The Summer Solstice signals a turn in the wheel of the year – the time of the year where we have the longest day and the shortest night. This year, in the southern hemisphere it falls on Friday, December 22nd and I couldn’t think of a more perfect end to a busy week/year than to celebrate the blessings of the solstice. If you are more interested in the physical aspect of the summer solstice here’s some more info on astrological dates for the year and the sunrise and setting the times and dates in Australia this year.
What this time of year represents:
At the solstice the sun reaches its most southerly point in the sky. There is a sacred union where the earth is richly giving forth, supporting the flowering & fruiting of the plants under the sun’s full attention. Consequently it is considered a very masculine time of the year as for most cultures the sun represents the masculine (moon the feminine).
Masculine energy is that of outward expression, being active and “out there” in our daily activities and with the abundance of light this makes sense; we are more inclined to be out and about celebrating the season.
What if this is not a joyous time?
If you are not feeling enjoyment at this time and the sense of fullness (in terms of so much going on in your life), is overwhelming, that’s OK too. It is also important to acknowledge your true feelings and not try to manufacture something that isn’t real for you. There is a benefit in taking time to:
- reflect on what you do have;
- acknowledging what creates happiness; and
- the things in your life that you are grateful for right here and now.
Reflect on what it is you would like to bring into your life to support yourself being open, optimistic and able to embrace the fullness of life. If stopping to reflect brings up uncofortable feelings it is important to be OK with that.
Sitting with your emotions rather than pushing them away can be extremely helpful – even journalling can help release some internal angst. After some time reflecting, it is a good idea to reach out to a friend or someone who is willing to listen. Lifeline, is a great option if you feel like you don’t have anyone else to talk to.
What’s happening in the Northern Hemisphere?
At the same time as acknowledging our full summer solstice, we recognise that on the opposite side of the earth it is the winter solstice, where there may not be so much exuberant and energetic action as that in the southern hemisphere. Metaphorically we can equate this to our own lives – sometimes we are so caught up in one side – what is happening within ourselves, that we forget there is an opposite aspect. We don’t live in isolation: we are part of a whole eco-system and it’s important to recognise that we aren’t always going to feel the way we think we “should” or feel the way those around us are feeling. That’s all part of making up the whole, after all – without the sun, we can’t see the moon! Another point to journal on or discuss in a group.
How to create a ceremony or acknowledgement?
Creating a sacred space to celebrate this time of year helps to bring a sense of importance and focus. It can be in your backyard, or on your balcony or even your desk/dinner table.
A good way to start is to place a candle and light it to recognise the cardinal points on the compass and what they represent:
NORTH – represented by the element of FIRE – the height of the season
WEST – represented by the element of WATER & the long rays of afternoon light – of the sun
SOUTH – represented by the EARTH element – a place of mystery, where the sun’s light doesn’t reach
EAST – represented by the element of AIR – the rising sun, warmth, growth & the promise of new beginnings, just revealing themselves.
You can start by acknowledging the light of the sun, and all its benefits (in a group speak aloud from the notes above and ideas from those in the group). Then go around the group and acknowledge the light within us. Each person can say one thing about ourselves that we think is a shining brightness and others can also add to that.
Follow this by acknowledging the fullness and blessing that exist within our lives: relationships, family, career, creativity, health, inner well-being, etc.
An activity to seal the ritual – whether in a group of by yourself is to create a mandala. I like to use food or items from nature, so they can be biodegradable and cause a flow on effect to benefit the earth and it’s creatures (things like dried lentils and split peas can be a fabulous offering to the local birds or other native animals).
Chanting, singing or humming a tune that’s bright and uplifting can also help boost the mood whilst you are creating your mandala.
Once the mandala is complete – take a step back, reflect on what you have created and (if in a group talk about it with others) journal or meditate.
Lastly you (or each person in the group) can write/speak about what they plan to do to shine their light more or how to bring abundance into their lives – writing down an intention for the next season of the year.
Closing the ceremony:
If on your own – a meditation or free writing, allowing any creative thoughts and ideas to bubble to the surface and giving gratitude to the elements.
If in a group discuss how the activity made each person feel and perhaps throw a few words out to create a sentence that can speak about the greater feeling of connection with the Sun, the Earth and/or Nature.
Other ceremonial ideas on own or in groups
For me I like to spend some time alone to journal and reflect. Here are some prompts for you, but you may have others:
- What was the happiest moment of the year?
- How have I grown my relationship(s) this year? – can be professionally, socially and personally
- Health – What has improved/grown in this area for me this year?
- Fun and outward expression – What are my favourite things to do?
- Have I spent time doing these and other things I love?
- Food and diet – Where has the abundance shown up in this area?
- Is this something I want to continue or do I want to create abundance in another food type?
- Nature – How would I describe my relationship with Nature this year?
- Have I enjoyed and soaked up natural energy?
- Is this something I would like to do more/less of – how can I fit this into my life?
You don’t have to do this all at once, It can sometimes help to draw up a table and at Summer Solstice, write about all the abundance you have, then after Christmas find some time to reflect on areas you would like to spend more time and effort in. This can even be a kick start to your plans for next year (without having the burden of making resolutions).
I’d love to hear how you get on – please send me a message to let me know what you did to acknowledge and celebrate this time of year.
MIDSUMMER BLESSINGS TO YOU, Mardi xx
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