5 Ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice

SUMMER SOLSTICE  Thursday, June 21, 3:07 am PDT

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, (in the Northern Hemisphere). If you live near the Arctic Circle, the sun never really sets during the solstice. This first day of summer ushers in a season of warmth and daylight that many welcome for the long and glorious days ahead. 

The summer solstice has been celebrated throughout history all over the world.  In ancient Rome, the celebrations of  the goddess Vesta took place during the solstice. The ancient Chinese celebrated Yin, the female energy of the earth. Native Americans took part in ritual dances honoring the sun, and in England, Litha was celebrated (Litha is the pagan name for Midsummer’s Day). To this day, thousands continue to  gather each year at the megalithic structure Stonehenge in England.

Day of light, literally and figuratively

The ancients believed that the summer solstice was is a highly spiritual day. It is the one day of the year filled with the most light. The annual journey of the sun is symbolic of our own individual journey to enlightenment. It is also a powerful day for us to align individually to the light within us through meditation and our own personal rituals.

Celebrate this day in the spirit of giving. Give thanks for the blessings in your life. Open yourself up to the abundance life has to offer you.

Five Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

1. Spend time in nature. Soak up the golden rays of the sun.
2. Sunrise or sunset yoga. Practice the sun salutation outside.
3. Meditate
4. Celebrate with family and friends
5. Reflect on what you want to achieve within the next six months. Make a list of your personal and career goals and aspirations.