Solstice: Rituals and activities to connect body and soul to heaven and earth.

And so the wheel turns once more to the summer solstice.

 The longest day of the year, (the day I broke my arm when I was 11), astrologically we move into Cancer (and my Birthday month) and one of those magical times when we can connect to our ancestors and the roots of our natural being.  I enjoy the pagan festivals so much more than our anglicised and commercial ones because they remind us of our connection to nature and this blue/green earth. They are filled with mystique and myth.  The knowing that this event has happened since the world was created.  And humans alike have seen this sun rise every day as we have evolved.

Sunflowers

When is summer solstice 2025

 In the UK 2025, the summer solstice takes place on the 21st June at 3.42am.

 A note for faith keepers and eco lovers..

Its more than just a moment in time.  It’s a portal of awareness.  I think we can all agree that the worlds events seem to be incongruous or more strongly, deeply and violently against our integral nature of hope and belief.  This is permission for you to do nothing today if that is how you feel.  Be gentle with yourself.  You do not need to force anything.  The energy is here and schlepping up a hill or creating more things to do to honour this time is unnecessary.

However, if you do, like me, have the profound luxury and privilege of physical safety today, I hope that you can take a little time to let some joy in.

 Last night I attended an open mike night.. The music and poetry of all who performed was a comfort and a joy.  Art, music and social connection has always been the doorway to cultural revolution.  I am reminded of a download I had whilst painting one morning:

Love is the key that opens all the doors.

When we create, we open a door or a portal to something bigger than us.  When we create something from love we set ourselves free.  During times of unrest, this might feel frivolous. In fact, some people will always call creation frivolous.  For me, it’s a compulsion. To write poetry, to sing, to paint, to dance. To laugh. This is alchemy and alchemy is human by nature. It is processing.  So do not hold back loves.  Feel and create and meet and love deeply and abundantly.  The change we create right here right now, will radiate into the entire universe, act by act, person by person. 

Love is the key that opens all the doors

A suggestion to honour the solstice

 I believe that approaching these times of the turning of the wheel with intention and ritual is an empowering and self loving act in our busy lives. Here are some suggestions of how you can honour this time.  But as always, follow your own heart here.. if something doesn’t feel like it resonates with you, please let it be.

Witness the sunrise.

All over the country, people will gather at ancient sites to witness sunrise including Stonehenge and Glastonbury Tor.  I like to go to my nearest big hill which is out at the Lickie Hills in Birmingham.  There is an incredible view from there.  Or you can simply wake at sunrise, make yourself a comforting drink and spend time in reflection, awe and wonder for this sweet sweet sunrise. I like to light a candle and journal.

Stonehenge

Journal your intentions.

As we have met the mid way point of the year, now is an optimum time to review.  Start by revisiting any intentions you set at the beginning of the year. Ask yourself the following.

Where and how have I blossomed this year?

What seeds I have sewn still need to be tended to?

What needs to be pruned to enable other growth to flourish?

This is an incredibly powerful yet gentle exercise, recognising ourselves as the natural entities we are.  Fully accepting of where we are now with no shame or guilt of what has passed. Nature will not discriminate between weeds and flowers, only you get to decide what stays and goes. 

Collect flowers and herbs for bouquets or make a natural crown.

Everything is abundant.  Bring a little of that inside.  Bring it in so that you may be reminded of the growth and beauty here and now in this present moment.  Adorn yourself by making a crown. 

Worship yourself as goddess or god.

Beautiful goddess in her flower crown

Dress your altar.

Honour your ancestors and your wishes by building an altar to them and this time of year.  There are no rules here.  Make it all for you.  Every time you place there, give it meaning and intention, so that when you direct your practise, prayer or meditation it is meaningful to you and only you. 

Add flowers, candles, incense, food (for the ancestors and fairies).  You can pull tarot or goddess cards to guide you ahead.  Add your favourite crystals and rocks pebbles and shells.

Altar

Light a fire or a candle.

The flame represents a light in the dark.  It enhances the fire energy we are under.  The strongest fire and light in the universe, the sun. Create this flame to enhance your intentions and purpose.

I light a candle at sunrise to give gratitude to all that has passed in the previous months and light it again at sunset to give strength to my affirmations and intentions. 

This year I am grateful to this space I have created. That I dedicate to you faith keeper and to our earth.  I intend to continue cultivating this space with community, curiosity, and creativity.

I’d love to hear how you have honoured this special time if you wish to share that with me or any gratitude’s or intentions.

Solstice fire