Naturopathic Control: Summer Solstice

Astronomically speaking, the solstice is the first day of Summer. On this day, one of the Earth's poles (North or South) has its maximum tilt of 23.5 degrees away from its center and towards the Sun. For instance, when the Northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun at that maximum tilt angle, it experiences its Summer solstice, the peak of its Summer. Specifically, that hemisphere has its longest sunlight exposure or 'day' and consequent shortest night. (BTW, Meanwhile the Southern hemisphere experiences the polar opposite, ie its winter solstice or shortest day of the year).

In other words, the summer solstice aka midsummer or litha marks the peak of sunlight in one of the polar hemispheres. Even physically, this solstice represents an undeniable influx of warmth. Energetically, since this phenomenon marks the most abundant sunlight during the year, it is believed to open a type of energetic portal. This portal represents different types of opportunity. For instance, since the sun's heat associates with the transformative element of fire and the third chakra of power, transformation and self-empowerment are points of celebration. Otherwise, it represents a point for celebration of abundance because not only has the harvest already begun but is still due to continue vigorously.

Taking cues from nature

The spiritual significance may be understood from within the context of gardening. Specifically, the solstice marks a gardener's peak. She has already done all of her planting and has already begun to harvest. However, she will continue to harvest until the end of Summer (around the Autumn equinox). So, she takes this time to give thanks for the harvest she has already received but especially what she is still going to harvest because it will become even more abundant from around this time because she is headed towards the peak harvest at the end of Summer (in the Autumn).

As a sidenote, this time is really worthy of showing gratitude because the polar opposite which she is not currently experiencing is occurring on the polar opposite side of the world, ie the winter solstice of cold and lack.

Responding to the Summer solstice

Common Summer solstice practices include the following. Throughout, colors may include yellow and gold to represent vitality, happiness and power. Associated keywords include fire, yellow, gold, abundance, gratitude, sunflowers, oak leaves.

Connect with nature. At safe times of the day (like sun rise or sun set), observe instances of abundance and collect items (like fruits, vegetables and wild flowers) for your altar. Example(s)

Walk barefoot on the ground and try to observe instances of abundance (a keyword) that associates with the moment.
At a safe time of day (like sunrise or sunset), sun gaze at the abundance of light
Ponder on the fruit of your endless 'to-do; lists and hard work.
Feast on what is currently abundant in your area; like vegetables, fruits and vegetables.

Sunflowers, other wild flowers

Make sun water. This involves placing a glass jug of pure water in the sun for several hours. However variations include placing: the image of the flower of life at the base of the jug; quartz crystals in or around the water; wild leaves and flowers to make an infusion.

Clear your space physically, mentally and emotionally to make space for an abundant harvest.

Banishment rituals

Set up an altar that specifically honors the sun and the solstice. Here are some common adornment ideas.

Outdoor altar
Fire rituals. Example(s)

candle magick rituals
fire rituals
bonfire or other open fire activities
fire This may include indoor candle magick rituals or outdoor fire rituals.

Healing crystals. Use this auspicious time to charge crystals.

Work with crystals like Sunstone, citrine.
Charge only those crystals that can be charged in sunlight. Know those that can be charged but only for a limited time; like black tourmaline which should remain in the sunlight for no more than about 20 minutes (even on cloudy days).

Work with essential oils.

Work with peppermint.

Perform manifestation and personal power rituals.

Gratitude for abundance. Ponder on your labor, even your ability to do that labor and be grateful for what you have achieved. Thank your spiritual team for their input.

Declarations of gratitude and abundance

I [your name, DOB] call upon my spiritual team. We have arrived for me to claim my inheritance destined to me to be [a painter, a business owner, etc]. I enjoy my inheritance in spirit and in flesh and across dimensions.