summer solstice.
a moment of pause when the Sun's light is at it’s peak.
Summer Solstice is like a golden crown placed upon the year. The moment when the Sun lingers longest in the sky, casting its warmest spell upon the Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice marks the longest day and the shortest night, falling on or around June 20th–21st.
The Sun stands still. That is the meaning of "solstice." And in that stillness, the veil between the Earth and the Divine thins, emotions are heightened and intuition deepens. This is a magical window to mirror the Sun’s energy by using ritual to draw down the power of the Sun that breathes life into GROWTH.
In Pagan traditions, the Summer Solstice was a time of fire festivals, fertility rites, and celebration of the life-giving power of the Sun. Known as Litha, a holiday on the Wheel of the Year that honors the peak of solar energy and the turning point where light begins to wane as we slowly move toward the harvest and darker half of the year.
Bonfires were traditionally lit to honor the Sun and to encourage its strength for the coming harvest. Herbs were gathered under the Solstice Sun, believed to be brimming with extra healing powers and enchantment. People danced barefoot, offered flowers to the Earth, and gave thanks for all that grows, within and without.
Summer Solstice is not just a celebration of light, it is a reverence for the turning. A recognition that even at its height, the Sun must begin its descent. The Solstice teaches us how to fully shine, and at the same time, how to loosen the grip with grace.
So take this moment of pause and ask yourself:
What do you want the power of the Sun to shine on in your life?
What do you long to create in the world?
What would you like to amplify, to grow, to bring to full ripeness?
What joys do you wish to bask in and fully enjoy this summer?
What old stories or fears are you ready to burn away in the fire of transformation?
Rituals for Summer Solstice.
Ritual doesn’t have to be a grand production. It isn’t another task to squeeze into your overflowing list or a performance to get just right. At its heart, ritual is simply a moment of presence; an invitation to pause, breathe, return to yourself, and to connect with your Guides.
It can be as subtle as placing your hands over your heart, closing your eyes, and taking three conscious breaths. It might look like brewing a cup of tea with intention, lighting a candle with a whispered prayer, or stepping outside to feel the warmth of the Sun on your skin. Ritual can be as simple or as layered as your energy allows. Let it meet you where you are.
I’ll admit, my own perfectionism can be a sneaky thief of magic. Sometimes I get caught up in elaborate visions of what a ritual “should” be: a sunrise spiral dance on the beach with other Witches, a day of wild foraging and medicine-making, ending with a sunset bonfire and moonlit spell work.
And while that dream is beautiful, the truth is, on many days what rituals nourish me the most are far simpler: freshening up my altar, lighting a candle, taking a nap in my backyard, tending to my garden, pulling a few tarot cards, and journaling on the questions my heart is holding.
So, what does your heart need right now? What would bring you closer to joy, to vitality, to your own creative fire?
And if, by grace or choice, you find yourself with the spaciousness for deeper ceremony this Solstice, I’ve gathered a few ideas to inspire your rituals below. Take what resonates, leave the rest. Your magic is already enough.
Sunrise or Sunset Meditation: Welcome the light with intention. Sit in stillness as the Sun rises or sets, breathing in its warmth and visualizing your heart being infused with solar power.
Candle or Bonfire Ceremony: Light a candle or fire (safely!) and write down what you wish to bring to life. Speak it aloud to the flames and then burn the paper, sending your desires as offerings to the Sun.
Herb & Flower Offerings: Create a bundle of solar herbs (see below) place them on your alter or offer them back to the Earth, a favorite tree, or a body of water with gratitude. I am having a love affair with my Nasturtiums!
Feast with Summer Foods: Prepare a seasonal meal with local fruits, vegetables, and add in some honey. Celebrate the Earth’s abundance. Figs are my favorite summer time ritual food!
Dancing or Movement: Move your body in a joyful, expressive way through a spiral dance, hiking, yoga, taking your favorite group fitness class, a trail run, swimming, or walking barefoot on the Earth. Or just lay naked in the Sun!
Make A Summer Bucket List: write down all your dreams and wishes you have for a summer full of magic and fun! Camping is at the top of my list!
A Solstice Tarot Spread: Keep reading for a three card pull.
Singing: here is a Solstice song for you to sing : )
Herbs & Plants of the Summer Solstice.
These herbs are associated with the Sun. You can place them on your alters, use them in your rituals, add them to your seasonal meals, make Sun tea or herbal infused oils, make flower wine or cordials, or work with the flower essences!
St. John’s Wort – traditionally harvested on the Summer Solstice, it’s a return to ritual, protective, light-bringing, that guides out of darkness.
Calendula – a skin-loving hero: anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, great for wounds, rashes, cuts, scrapes fungus, yeast, softens the physical expression of inflammation, brings in the sun: opening, brightening, radiance, creation.
Sunflower – it wouldn’t be summer without Sunflower, enhances confidence, individuality, leadership, and healthy self-expression, connects you to solar archetypes of devotion, optimism, and radiance.
Elderflower - reaches full bloom right around the Summer Solstice and grows on the edge of things: hedgerows, pathways, forest borders. A threshold plant, and has long been known as a guardian of the in-between, a bridge between worlds.
Dandelion - bright and resilient, dandelion channels the sun’s strength, helping us release emotional heaviness and move forward with courage, clarity, and grounded joy.
Nasturtium - spicy and vibrant, Nasturtium awakens a vitality within us by circulating grounded Earth energy, creates a sense of safety and courage to come back to the body, helping energy to flow freely.
Summer Solstice Tarot Spread.
1. Where is my inner light shining brightest?
This card reveals where your personal radiance is naturally flowing right now: your strengths, your gifts, the areas of life where you are already in alignment with your truth.
What part of me is already glowing? Where am I being seen, recognized, or called forward?
2. What is ready to be released into the fire?
This card shows what can be lovingly surrendered, something that no longer aligns with your growth. Let the Solstice fire transform it into nutrients for growth.
What do I need to burn away to make space for what wants to grow? What old energy is ready to be offered to the Sun?
3. What does my heart want to grow this season?
This card points to what wants to emerge, flourish, or deepen in the summer weeks to come. It may be a calling, a dream, a relationship, or a part of yourself asking to be nurtured.
What in my garden needs tending? What am I being asked to grow with devotion and joy?
Let this Summer Solstice be a celebration of your aliveness. Light your inner fire, speak your desires boldly, and dance with the Sun in gratitude for all that you are becoming.
🌞 “we are one with the infinite Sun, forever, forever, forever…”
& the biggest Solstice blessing to my coven, who I am with in spirit this year. you bring so much magic to my life 💛
Beautiful 🤩 I love everything about this piece. Imagining you in joy and sunshine while reading it, I hope that for you.
Happy Summer Solstice, Taylor! Thank you for the beautiful words, images, inspiration, and invitations this season.