letters to the summer solstice

an agenda, reflection prompts, and recipes to help you have a beautiful and intentional summer solstice ritual

the summer solstice is almost here! the solstice marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest point at noon. in paganism, this is sometimes called litha. during litha celebrations, bonfires are lit to honor the sun, and growth, abundance, and fertility are celebrated. many dieties are honored, or none at all, but I like to honor the great mother, Gaia.

you can make the solstice as special and spiritual or secular and simple as you desire! this is your customizable guide for having an intentional and meaningful summer solstice. <3

here’s your schedule for the summer solstice — feel free to adjust to your life. also, you don’t have to do this on saturday the 21st! the energy of this transition will be available to us for many days!

• wake up early — whatever that looks like you to you. maybe 6am, maybe 8am, whatever you want. my favorite content creator, eli rallo, says, “i don’t know what your prerogative is.” whatever your prerogative may be, get up early(ish).

• throw on a simple and sweet outfit — something comfy, cute, and low-key. if you have one, grab a tote bag or a reusable shopping bag.

• if there’s a farmer’s market, honey, you know that’s where we are going!! the solstice falls on saturday, the prime time for markets! if there is no farmer’s market near you, you have my deepest condolences. try and go to a co-op, or just a regular ol’ store. whatever you do, there’s one rule: no phones! you can take it with you, of course, for safety or directions, but it must stay in your bag no matter what, unless you’re using it for apple pay, but even then, it needs to go immediately back in the bag.

• here’s your shopping list for the excursion:

  • a bouquet of flowers, no matter how tiny

  • a loaf of fresh baked bread

  • a jar of homemade jam

  • optional: a bin of organic strawberries

  • the ingredients for the sun tea you’ll be making later:

    • dried chamomile flowers

    • dried culinary lavender buds

    • honey (to taste)

    • optional: mint leaves and/or a lemon

• if you have the leftover budgy, i want you to find yourself a pastry and a beverage. my favorite stand at the farmer’s market by my house is a french bakery booth and they sell the most divine chocolate almond croissants. treat yourself to a coffee, a tea, or a cup of lemonade or watermelon juice. eat your treats there and people watch, snack on it on your drive or walk home, or take it back to your kitchen to eat it.

• when you get home, set up your bouquet somewhere you can see it easily. take your time to arrange your flowers. if the flowers at the market are too pricey, you have my full permission to get a petite bouquet at Trader Joe’s for three dollars instead.

• before you get on with your day, it’s time to make your sun tea. combine your chamomile, lavender, honey, and perhaps mint together, or use tea bags. if you are using raw lavender instead of a tea bag, be aware that it may start to taste bitter after about 2-3 hours, so if you are planning to be gone for a long time, consider adding this in when you return.

• i would like to invite you to go on a picnic after this! grab your fresh bread, jam, and any other treats from the pantry you would like to take. perhaps you warm up a leftover tupperware of pasta or grab some slices of cheese. bring something to drink, as well. invite a friend, a partner, a family member, a dog, or just bring something to keep you company. some ideas:

  • a journal

  • a coloring book and pencils/markers

  • a canvas and paint

  • a book

  • an oracle or tarot deck

  • a magazine

• whether you are alone or not, spend some time pondering these reflection prompts, either with your friend or lover or by yourself. i will permit the use of a phone if you decide to send a voice memo to your bestie, or for yourself for later, or want to facetime a loved one, but otherwise, I humbly request that the phone stays tucked in the bag. remember to enjoy your delicious bread and jam while you do so.

  • what has changed since the winter solstice / yule? how does my life look different since december? how am i different?

  • what intentions did i set in december? how do those intentions align with me right now? is there anything i want to re-commit to?

  • how do i feel different in these light and bright parts of the year? how do i rise in the morning and sleep in the evening with more sunlight and warmer days? how does the summer sun impact my moods and my spirit?

  • are there any ways i want to restructure my days and routines with this extra sunlight?

  • what are three things i really want to do this summer?

  • what does embodying “radiance” mean to me? when in my life have i been the most radiant? the least? where am i on that spectrum right now? and how can i introduce a little more radiance to my life this season?

  • what does being alive really mean to me?

  • what am i most proud of myself for these last six months?

  • what shadow work can i place the side for now?

    • winter is the perfect time to excavate the soul and its dark parts, but summer can be the perfect time for leisurely rest and joy. give yourself a break.

  • what are three words that i want to shape my summer?

    • here are some examples: expansion, slowness, sunlight, gathering, connection, quiet, gratitude,

  • what am i devoted to this summer?

• once you feel complete with your time at the park or wherever you have chosen to commune with nature, pack up your things and drive or walk back home. for your convenience, i have created this playlist for you to blast with the windows down:

• at home, keep the playlist going and open your windows. light a candle or some incense and do a light cleaning. clean your surfaces, your windows, your windowsills, and, if it’s in your practice, do a gentle sound or smoke cleanse of your space.

  • if you want to make your own deliciously fresh smelling cleaner for your surfaces, try out this recipe:

    • 1 cup distilled white vinegar

    • 1 cup water

    • 10 drops lavender essential oil

    • 10 drops lemon essential oil (or use orange, tea tree, or eucalyptus if you prefer)

    • optional: citrus peels

• once the sun begins to set, grab your sun tea and let it chill in the refrigerator while you make your dinner.

• make dinner while playing the summer playlist, or while watching a comfort show. if you need an idea on what to make, here’s a flatbread pizza recipe — you might be able to get some of this at the market, too!

• eat dinner outside or at your kitchen table with the windows open and a candle lit in front of you. serve with your sun tea, or, if the moment takes you, a glass of chilled and crisp white wine.

• before you retire to an evening of reading, watching a classic summer movie, or playing board games, step outside or to your window and do a short ritual:

have a beautiful and blessed summer solstice, my loves.

xoxox