Summer Solstice Rituals

Since ancient times the Summer Solstice is a joyous celebration in the Pagan tradition. Contrary to popular belief, the Solstice marks MidSummer. It is when the Earth has reached midpoint on her journey around the sun. It is the peak of summertime - after which the daylight hours will begin to shorten again.  

This is a holiday which honors the balance of light and dark; the union of the God and Goddess, the sun and moon in wholeness. Having a full moon on a Solstice is a rare and beautiful blessing! The significance is many-fold when you consider that the Full Moon Represents fertility and this Sacred Holiday honors the union of the Sun God and Moon Goddess. 

June has always been considered a powerful month to work on strengthening psychic abilities and making contact with the Spirit World. It is also an active time for nature spirits and the traditional time to focus on fertility. In many traditions around the world, the Solstice is when children are conceived. Others perform rituals in which sacred fires bring one's true love or future spouse. It is a magical time for wishing, purification and divination. 

For my Solstice celebration on this lucky, full moon month, I went to the Lake Lady Bird river at sunrise to begin my solstice rituals. 

In keeping with tradition, I left an offering of fruit and flowers for my ancestors and the nature spirits.

Prayers and meditations were performed to honor and tune in with the river, the sun, the moon. 

After sundown, I performed my candle ritual and prayer Service honoring the Sun God and Moon Goddess. At times like this I do not narrow my focus to specific incarnations of Deity, but instead, connect with the Wholeness of Deity. That being said, the Spirits I am currently working with were all acknowledged and given offerings. 

Tips: 

1. Leave glass jugs of water out to be charged by sunlight, moonlight or both. (I charged mine with both this month!)

2. Don't be too serious! Days like this are joyous days and nature spirits are fun tricksters. (I went to a pool party in the middle of the day.)

3. This is a good time of year to begin a spiritual dedication, purification or vow. (I have begun a 52-day spiritual cleanse.) 

Goddesses associated with this season:  

Litha, Cerridwen, Ishtar, Astarte, Aphrodite, Yemaya, Oshun, Aine.

Blessed Be and have fun this Fertile Season!