SUMMER SOLSTICE OF EMPOWERMENT AND GROWTH
Just a couple of days ago (6/18), Neptune, God of the Sea and ruler of our subconscious, went retrograde. This Dark planet reminds us that our truths lay deep within our souls. It urges us to look past the facades we have erected and look deep within for the answers we are seeking. This is good preparation for tomorrow’s (6/21) Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Summer Solstice, also called Litha or Midsummer, is the longest day of the year, the beginning of the astrological start of Summer and the start of a significant spiritual journey. The solstice occurs when Earth is titled 23.5 degrees on its axis towards the sun, making the day it falls on the day with the longest daylight hours.
in the Southern Hemisphere this day is the shortest and marks the midpoint of winter. No mater what part of the world you live, this day has the same message, recognise the balance of light and dark that resides within you. Move forward and embrace that which is inspiring to you and acknowledge that which hold you back.
For many of us, the Summer Solstice is a time of celebration and festivities that rejoice in the reverence of Mother Nature and the sun. From the time of man’s earliest beginnings, this solar high point was recognized as a time of fertility, growth and a sign that summer has arrived. The leaders of the time celebrated this time with joy as the sun poured out its energy and potential. This day is a time of gratitude of the bounty and abundance to come.
Use this solstice energy to create a fertile ground of creativity and love, love of self and others, recognizing that we all have light and dark within us.
The Summer Solstice tomorrow will kick off the Cancer season astrologically. This season will last 30 days, providing a perfect opportunity to balance your feminine and masculine energies. All of us have both the gentle, receptive yin and the decisive action-oriented yang. This will be the perfect time to reflect on parts of your life to determine where you need more of one or the other.
SUMMER SOLSTICE AND CRYSTALS
There are a few crystals with spiritual properties that match the warm, invigorating energy of the summer solstice. Citrine is my primary solstice stone. Natural Citrine is an excellent stone for manifestation, imagination, and personal will. It carries the power of the sun, it is warm and comforting, energizing and life giving. It stimulates the chakras, clearing the mind and stirring the soul to action. Its frequency awakens creativity, imagination and sustains the process of transforming dreams and wishes into tangible form. With its pure yellow energy, Citrine encourages fullness of life, fresh beginnings and new pursuits.
Natural Citrine does not hold or accumulate negative energy, but rather transmutes, dissipates, and grounds it, making it extremely protective for the environment. It works out problems on both the physical and subtle levels, transforming negative thoughts and feelings into positive ones. It is one of only two crystals on Earth that never needs to be cleared or cleansed.
It is also called The Merchant's Stone for its properties of increase in the finances, Citrine not only assists in acquiring wealth, but helps in maintaining it. It is a stone of abundance and manifestation, attracting wealth and prosperity, success and all things good. It also encourages generosity and sharing good fortune. Citrine assists in all fast money ventures and is especially helpful in financial speculation and for commercial success. Carry one in the purse or wallet to attract money and stop excessive outflow.
Ruby is great for the summer because it represents life and heat. In general, wear or carry Ruby to overcome exhaustion and lethargy. It stimulates circulation and amplifies energy and vitality to the whole system. However, those who are highly sensitive or irritable may find this stone over-stimulating or uncomfortable to wear. Ruby has been known to calm hyperactivity in some individuals.
Ruby is an aphrodisiac, allowing one to experience all forms of love, from wild sensuality to mystical communion. Ruby’s intense energy sharpens the mind, bringing a heightened awareness and excellent concentration. It promotes a courageous attitude, and may increase one’s success in controversies and disputes
Ruby helps reduce fear of the paranormal and evil. It banishes nightmares, and guards against psychic and psychological attack. It is a shielding crystal, protecting the home from fire and intruders, and is good to wear discreetly to stay safe at night.
Any crystal that cultivates a sense of abundance (of health, light, love, success) is recommended in your home or on your person during the solstice.
Summer Solstice and Herbs
Summer Solstice or Midsummer, is also known as St John's Day. Golden-flowered mid-summer plants, especially Calendula and St. John's Wort, have always been an integral part of summer celebrations, indeed they were believed to have miraculous healing powers when harvested on midsummer eve by the light of the moon. Calendula and St. Johns flowers infuse their magical healing to the oils, creams, and lotions you need to keep summer stressed skin glowing and healthy.
A bouquet of midsummer herbs, a summer solstice bundle, can be made using any combination of herbs and wildflowers. The plants considered to be midsummer herbs differ from place to place, but here a few:
Burdock root, Arctium lappa, Calendula, Calendula officinalis, Chamomile, Matricaria recutita,
Club Moss, Lycopodium clavatum, Elderberry, Sambucus nigr, Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris,
Oxeye Daisy, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum,
Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, Vervain, Verbena hastata, V. officinalis, Wood Betony, Stachys officinalis,Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, Safflower Oil, Carthamus tinctorius, Saffron , Crocus sativus, Sage, Salvia officinalis, Salad Burnet, Sanguisorba minor, Sandalwood Oil, Santalum,
Sarsaparilla Root, Smilax sarsaparilla, Sassafras root, Sassafras albidum, Satavari, Asparagus spp
Savory, Winter, Summer, Satureja montana, Saw Palmetto, Serenoa serrulata, Sceletium, Sceletium tortuosum, Schisandra, Schisandra chinensis, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Hippophae rhamnoides, Self-Heal, Prunella vulgaris L., Senna, Senna alexandrina Mill., Sesame , Sesamum indicum, Shea Nut Butter, Butyrospermum parkii, Sheep Sorrel, Rumex acetosella var. vulgaris
Shepherd's Purse, Capsella bursa-pastoris,Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus,
Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora, Slippery Elm, Ulmus fulva, Snakeroot , Aristolochia spp,
Soapwort, Saponaria officinalis, Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum biflorum, Southernwood, Artemisia abrotanum L., Spearmint, Mentha spicata, Speedwell, Veronica officinalis and St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Litha, but the focus is nearly always on celebrating the power of the sun.
Here are a couple of rituals you may want to think about trying. Remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead. Before you get started with ritual, think about preparing your household altar for Litha.
Hold a Midsummer Night's Fire Ritual, and celebrate the season with a big bonfire, or if the idea of a daytime ritual appeals to you more, hold a Midsummer Sun Celebration to mark the summer solstice by honoring the sun. If you prefer to spend some time alone at the summer solstice just try this simple Litha prayer into your summer solstice rituals this year.
Midsummer Manifestation Ritual
Make a list of everything you wish to manifest during the next six months.
Be complete -- include things related to career, personal issues, and other factors like clarity, confidence, and fun. After sunset, light a candle of your choice. Place a vase of flowers you like next to the candle.
Say aloud:
"I gather in the power of this day of greatest light and call in the guardians of fire, earth, air, and water to bring the last grace of power in light to manifest my desires in the coming harvest. I ask that this be
Read aloud your list
"I affirm that I am able and willing to allow these wishes to manifest and I participate in the miracle of creation and with faith. So mote it be."
Allow the candle to burn until you go to sleep. Celebrate the energy of the evening in some way --play music, raise a glass, allow yourself some indulgence.
