The Summer Solstice is an important event celebrated by Wiccans and other pagan traditions. Also known as Litha, this solstice marks the longest day of the year and the start of summer. Wiccans believe that the power of the Sun is at its peak during this time, making it a sacred and auspicious occasion. One of the key traditions observed during the Summer Solstice is the lighting of bonfires. These fires symbolize the Sun's energy and are believed to bring purification and protection. Wiccans gather around the bonfire to perform rituals, chant, and dance.
Wiccans gather around the bonfire to perform rituals, chant, and dance. It is a time of joy and celebration, as well as a chance to connect with nature and the divine. Another important aspect of the Summer Solstice is the honoring of nature and the Earth's cycles.
7 Small But Powerful Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
It is the longest day and the shortest night of the year, the beginning of summer, and an annual event steeped in mystical tradition. “The summer solstice is honored in several ancient cultures as the union between heaven and earth,” explains Brooklyn-based energy healer Emily Mikaelah. “As we emerge out of the spring—where we were in a period of renewal, birthing new ideas, and shedding the icy layers of the shadow months—we slowly grow into summer, a time of manifestation and the ripening of the fruit.” So, while the extra daylight hours may seem like an excellent excuse to indulge in an extra Aperol spritz or two, remember that it’s an even better time to set intentions and make goals for the rest of the year. Here, a handful of experts share some favorite small rituals for doing just that.
Cast a Spell
Lisa Lister, a third-generation witch, recommends this spell for protection, healing, empowering, and revitalizing: Create a pouch for psychic dreams; put mugwort [a visionary herb] and bay leaves [often associated with the sun] in a piece of yellow material [the color of the sun]; sew it up with red thread [the color of action and fire]; and place it under your pillow. “This is one of my Nanna’s spells,” she says. “I know this one works. I’ve done it myself, and I still do it.”
Rise Early
Watching the sun come up is a powerful reminder of nature’s cycles—the ones we so often take for granted. “Wake up early with the sun. Watch her rise,” recommends Lisa Levine of the Brooklyn healing center Maha Rose. “When the sun is low in the sky, you can stare into her. Fill your eyes and your body with her light.”
Make a Solar Elixir
Traditionally, elderflowers are associated with the summer solstice as they are in the peak bloom in many parts of the world around late June. Some pagan traditions recommend creating a cordial with elderflowers or a cocktail infused with the petals. Alternatively, you could create a soothing a elixir with chamomile, as recommended by the team at New York’s Alchemist's Kitchen: Brew chamomile tea and add a dash of cinnamon and ginger. The cool the tea and serve over ice, if desired. The team also recommends adding a couple of drops of Oil of Gold “to really make it magical.”
Express Gratitude
“Give thanks for the sun, for the light of the sun, for the life that comes from the sun,” recommends Levine. “Write the sun a love letter: ‘Thank you, light, for the life you give to the plants, the animals, and to me.” Next, show gratitude to yourself, too. “Take the time to honor your own inner light and it’s expansion over your shadows, and hold gratitude for your recent journey,” advises Mikaelah. “Remembering that honoring the quiet times of transition in between is just as valuable to our self-care as doing the work, and that not every flower in the garden blooms at the same time.”
Check In With Yourself
Mikaelah also says that the solstice is a chance to reflect on projects or ideas that have been sizzling in the pot since spring. “Energetically, it’s a great time for a check-in. Take the time to ask yourself, ‘What progress has been made on my dreams?’ and ‘Have I been doing my part to make them come into fruition?’ The fruit is ripening soon, and we want to pick it off the branch when it’s at its peak.”
Host a Gathering
But instead of your usual booze-fueled summer soiree, this one should be powered by your own energy. “Keep it high-vibration. Don’t mix alcohol or drugs with crystals and meditation. They don’t really go together,” says Levine. “If you are going to get high through intention and ceremony, stick to that high. A summer solstice gathering is different than a party. If you want to serve something, serve chocolate and kombucha.”
Unleash Your Spirit
“The summer solstice is our annual opportunity to take advantage of the abundance of light that can help us release burdens, doubts, and fears, so we can become just a little freer,” explains Kim Krans of The Wild Unknown. “The most basic way to honor the sun is to be in it—soak it up, sing, dance, or create,” Krans says. Mikaelah agrees: “This is a great time of year to dive into your inner child: Does it have any messages of wisdom for you? Perhaps a reminder to never lose sight of the magic in each day. And my personal favorite message: Remember to play.”
Honey and honeybees are one of my favorite symbols of the solstice. There is just something so simple and yet luxurious about a delicious, golden spoonful of honey.
Wiccans often create altars adorned with flowers, herbs, and other plants that are in full bloom during this time of year. These altars serve as a focal point for meditation, spellwork, and offerings to the gods and goddesses associated with the Sun and nature. In addition to honoring the Sun, Wiccans also pay tribute to the element of fire during the Summer Solstice. Fire is seen as a transformative force, representing passion, creativity, and purification. Many Wiccans perform rituals that involve jumping over small bonfires or candles to symbolize leaving behind the old and embracing personal growth and transformation. The Summer Solstice is also a time for divination and reflection. Wiccans may use various tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors to gain insights and guidance for the coming months. It is believed that during this solstice, the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin, making it an ideal time for seeking wisdom and connecting with higher powers. Overall, the Summer Solstice holds great significance for Wiccans as a time of abundance, energy, and spiritual growth. It is a time to honor the Sun, nature, and the cycles of life. Through rituals, celebrations, and moments of introspection, Wiccans embrace the energy of this solstice to bring positivity, renewal, and blessings into their lives..
Reviews for "The Blessings of the Oak King: Wiccan Lore for the Summer Solstice"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars:
I was really disappointed with the Summer Solstice Wiccan Traditions book. The author seemed more focused on promoting their own beliefs rather than providing helpful information. The rituals and practices mentioned were overly complicated and not practical for someone new to Wicca. Additionally, the book lacked depth and failed to provide any real insights into the significance of the Summer Solstice. Overall, I do not recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about Wiccan traditions.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars:
I found Summer Solstice Wiccan Traditions to be quite lacking in substance. The content felt repetitive and shallow, without offering any unique perspectives or valuable insights. The author seemed to rely heavily on generic information that can be found through a simple internet search. Furthermore, the book lacked clear organization, making it difficult to follow along with the suggested rituals and practices. It could have benefited from a more thorough and in-depth approach to explaining the symbolism and traditions associated with the Summer Solstice.
3. Robert - 2 out of 5 stars:
As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was disappointed with the Summer Solstice Wiccan Traditions book. The information provided was basic and did not offer anything new or interesting. It felt like a rehash of common knowledge without any original or thought-provoking insights. Additionally, the suggested rituals and practices lacked depth and seemed more like a checklist rather than something meaningful and spiritual. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a more profound understanding of Wiccan traditions.