summer solstice, the first day of summer.

WHAT IS THE SUMMER SOLSTICE?

the summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, marking the start of the summer season. nearly every agricultural society has marked the high point of summer in some way, shape or form.

the significance given to the summer solstice has varied among cultures, but most recognize the event in some way with holidays, festivals, and rituals around this time with themes of fertility and honoring the sun. the word “solstice” is from the Latin word solstitium, which literally translates to “sun stands still.”

known to pagan and wiccan practitioners as litha, this is a time of brightness and warmth. crops are growing in their fields with the heat of the sun, but require water to keep them alive. the power of the sun at midsummer is at its most potent, and the earth is fertile with the bounty of growing life. this is a day of inner power and brightness. find yourself a quiet spot and meditate on the darkness and the light both in the world and in your personal life. celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year with fire and water, night and day, and other symbols of the opposition of light and dark.

holding festivals, creating bonfires, and hosting feasts are some of the modern ways to celebrate the summer solstice. they’re all ways to fully enjoy the warmer weather and the longer days.

ancient pagans marked other midsummer holidays as well. athenian greeks marked their new year at midsummer with panathenaia, a celebration of the goddess athena. 

ancient romans honored juno with feasts and also celebrated vestalia, the holiday honoring vesta, goddess of the hearth and vital force.

HOW CAN I CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE?

enjoy fresh fruits: traditional foods of the summer solstice include fresh vegetables and summer fruits like strawberries, since those are at their peak. honey is a popular ingredient in recipes for litha as it represents the sweetness of the season and was used to make mead.

have a bonfire: like with other spring and summer festivals, a bonfire is a way to celebrate this day and enjoy the warmth and light that echoes the sun.

gather herbs: since the power of the sun is at a peak, the summer solstice is thought to be the best time to harvest summer herbs -- if they are ready. if you have a herb garden, spend some time there and enjoy the extra energetic boost of midsummer. 

decorate your altar with flowers: if you have one, bring in some of the summer abundance with fresh flowers and use these to decorate your altar. look for what is locally available and make your home feel bright and full of light.

perform a love or protection ritual or spellwork: with the start of a new season, refreshing your protections from negative energy is a very sound choice. being a day known to those in the craft as the day the god and goddess wed, loving energy is at an all-time high once again -- similar to beltane.

WHAT CRYSTALS WILL BE MOST BENEFICIAL DURING THIS TIME? 

sunstone: restores the enjoyment of life, provides a sense of abundance, bestows enthusiasm, increases vitality, contains the energy of the sun, and brings warmth.

citrine: feeling happier, dealing with criticism, increasing optimism and joy, and releasing anger and negativity.

peridot: instills confidence, manifests abundance in all areas of life, associated with the sun, protective, promotes responsibility and forgiveness, and sharpens the mind.

ocean jasper: soothing, alleviates stress, induces tranquility, eliminated negative energy, stabilizes the aura, inspires patience, assists with change, and encourages being honest.

tiger's eye: increase strength and awareness, sharpen the senses, balance between extremes, good fortune, attract wealth, and self-confidence.

aquamarine: calming, cleansing, inspires truth, assists communication, brings happiness, protects those who travel by, over, or near water, assists with change, and helps you overcome fears.

orange calcite: balancing, increasing sexuality and creativity, energy amplification, aids with overcoming depression, assists with taking action, and increases confidence and vitality.

carnelian: courage, strength, vitality, tempering anger and rage, heightened energy, motivation, creativity.

as always, clear quartz will always be helpful as it amplifies any intention or energy you put into it.

enjoy your summer solstice and the rest of the season!