Simple rituals for the Summer Solstice

"As the sun spirals its longest dance, cleanse us.

As nature shows bounty and fertility, bless us.

Let all things live with loving intent and to their truest destiny”

The Summer Solstice marks the official start of summer for the northern hemisphere (the southern hemisphere won’t celebrate their solstice until December).

Today we will see more daylight than any other day, with the sun not setting until approx. 9:21pm.

In many far northern regions of the world such as Alaska, Norway, Finland and Greenland, today marks the time when they experience the “Midnight Sun” - this is where there are 24 hours of sunlight.

And in the Arctic Circle the sun doesn’t set at all!

Today is a day where the full warmth and abundance of the sun's energy and nature is in full flow. It’s the end of spring and the beginning of the height of summer.

The solstice is celebrated by many different cultures and in many different ways.

Here are just a few ideas to help you celebrate this important time in the pagan calendar:

Go for a barefoot walk in nature

Soak up the sun's energies and at the same time gain the healing energies of the earth too!

Walk barefoot and flood your body vitamin D with healing electrons from the Earth.

What’s not to love about any of that?!

Pick elderflower

The Elder tree is an ancient and hugely sacred tree to witches and pagans alike.

Considered the “ladies tree”, it has huge magickal and protective properties which you can find more about here.

Pick some elderflowers to make a delicious syrup and use it in Prosecco (or champagne if you’re posh!) and enjoy the traditional taste of summer.

But be sure to ask permission before you pick the flowers from her tree - taking without asking is frowned upon and is frankly just rude!

Bake fresh Focaccia bread to share with family and friends

Decorate it with edible herbs and wild flowers such as Herb Robert, rosemary, thyme, wild garlic and clover for a colourful, and tasty summer treat.

Have it with dips and wine as you sit outside and celebrate the sun.

Light those fires!

It’s traditional to end the solstice celebrations with a bonfire. Throw dried herbs such as sage, cloves and lavender or burn Palo Santo wood, and bless your garden and/or crops with the cleansing smoke of the solstice.

However you decide to celebrate, an alcoholic beverage is a must, so cheers to a warm, sunny and bright summer for us all!

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