Summer Solstice: Your Mid-Year Recharge

Happy Summer Solstice, Lightworkers! Oh my goodness, what a powerful time of year. I truly believe that the energy around this day has the potential to usher in powerful, positive change for those who choose to tap into it - hence, the title of this article.

But First, My Astro Manifesto

As we approach the midpoint - and the high point - of the solar year, I want to take this opportunity to restate my loving intentions for writing these astrology posts. If you've been following Sacred Wellness for a while, then you know I've been writing about lunar living, wellness astrology, and sharing astrological insights since 2017-2018ish. I like to repost these evergreen articles (editing them for the times) annually.

Why do I do it? Because I believe that when we align with the energy of the cosmos, we can live our lives in a more purposeful and effective way. Each day, month, and season has its own energetic signature, lending itself to particular areas of our lives. So while anytime is a good time to clean your room (for example), choosing to focus on major domestic overhauls is ideal during the Season of Cancer, when the energy acts as the wind in your sails, so to speak.

All that to say, if you've been feeling out of alignment and lost, then the Summer Solstice is a great time to realign with the energy of the Universe, so that you can charge forward with high vibes.

The Astrology of the Summer Solstice

In Western Astrology, the Summer Solstice occurs every year around June 20-21 in the Northern Hemisphere. At this time, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky resulting in the longest day (and shortest night) of the year. The exact timing of this event varies slightly each year depending on the Earth's orbit and your time zone, and is referred to as "solar noon". In my time zone, solar noon is about 1:00 PM.

And speaking of the Season of Cancer, the Summer Solstice also signals the turning of the Zodiac Wheel into Cancer, which is from June 20 - July 22. Cancer rules family life, the home and all domestic issues, and emotional health. The upcoming moons include the New Moon in Cancer and the Full Moon in Capricorn.

The Planetary Energy of the Summer Solstice

This Sun (considered a planet or more specifically, a "luminary" in astrology) is the major planetary influence at the Summer Solstice. The Sun brings positive, masculine energy or Yang energy; it thrives in the spotlight and it loves to help you "show off". The Sun represents our outward-facing personality, or how we're perceived - consider your Sun Sign in Astrology (what most people refer to as their "Star" or "Zodiac" sign).

This is NOT the energy for rest and contemplation. The Sun is about action and forward movement, as well as putting oneself "out there" and most importantly - having fun! Tarot archetypes to consider are The Sun (obvs) and Strength (Leo, ruled by the Sun).

Simple Summer Solstice Rituals

The Summer Solstice is celebrated as Litha in Paganism, and as such is a Fire Festival. Rituals that involve the element of fire (and all that this element entails) are appropriate during this time. This could include hosting bonfires or candle magick. The key here, however, is light. If making a fire is not possible for you, as it is for me right now due to the current fire ban in my area (forest fires have been rampant over the past few years), then lighting candles at home is perfect. And if actual flames are an issue, then battery-operated candles work as well! There are many ways to make a light offering, and you're only limited by your imagination.

A Journaling Ritual for the Summer Solstice

This point of the year is the perfect time to reflect on the seeds you've planted and clarify your goals for the remainder of the year. Journaling is the perfect way to do this. Don't overcomplicate things - you can write down your responses with pen and paper, or you can type it out on a doc. Save your responses, or delete them! The point is to express them through writing, which exercises your Throat Chakra and activates your Root Chakra.

To make this a ritual, take a moment to make a light offering by lighting (or switching on) a candle, and taking a few minutes to sit quietly and ground into your body by watching your breath. When you're ready, free write your responses to one, some, or all of the following prompts.

• Gratitude - List 12 things you are grateful for this year

• Embracing Change - What has changed in your life since the last Summer Solstice?

• Personal Growth Reflection - Reflect on the past six months. What have you learned? How have you grown, and what aspects of yourself do you want to nurture moving forward?

• Nature Connection - Spend time outdoors and observe your surroundings. What sights, sounds, and feelings do you notice? How does these elements of nature inspire you?

• Celebrating Light - How do you personally connect with the energy of the Sun?

Personally, I celebrated the Summer Solstice today by watching Riverdance with my son! It was their 30th Anniversary Tour, and it's been over ten years since I've seen them live on stage. It was SO worth the wait, and the show was filled with solar and lunar imagery, the element of fire, and the overall theme of embracing change and community. The perfect Summer Solstice show!

And on June 21st, I will be volunteering by teaching a Yoga class at my spiritual community. Thankful!

Wishing you all of the golden, sunshiney vibes. Happy Solstice!