Can you feel it? Can you feel nature’s full expression?

We're now in that time of year when nature is abundant, blooming, blossoming and ripening. Juicy and full of magic and riotous joy. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere marks the longest day of the year, when the sun is at the very peak of its power. Nature is in full expression, and in cultures around the world, the summer solstice is a celebration of the strength and fertility of Mother Earth and of goddesses who represent the divine feminine. It is a time of both celebration and reflection. 

I spent a few minutes online and was tickled to find a section on  Summer Solstice rituals on WikiHow! In true millennial fashion it lists a number of fun rituals and ways to celebrate the Solstice, so go check it out if you’re interested. But read on as well.

Create a Summer Solstice ritual for yourself and feel free to borrow from traditions from around the world. You know I love burning things so release whatever’s keeping you stuck by writing/drawing/painting it out then burning it in a bonfire to make space for joy and full expression.

Don't limit yourself to one day. Focus on things that feel vibrant and alive. Practice falling in love with your life, inviting in dancing, laughter, fun and music. Pay attention to the flowers around you, delight in the colors, sounds and scents everywhere and let yourself smile and express delight and joy.

Notice the children playing in your neighborhood. Let their joy infect you. Hop on a swing in the park, skip down the street, jump in a puddle of water. Get some finger paints and go wild. Crank up the dance music and move your body. The more you practice feeling joyful, the more joy you will experience. Expand your capacity to receive love and joy. Like any new skill, the more you practice, the better you will get at it. So, start right now.

• I promise to love and appreciate myself.
• I promise to be gentle with myself.
• I promise to live my life to the fullest.
• I promise to honor and take care of myself to the best of my ability.
• I promise to honor my time and make myself a priority.
• I promise to ask for help when I need it.

 And here are a few wonderful summer Herbs to use in your solstice ritual or better yet,  to work into your daily   life!

• Fennel: Confidence, longevity, and courage
• Frankincense: All-purpose solar incense for consecration, spirituality, and success 
• Chickweed: Herb worn to attract love
• Lavender: Love, harmony, domestic tranquility, and mental clarity 
• Mugwort: Magic, longevity, clairvoyance, psychic empowerment
• Rose: Love, compassion, beauty; an aphrodisiac attributed to Venus

Wishing you a wonderful start to your summer and hoping it’s filled with lots of fun times with friends, family and community! And as a last tid-bit of information, did you know that the summer solstice marks the only day in the calendar year that the sun rises perfectly in the middle of the stones at Stonehenge?