Summer Solstice: Honoring the Light Within

The Summer solstice is almost upon us, reminding us to celebrate the nourishing light of the Sun and the light within each of us. During the Summer solstice, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky and gives us our longest day of the year. This point marks the second phase of the Earth’s journey around the Sun, which starts with the Spring Equinox. Energetically, it is very parallel to the First Quarter Moon, which signifies a time to nourish the seeds planted in the first phase.

For centuries, people have recognized the power in aligning with the annual phases of the Sun by honoring both Equinoxes and Solstices and building monuments, such as Stonehenge, in their honor. When the Sun’s light first breaks through the darkness on the day of the Summer solstice, it hits this ancient monument directly in the center, lighting up each pillar like a magical horseshoe. During the Winter Solstice, the sun sets directly between the largest stones of this mysterious piece of history. Many other ancient monuments and wonders, including the Great Pyramids of Egypt, also align with the four phases of the Sun showing the importance of these times for civilizations across the globe. What made these points in time so significant that people dedicated their whole lives building something to honor them?

The cycle of the Sun represents the cycle of our lives and reflects the natural flow of energy moving inward and outward. There are times to grow, times to pause, times to shed and times to learn. Just as we align with the Moon’s journey every month, we can align with the Sun’s journey throughout the year. In current day, we understand that what we are really aligning with is the movement of the Earth, not the Sun, but it is still a powerful cycle to honor. While the Spring Equinox begins this journey and represents new beginnings, the Summer Solstice represents the next step of this divine rhythm. Always occurring at the start of the Cancer Sun Season, the Summer Solstice reminds us to turn inward and find the nourishment needed to grow and evolve. It is a time to pause and wait for the energy planted in the Spring to reach full bloom. If the Spring represents action, the Summer represents patience. We must develop trust and confidence in ourselves that what we set in motion previously is correct even if we go through some troubled times. Our course is set at this point, we just need to nurture it and find purpose within its process.

The Summer solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops but also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light. Summer reminds us that there is hope in the world, that the light within can spread to the far reaches of the globe and inspire others. We can nurture others, just as the Sun nurtures us. Summer becomes a time to work on ourselves and our ability to be the light and find meaning in our journey, even when it seems uncertain. This is the rhythm of nature; new beginnings transition into a period of uncertainty. During this time, it is easy to fall pray to anxiety and worry. Big shifts also cause old energies to surface and darkness can easily take over our mind. Summer is the time to develop faith in our life, squash the darkness with light, and trust that just like the Sun, we will rise each day no matter what life brings us.

Through honoring this day of light, we energetically set in motion a period of awakening in our consciousness which lasts all summer until the Fall Equinox. Here are some ways to align with this day and harness its power to build the light within you.

Honor the Four Directions

The four directions; east, south, west and north, represent the seasons and their corresponding Equinoxes and Solstices. Through acknowledging and asking them for guidance, we align ourselves with the divine, cyclical rhythm of nature. This practice can be done at any time of the day on the Solstice, but is best done at sunrise.

Start by having four candles each positioned at the four directions (you can use a compass to mark these points). Before beginning, state that you are open to receiving guidance and intuition, opening your consciousness. Light each candle as you face that direction while closing your eyes and meditating on that direction’s energy. Allow information to flood in, continue through all directions, and then you can journal about what each one brought to you.

East is represented by spring and new beginnings. Reflect on what you’ve started the past 3 months and what new opportunities have come your way.
South is the direction of Summer, rest, finding your purpose and direction. Reflect on the bigger meaning of your life and where you should focus your energy and refine your attention.
West is the direction of Fall, where the Sun sets, representing a time to go within, detox and shed. Ask for wisdom of knowing when to let go, when to release and when to hold on.
North represents winter, wisdom and protection. Ask what wisdom is needed for your journey. Reflect on your lineage and the road your energy has traveled across life times.

Set Summer Intentions

The Summer solstice is an energetically charged day and an important one to set intentions. Direct your intentions on the themes of this phase, which are patience, nourishment and trust. Create powerful “I am” statements that reflect these qualities and the development of them. Include “reception” statements that open you up to receiving the energies available on this day. Examples are; “I am open to receiving nourishment and growth” or “I am able to receive the energy needed to develop trust in my life.” Set your intentions and continually remind yourself of them all summer long.

Express Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a good thing to do any day, but especially on a Solstice. Write gratitude statements for everything that you already possess and everything that you want to come your way. Part of the manifestation process is to actually feel gratitude for what we want before we even have it. Through this act, we are telling the universe we trust that our wishes will be fulfilled and the very act will call in the energy we desire.

Practice these rituals on the morning of the Summer Solstice and feel yourself nourishing the light within you. Carry this feeling throughout the summer, as you align with the journey of the Earth and the Sun. However you choose to celebrate this day, be sure to spend some time feeling the Sun’s rays on your face and standing fully in the light as you learn to stand fully in the light of your own existence.

Jill Wintersteen is the founder of Spirit Daughter and our resident cosmic contributor.

Follow Jill on Instagram at @spiritdaughter

Illustrations by Rebecca Reitz