Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year or the longest amount of daylight in 24 hours. Which on average for the UK is 16 hours and 38 minutes. This usually falls on the 21st June. It also marks the astronomical start to summer.
Traditionally this day is celebrated all over the world from the Pagan tradition at Stonehenge here in the UK, to the night of San Juan in Barcelona and to the Inca ritual in Bolivia. To name a few!
Across the globe rituals, fires, meditation and ceremonies take place. It is a time to gather our thoughts and reflect, celebrate the coming fruits of the summer’s harvest and for people’s bodies and souls to be connected to each other and Earth.
I like to use this day as a time to remind myself of just how small we really are on this little planet, in the infinite size of space. I think about how I can make steps to live more peacefully within nature.
What do you do to celebrate Summer Solstice?
By Rosie Rayner, ND