Celebrating the journey of the Sun in its relationship to the Earth throughout the year is something that has been done for centuries.
Solstices and Equinoxes mark points of balance between lightness and darkness, depending on how close or far the Sun is from the Earth.
The Summer solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, resulting in the longest day of the year. This year in the Southern Hemisphere, it falls on 22.12.21 at 2.58am. In the Northern Hemisphere, it would be the Winter Solstice with the shortest day. Equinoxes are points of balance between day and night.
Much like there are Lunar cycles that have different energetic aspects to work with every month around the Divine Feminine energies of intuition, creativity and manifestation, the Solar cycle is annual and has its own energetic cycle, but is connected the Divine Masculine energy within each of us which is reflective of action, light and also fertility and manifestation.
The Summer solstice reminds us to celebrate the nourishing light of the Sun, and the light within each of us. The Summer Solstice also marks the beginning of a new cycle and is more significant energetically than the beginning of the next calendar year.
This Solstice is especially potent for honouring a time of great change, and for intentionally letting go. Gratitude for where you have been is an important part of releasing old patterns. Be grateful for what you have, what you have learned and for the opportunity to dream new intentions for the future.
The theme of this solstice is that of taking self-responsibility including self-care, service in the world, relationships, your thoughts and actions and how you show up in the world. Humanity is moving into a time of greater maturity in how we step forward into the unknown. How we choose to show up and the decisions we choose to make, and how those decisions influence others and the greater whole are going to be in focus over the coming days, and months.
The Solar Masculine energy being celebrated at the Summer Solstice is the forward moving energy of action & creating Life! Without the Sun, there would be no life on Earth! It is this powerful energy of creativity and manifestation that is most present right now, and it is potent when harnessed with intention.
Whilst life certainly has been challenging us all lately, and the challenges are unfortunately far from over… summertime reminds us that there is hope and that our light shines even more brightly during darker times. Your light can be an inspiration to others, and can nurture the light in others who may need some extra nurturing.
It’s important to find and nurture your connection to nature’s rhythms during uncertain times such as these, as anxiety and fear can easily take hold and darkness can overwhelm you, if you allow it to. Be courageous to face the darkness head on with your light. Choosing to acknowledge those feelings for what they are telling you (for example, maybe you are uncomfortable with the unknown?) and choose to balance those feelings with focusing on the known things that bring you joy! Especially the simple things - like going for a nature walk, noticing the warmth of the sun on your skin and smelling flowers along the way.. Or connecting with your pet or a good friend, dancing to your favourite music… and notice how your emotions shift.
So being a potent time of change, take some time to reflect on the past with grace and gratitude, intentionally and wholly choosing what needs to be released and completed. Some completions may be related to attitudes, beliefs or behaviors. Others may be more physical in their nature, like ending a job or relationship. Once you know what you want to release, either writing down and burning it in a fire ceremony, or burying it in the earth can be symbolic ways of releasing the energy of these things.
It is also great time to anchor some intentions for the new cycle ahead - what do you wish for the coming year? What are your goals and visions for the future? Write these on a new piece of paper and place under a crystal pyramid or in the centre of a crystal grid to enhance your manifestation.
