On June 21st, 2024 the sun rises on the longest day of the whole year.

The summer solstice has finally arrived! And even though it probably feels like the weather hs only just begun to warm up, this is the highest point of the wheel of the year.

It’s a day when the Earth seems to stand still on her axis, before the first half of the year tips into the next. This overriding sense of presence, plus the extra light makes it one of the BEST times in the entire calendar to do something a little different.

Whether you feel like gathering with friends, spending quiet time in nature, or embracing traditional festivities, there are SO many ways people celebrate midsummer.

When you join in, you’re participating in a legacy as old as civilization itself.

Ancient Summer Solstice Traditions and Origins

Imagine standing within the mystic circle of Stonehenge on the longest day of the year, feeling the same anticipation that the ancients must have felt. In the Northern hemisphere, humans have marked midsummer for aeons, with virtually all ancient civilizations

• Ancient Egyptians: In ancient Egypt, temples were aligned with the solstice sunrise, paying homage to the sun god Ra.

• Ancient Greeks: In ancient Greece, the summer solstice was the first day of the calendar year, and occurred exactly one month before the Olympic Games began.

• Ancient Romans: Held the festival of Vestalia a week before the solstice, honoring the goddess Vesta just prior to the longest day of the year

• Ancient Chinese: The Summer Solstice was the earliest festival recognized in ancient China. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s believed to be when Yang(阳) energy was at it’s strongest for the entire year.

• Ancient Druids: Celebrated the festival of Alban Hefin, marking the apex of the sun’s power and the beginning of the harvest season.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the Winter solstice

While the Northern Hemisphere is basking in the light, don’t forget that the Southern Hemisphere experiences its own winter solstice, as the annual cycles are reversed.

From building bonfires to cosy feasts, head here for winter solstice celebration ideas…

13 Heartwarming rituals to celebrate the summer solstice

As a time of celebration and joy, why not make embracing the fullness of life a shared experience? Gather with friends to honour the day and step into nature’s embrace for a truly vibrant celebration.

1. Rise with the Sun

Rise with him, and set with him too… honour the day in its entirety.

As the sun proudly traces its longest path across the sky, honour its journey by taking note of where our celestial king travels through the day.

• Sunrise: Rise early and find a clear view to greet the dawn.

• Sunset: Select a tranquil spot, maybe beneath a tree branch, to witness the day’s serene closure.

. The sunrise and sunset are not just beautiful displays; they are cosmic markers of time, deeply interwoven with the energy of Summer Solstice.

2. Sun gaze

Only ever sungaze at sunrise and/or sunset! This is because as you gaze at the Sun through the Earth’s atmosphere, only rays of the lowest ultra-violet index are visible. Be very careful, and just gaze for a few seconds at a time, unless you are well-practiced.

Sungazing is an ancient practice known to bring clarity and connection and is believed to help decalcify the pineal gland and reduce our dependence on food for energy.  If you’re interested then seek out more information. The documentary Eat the Sun is a great place to start.

But for Solstice, it can be a beautiful momentary practice to greet the longest day.

3. Sun salutations and yoga rituals

If you’re a yoga lover, kickstart your day with a series of Sun Salutations to honour the sun’s peak. As you greet the sunrise with a grateful heart, imagine people all around the world doing the same.

4. Morning dew ritual

In the hushed light of dawn, take a barefoot walk in the morning dew. This simple act can be a profoundly grounding ritual – the cool, wet grass under your feet will awaken your senses and symbolize a fresh start.

5. Gather herbs

Tap into the ancient wisdom of the Celts by gathering sacred herbs like St. John’s wort or lavender. Ensure that the act of gathering is a ritual in itself by giving thanks to Mother Earth.

Bind herb bundles to hang in your home, or make smudging sticks to use later in the year.

• Lavender: Soothe your senses with this fragrant herb.
• Mint: Add a refreshing zest to your summer beverages.
• Rose: Embrace love and beauty by incorporating roses in your décor.
• Chamomile: Wind down with the calming effects of chamomile.

Break the day up with an herb garden exploration, picking lavender, rose, or any local herbs, and learning about their uses and solstice significance.

6. Make a solstice tea infusion

Fill a large glass jar with a lid (like a mason jar) with clean fresh water and a few handfuls of whatever edible herbs and flowers you want to infuse. Gorgeous additions could be mint, lemon verbena, chamomile, or hibiscus flowers.  Add tea leaves or bags if you like too.

Screw on the lid, and leave in the direct sunlight for 3 -5 hours, or until your infusion has reached the right strength for you.

Your tea will contain wonderfully invigorating energetic codes, absorbed directly from the Sun.  Many herbs also release their vital minerals and nutrients over a longer period (such as raspberry leaves) so you’ll get extra goodness with a longer steep.

Add a little honey, slices of lemon, or ice if you prefer celebrating with cooler infusion.

Enjoy!

7. Host an outdoor feast

Set up a long table under the sky and invite your friends and family over for a gorgeous midsummer night’s dream-inspired dinner. Hang twinkling lights in the trees, and lay a beautiful tablecloth spread with fare that celebrates the bounty of the season.

Think fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies.

8. Bring your people together

Celebrate the longest day of the year with heartwarming group rituals. Day or night, celebrating with others amplifies the good vibes!

There’s no need to get new agey with it – simply organize a low-key bonfire and encourage everyone to join in with the celebrations by sharing stories, playing music and dancing. Or do something else together – an evening ramble, a barbeque on the beach, dancing under the stars… togetherness is the key.

9. Light a community bonfire

Bonfires are a central element of Midsummer’s Eve. As you gather with friends, family and neighbours, you’ll begin to feel the collective heartbeat of your community with every crackle and pop of the flames.

Not just ordinary fires, solstice bonfires are a tribute to the power of the sun at its peak.

Feel the warmth on your skin and the togetherness in the air as you celebrate midsummer with friends and loved ones.

10. Write a gratitude list

What have you manifested so far this year?  Spend some time revisiting the past six months and bring to mind all the blessings you can count.

Give gratitude to the Sun for being the ultimate life-giver and enabling your journey!

11. Create a flower crown

Dive into your artistic side and make a flower crown that embodies the essence of midsummer.

Select flowers that hold meaning to you and weave them together as you set intentions for the season. Make it a celebration of your life!

Remember – crafting isn’t just a solitary activity, so invite friends over for a creative workshop and feel the connection grow as strong as the summer sunlight.

12. Engage in meditation and mindfulness

All day long, try to drop into deep presence, connecting with the sacredness of the moment.

At sunrise, take a moment to feel the sun’s warmth and pause to meditate on the vibrancy you’re being offered.

Picture the light dissolving any negativity, filling you with clarity and vitality. Allow the sunshine to be a source of nourishment for your soul, fueling your enlightenment and growth.

13. Build a summer solstice altar

Building a personal altar is a meaningful way to connect with the essence of the summer solstice. Your altar can also serve as a focal point for your intentions and gratitude. To craft your altar:

• Select a spot: Pick a quiet corner or a dedicated space in your home.
• Arrange intentional items: Place items that resonate with the solstice, such as candles, or crystals. Include elements of nature like seashells, feathers, and summer flowers. Also add seasonal symbols such as figures or images representing the sun and the energy of growth and abundance.
• Bless and awaken your altar: Sing, rattle or pray over your altar, invoking spiritual allies and even Summer gods or goddesses if you feel to.

Whether you choose to greet the dawn bleery-eyed, or dance around a bonfire until well after dark, honouring the sun’s movements with solstice celebrations reminds us of the richness that life offers.

Your summer solstice rituals and midsummer celebrations are a passport to an enchanted season of growth and strength.