Welcoming the Summer Solstice and Working with the Sun

Sunset from Bessie Butte

As we approach the longest day of the year, we have the opportunity to celebrate the Summer Solstice, also known as Lithia. It occurs between June 20th-June 24th, with these 4 days referred to as Midsommer, and most traditional calendars marking June 21st as the official day of this celebration. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. We celebrate the Sun all while acknowledging that from here until the Winter Solstice on December 21st, the days will begin to get shorter, with the Sun setting just a minute or two earlier each day. Lithia is a day where we celebrate the Sun and with it, the attributes of warmth, generosity, and strength. I also think of the Sun as a trusted encourager, wanting us to stand tall in our own power and to take up space in a loving way to spread our own rays of Sunshine into the world. 

There are many ways which we can mark this moment in time and, with one of many being, to work with the Sun itself! Throughout June, the Sun moves incrementally to reach the highest point in the sky and one could say, it has peaked (normally called the zenith).  Working directly with the beautiful natural cycle of the Sun at this time, can be a simple way to welcome in this time of year. 

Setting your intention

We can look to the power of the Sun to help fortify our intentions or things that we are striving for. The Sun is a natural source of vitality and abundance of warmth spreading over the earth like a warm blanket. We can use various times of the day to work with specific ideas that we are working with, as different times of day hold different energy.

Watching the Sunrise on the morning of the Summer Solstice, is a simple tradition that can ground us as we welcome in the darker half of the year. 

Sunrise 🌅

As the Sun is just beginning to appear in the sky, it holds with it the power of possibility. This is a good time for setting intentions for, as well around ideas regarding reflection, expansion, curiosity and welcoming in newness. 

Mid-day ☀️

As the Sun has reached its zenith, it is at its optimal position for working with ideas and intentions around increasing strength in any area where you feel you need a boost. The Sun acts as an amplifier and is here to support you.

Sunset 🌇

As the Sun lowers in the sky and we feel the coolness of evening beginning to settle in, this is an excellent time to work with ideas around releasing, letting go, and reflections around allowing something to rest.

Affirmations

Of course you have your unique way of working with these different times of day. Below are some words you can recite, or journal on for each one.

Sunrise 🌅

“I welcome this new day, and am open to all of the possibilities that I may experience. I am open to receiving blessing from the universe in matters around ___________ and I thank you Sun for helping me to grow”

Mid-day ☀️

“I am strong and I am resilient. May the power of the Sun nourish every part of me so that I may illuminate and shine in the area of _________. Thank you for supporting me as I continue to grow”

Sunset 🌇

“Thank you for this day and all I have learned. I am ready to release _________ as it is for my highest good. I make room for something new and continue to grow in alignment with who I am becoming and where I am heading. Thank you Sun for helping me let go.”

Make Sun Water

Another way to work with the Sun is by making Sun water. 

• Fill a clear glass jar with water and cover it with a lid (a mason jar or any glass container is best as plastic can break down in the heat) 

• Find a sunny spot outside or by a window 

• Set the jar in this spot for a few hours (think the hours between 10 am- 2 pm as the Sun is at its strongest during these hours)

•  Then bring the jar back inside and use however you feel is right for you

( Note - I know some people also like to place crystals and herbs inside their jars when making Sun water. If you feel called to do this, always make sure they are safe if you intend to drink your water)

Congrats! You now created your first solstice Sun water! This water is now infused with a “living” fiery and healing energy. You can use it in a few ways whenever you feel you could benefit from an energetic boost.

How to use Sun Water 

• Use a few drops in any rituals that you are currently working with, that calls for a fiery and strong energy

• You can add some to your bath water and float in its warm and loving embrace, allowing it to charge your battery

• You can drink it! Pour a bit into your morning tea or coffee or just drink it on its own. Imagine the strength of the Sun wash over you and run through your body as you sip it.