By: Marley Coppola, Tarot Reader, Rising Goddess
The summer solstice has a rich spiritual past and significance. There is so much more to summer coming than many of us realize. We celebrate by spending time outdoors. In the past, many societies celebrated with festivals and all sorts of activities. As new age spiritualism is on the rise, we have begun to look back to our roots.
The summer solstice is when the sun is furthest from the equator, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day was marked in Neolithic European cultures. It bared spiritual importance to crops and harvest cycles. This indicated the start of our journey around the sun each year. This is when the sun is most visible during the year.
Towns and villages would set bonfires with the purpose to help give the sun more power. More sun meant a bigger harvest. It is also believed that on the day of the solstice, the spirit realm is closer to the material realm. People wore flowers to ward off negative energies and spirits. A commonly used flower was Saint John’s wort. Magic is said to be strongest during this day. Because of this, many cultures would hold festivals for Gods or Goddesses they worshiped to strengthen their bonds, and reconnect with the world around them. Being outdoors is an important theme for this holiday. Though this is a time of celebration, there is also reflection inward, because winter will be coming. This being marked as the longest day of the year meant shorter days were soon approaching, and winter’s darkness would creep in.
When we think about modern day we ask, how are we supposed to tie these values into our modern-day life? Finding spiritual significance from the past and applying it to modern life can be challenging. However, it is within us and using our instincts we find ways to celebrate. When summer comes, and the sun shines often, we feel physically better. Seasonal depression begins to lessen. We think more positively and spend more time becoming grounded in nature. There are many ways we can celebrate today. If you wish to follow tradition you can have a bonfire with friends and family and spend the day outside. Productivity at this time of year was increased in past societies. You could spend a day foraging in your local parks or even your backyard for edible wild plants. You can also spend time making and wearing flower crowns. Remember to eat with your family and to invite whoever feels right. A small gathering to celebrate togetherness and the warmth is a great way to start. You can pick up a new hobby of canning or jarring fruits and veggies to prepare for winter or make a plan on how to improve one aspect of your life before winter comes. Take time to honor the earth and the sun, to be grateful for the gifts that surround us and to celebrate all the good we have in our lives.
In modern day spiritualism, we have many influences from nature returning to our roots. Oftentimes we refer to the past as simpler times, do not over-think celebrating this year. Spend time outside and enjoy the summer. Your celebration could be laying in the grass working on your tan and enjoying the sun’s warm rays or taking a walk on your favorite park trail with friends or family. Simply take this time to enjoy Mother Nature.