Refresh Your Spirit with a Summer Solstice Celebration

Refresh Your Spirit with a Summer Solstice Celebration

 

Today is the Summer Solstice or “Litha” which is the longest day of the year. In Pagan culture, the Sun God is at the height of his virility and the sun is at its most grand state. Celebrations surrounding the Summer Solstice have a long-term history. The June Solstice was a time traditionally used to organize calendars and serve as a marker in the planting and the harvesting of crops. In ancient China, the summer solstice is a celebration of the Earth, femininity, and the “yin” forces. For China, this is the compliment to the Winter Solstice that is a celebration of the masculine, the sky, and “yang” forces.

 

 

 

 

There are so many solstice observances around the globe celebrated in immeasurable ways. Today, New Age groups throughout the world gather at Stonehenge for this miraculous occasion. Here in the states, the Summer Solstice may mean a trip to the beach, a family get together or going to one of the local music, art, or food festivals. Persons focused on environmentalism find this a perfect day to give awareness to the public about using natural light as energy. It is also The National Day of Yoga and this certainly has turned into a global event. What a great way to celebrate the solstice! Sun Salutations anyone? I'm in!

 

 

 

 

As we find ourselves at Mid-Summer it is also a great time to purge the old, bring in the new and celebrate with the natural forces that surround us giving us a fresh outlook on life, replenishing our energy and our well-being. Keep in mind that celebrating now is important. This day is also our transition day as we begin our descent to shorter days. Even if you cannot do an entire day of fun in the sun or celebrate with a bonfire you can establish sacred space and work in prayer, meditation or gratitude and still serve your day and refresh your spirit. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some ways to celebrate:

 

1.         Plant

2.         Join an outdoor Yoga event

3.         Start a new Yoga or exercise program | Get Started with a New Yoga Kit

4.         Today choose to eat vegetarian or vegan | Vegan Recipies

5.         Walk barefoot and ground to the earth (earthing)

6.         Host a bonfire at night...after all, this is a celebration of the sun to the sun!

7.         Join a group mediation observing this day

8.         Smudge your house and office to cleanse the air

9.         Work with Candle Energy | Blog Insight

10.       Do meditation or ritual observing the sun | Use Incense

11.       Host a feast with music and art dedicated to the Sun | Use Singing Bowls

12.       Host a Drum Circle

13.       Dedicate your time to a rescue

14.       Dedicate your time to a shelter

15.       Observe Nature

16.       Use the Following Prayer

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a Beautiful Summer Solstice Prayer I am using this Year and found at the Site listed below:

(Posted on June 9, 2012, by Molly.  https://goddesspriestess.com/2012/06/09/summer-solstice-prayer/)

 

 

A Prayer of Healing

 

“From the United Nations Environmental Sabbath

We come together this Summer Solstice under old oak trees, nurtured by the ground, the living green grass under our feet, to honor the longest day of the year. We see the pain of the Earth, the devastation of Her body. But today we celebrate Her. We say Prayers of Healing, for the world and for all Her children.

 

We join with the earth and with each other.

To celebrate the seas.

To rejoice the sunlight.

To sing the song of the stars.

We join with the earth and with each other.

To recall our destiny.

To renew our spirits.

To reinvigorate our bodies.

We join with the earth and with each other.

To create the human community.

To promote justice and peace.

To remember our children.

We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery: for the healing of the earth and the renewal of all life.

We join with the earth and with each other.

To bring new life to the land.

To restore the waters.

To refresh the air.

We join with the earth and with each other.

To renew the forests.

To care for the plants.

To protect the creatures.”

 

 

How Do You Celebrate?

 

To your good health on this beautiful Summer Solstice Day!