As today is the Summer Solstice here in the northern hemisphere, I thought I’d share a piece about its significance and a poem about its potential, from my book Cycles of Belonging…
Listen to me reading this:
We’re at the point in the year now where the Sun reaches its height and daylight hours are at their longest, with short hours of darkness.
It’s the Summer Solstice - also known as Midsummer’s Day, Litha (from the Anglo-Saxon word for the month of June), and Alban Hefin in Druidry (meaning “light of the shore.”)
Nature has reached its peak of the growing season and the potential of spring and early summer has now manifested in its profusion of colour, scent and radiant fullness.
You might enjoy long lazy days, and be able to spend many hours outside.
People begin to flock to beaches and the seashores, drawn to the cooling depths and refreshing sea breezes, the play of sunlight on the water and the hypnotic motion of the waves crashing against the shoreline.
The longest day marks the peak of the power of the Sun and with it the peak of the solar energies of warmth, growth, expansion, extroversion, activity, strength, vibrancy and upward and outward energy.
It’s that moment of complete stillness as you complete an inhalation – lungs full, energy at its peak – before the exhale begins.
The word “solstice” means “sun stands still” and it stands still before it begins the return journey of fading back into autumn and winter.
Sun Stands Still
Sun stands still.
And I feel the light shining into my mind
Bringing with it the potential for deep clarity and the most vivid illumination.
Sun stands still.
And I feel the pause in time… Slowing down into perfect stillness,
Expanding into freedom. Infinity within me and around me.
Sun stands still.
And I sense the sweetest healing waters washing through me and cleansing my worry, doubt and fear;
Sparkling in the sunlight; diamonds in the flow.
Sun stands still.
And I feel my deep and tender heart within me
Full of love and wisdom and insight, ready to be shared.
Sun stands still
And I open to the stillness; yield to the pause...
Listen for guidance, and take comfort from the reflections which arise.
Sun stands still
And I breathe. I pause. I reflect…
As the wheel soon turns again.
Healing Gifts of Summer
Summer invites you to come out of yourself; to leave behind the dreaming and to put your plans into action.
It invites you to connect to your senses and to come home to yourself.
It offers the gift of the courage to embrace life and to trust and surrender to its flow.
And it offers you the opportunity to honour your senses, honour your desires and to honour life: this precious gift that you have been given.
Summer reminds you that life can be full and joyful.
Acknowledge the vivacity of the life force on display at this time of year in nature … and remember that you are part of nature. This energy is flowing through you too.
The abundance of beauty all around you is a visual and sensual reminder of the generosity of Mother Earth. Let this be a reminder that she provides all that we truly need. Enjoy her bounty however you can. Experience the warmth of the Sun, the refreshing summer rains, the long daylight hours, however and wherever you can. It’s a time for celebration.
And as the Sun stands still, take this as an opportunity to pause and reflect on your life. Your health, wealth, relationships, work, creativity, spirituality and so on.
Do any areas need some mothering, tender loving care? What in your life is in or out of alignment with the seeds you planted at Imbolc (start of February)?
Welcome the Sun
Perhaps at some point today you could honour the Sun?
Maybe around midday - or whenever you can - turn your face to the Sun (or where you think it would be if it’s cloudy) and raise your arms and/or face to the Sun and say:
“Welcome radiant energy of the Sun and glittering waters. May Your light touch my heart and illuminate my spirit on this longest day, and please shine Your blessings and healing over me and this whole planet.”
Until next time, wishing you abundant Summer Solstice blessings!
Stella x
Thank you so much for being here.
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P.S. This piece is adapted from my book Cycles of Belonging: Honouring ourselves through the sacred cycles of life.
Described by bestselling author Rebecca Campbell as “a beautiful book on flowing with the sacred cycles of life”, it’s available worldwide in paperback and ebook or buy a signed copy from my publisher. You’ll find all the details and links HERE.