If you haven’t already noticed, the days have been growing longer. The remnants of winter are melting away as we approach the summer solstice.
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. It’s like a spiritual awakening after the cosy inward focused days of winter.
This year, it falls on Saturday 20 June. At the perfect moment as lockdown measures are easing, the worlds mysterious wonders are at work. Honestly, we could all do with some summer-loving after so much time indoors.
And there’s no time like the present.
Whilst the world draws closer back towards the sun, we stretch out of ourselves. We can emerge with a fresh sense of self after a year of planning and mentally caring for ourselves. Basking in a warm glow of the sun’s energy.
Both solstices offer a spiritual and fulfilling way to reconnect with life’s natural plan.
Again, it’s more than a scientific phenomenon. It’s a deeply spiritual experience that’s been historically celebrated. So old that ancient monuments were built to align with the sun during the solstice.
One of the most popular of them all is Stonehenge’s 5,000-year-old stone circle in Wiltshire, England. It’s an iconic and famed location to celebrate the solstice and is being streamed live for the first time this year.
Although the solstice signifies the start of summer, it usually occurs halfway through. Which is why it’s normally regarded as a midsummer celebration.
Many gather in celebration for the midsummer festivities. It marks the beginning of a new cycle of life to enjoy. To shine light of everything you love in your life and embrace the endless opportunities waiting ahead.
Many cultures identify it with the celebration of natures bounty. It typically falls between the planting and harvesting of crops. Practically stamping a reputation of the world being at the height of agricultural fertility.
Associating the celebration with growth and survival. To put yourself and your welling first. You’ve had the time to reflect, now is the time to do. All the things you wish to do can be done.
Acknowledge all the potential you have. Use to it to bring something good to your life. Get excited for what the future is holding for you- grab it and go!
This day is about re-energizing yourself. About soaking in all the goodness the sun has to give. The winter solstice was about putting together plans and reflection. Now it’s time to celebrate and emerge out of that warm wintery blanket.
Midsummer is the ideal celebration to embrace everything that you love about life. To take that energy and inspire yourself, to be uplifted by the goodness. Light the fire inside yourself and embrace everything you can.
Credit: Time.com
There’s an abundance of different cultural ways to celebrate. Most that you can do whilst socially distancing, like meditating under the sunlight. Connecting to the earth and being grateful for everything it’s given to you. Focus on your surroundings rather than with social media.
Celebrate the old ways! Like with bonfires to drive away evil spirits. Maybe even jump over the bonfire and try your chances at finding love. Or set your jewellery under the suns glow and soak in its power when you wear it later.
Just because there are restrictions, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. Take the time to set intentions for yourself. Think about the specific areas of your life you want to tend to, be it relationships or an abundance of mental wellbeing.
On the summer solstice, the sun peaks and the cycle of growth is completed. It’s an amazing opportunity to reflect on your own peak moments in your life. To reflect, only for a moment, on the things you have achieved and the accomplishments that make you proud.
This moment is for you; about you.
So, bask in it. Stand in the sun and relish in yourself; see the future you can have. Look forward at greater things and grow into your dreams. Bring them to life and see more than a really boring lockdown.
Hold your arms high and let the sun soak throughout you. Breathe in deep and exhale all the negativity in yourself. We have no room for it anymore. When you take your first new breath, visualise the suns’ energy pouring through you.
See health and happiness waiting for you. See yourself becoming your own hero. Begin the cycle of growth all over again, and lean in.
While you’re doing all this, you might even see some other magic. After all, it is the midsummer evening when faeries most enjoyed revealing themselves. It’s said the veil between our two worlds are thin, so watch out for them too.
Dare you to look and see yourself in a new light.
Find out more about Stonehenge’s first ever livestream here.
Featured image credit: Timemagazine.com
Deputy Editor of Brig Newspaper. Fourth year journalism and English student at the University of Stirling. Lover of covering social issues and creator of 'The Talk' column for everyone who needs to hear it.
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