrating the sun. Take a few moments to engage in meditative breathing and offer a heartfelt good morning, afternoon, or evening greeting to the Sun, embracing the beauty and energy it brings to each day.

Remember to apply sunscreen before heading outside and spend some quality time soaking up the sun’s rays to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, which can help boost your mood and energy levels. Consider inviting friends over for a relaxing cookout outside. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, today is the perfect opportunity to practice yoga outside and pay homage to the sun with a series of Sun Salutations.
No matter what your interests are, today is the day to indulge in them outdoors. You might want to prepare your garden for the upcoming season, go for a scenic hike, unleash your creativity with some outdoor painting, or enjoy playful activities with your children. Alternatively, you could simply relax with a good book or have fun blowing bubbles in the fresh air.
Have you ever heard of forest bathing? If you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by trees, take a blanket, find a peaceful spot by your favorite tree, and immerse yourself in nature. Take deep breaths, listen to the sounds of the forest, and revel in the abundance of oxygen. Another delightful option is to embrace a tree with a heartfelt hug.
Take this opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature and revel in the beauty that surrounds you.
Enjoy Nature!

One traditional way to celebrate the Summer Solstice is by having a bonfire. This is a way to honor the Sun, which is hot and cleansing like fire.

This is a wonderful time to invite friends over for a barbecue and relax around the fire, or even dance around it for some extra fun! If you would rather celebrate in solidarity, this is a perfect time to do cleansing work. A way to do this is to sit by the fire, reflect on the past year, and write down things that no longer serve you. Then, you can read them aloud or to yourself and toss them into the fire, letting go of anything that zaps your energy.

It’s important to take some time to connect with the energy of the sun and engage in meditation, whether it’s outdoors or in a sunny spot in your home. This is an ideal moment to pause, take deep breaths, and set intentions for the remainder of the year. If traditional meditation methods don’t resonate with you, don’t worry! Meditation has evolved to encompass a variety of techniques. For instance, walking meditation is an excellent alternative. You can also engage in activities that bring peace and tranquility and use them as part of your meditative practice.

What complements meditation perfectly? Setting intentions! Meditation often brings about clarity and a sense of inner quiet that aligns your heart and mind. Utilize this time to reflect on the year so far, identify what isn’t working, and determine what you would like to focus on moving forward. Write down your thoughts and start making plans.

Creating crafts is a simple way to celebrate the Summer Solstice (and a way to get your children more involved!) If you enjoy crafts then this section is perfect for you, especially if you have limited time! Here are some quick and easy crafts perfect for the summer solstice:

A Summer Solstice would not be complete without a few recipes to enjoy! I added a few of my favorite (and mostly herbal) treats to eat during the hot summer days. A couple of these do take at least a day, before enjoying due to setting and infusing so plan accordingly.