It’s almost summer! This year, the summer solstice occurs on Wednesday, June 21, marking the astronomical first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
The first official day of summer — and the powerful moment when the tilt of the Earth brings us closest to the sun — means different things to different people.
For some, it marks the onset of new beginnings; for others, it represents rejuvenation and growth. However you choose to acknowledge this time of transition, we encourage you to invite ritual and ceremony into the longest day of the year.
How is the summer solstice celebrated around the world?
The summer solstice has deep roots in various cultures, each bringing their own traditions and rituals to mark this significant time.
In ancient times, Pagan cultures regarded the solstice as a moment of profound spiritual significance. The Celts celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and offerings to honour the sun god. In Scandinavia, Midsummer’s Eve is a cherished holiday where communities come together to partake in festivities like dancing around maypoles, singing, and enjoying feasts of fresh summer produce. Native American tribes also hold sacred ceremonies to honour the sun and express gratitude for the bountiful gifts of nature.
Learning about how other cultures honour this time of change may inspire you to incorporate some of their rituals into your own summer solstice ceremony. However, please make sure that the rituals and ceremonies you’re participating in aren’t appropriated from another culture. Read more about how to differentiate appropriation and appreciation on our blog.
Why should you celebrate the summer solstice?
The summer solstice marks a significant shift in the seasons, signalling a transition from spring to summer.
Change is an inevitable part of our journey, and honouring it through rituals and ceremonies allows us to acknowledge change and navigate transitions with grace and intention. It is an invitation for us to slow down, be present, and cultivate mindfulness. As you engage in these practices, you become attuned to the present moment, connect with your surroundings and nurture your overall well-being.
The summer solstice also presents an opportunity to come together as a community. By engaging in shared rituals or ceremonies, we foster a sense of belonging and strengthen our bonds with others, as we appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons.
Curious and want to know more about Solstice Rituals? Check out our previous post all about the Winter Solstice and share your stories with us so we can all be more ceremonial during times of transition and seasons of change.
How do you create your own solstice ceremony?
The summer solstice is a time of growth and transformation ~ a perfect time to bring rituals back into your life and set intentions for the summer season!
You can create your own solstice ceremony using the Be Ceremonial App ~ we’ve compiled 36 unique rituals that have been curated to this time of change, giving you the opportunity to choose your own ritual adventure. You can pick and choose from the rituals we have listed, and then make them your own!
Each ritual comes with a detailed list of ingredients (what to bring and how to prepare) and a step-by-step guide of how to perform that ritual. Remember, our rituals are descriptive not prescriptive so you can add or adjust them as needed. Here’s a sampling of some of our favourites:
Welcome the Sun
Solstice reminds us to honour and celebrate the light within and around us. An easy way to do this is intentionally placing yourself in the sunlight, literally or metaphorically.
Build a Solstice Altar
Honour the solstice season by displaying objects that are meaningful to you during this time of transition. Decorate your altar with seasonal flowers, stones in a way that brings you joy, comfort or inspiration.
Make Sun Tea
Solstice celebrations honour our connection to nature, the elements, and the shifting light. Create a special tea that acknowledges the sun as it begins to transition during this season of change.
Download the Be Ceremonial App
These are just a few of the many rituals we have in our Be Ceremonial App. Choose from our extensive library of secular rituals (Over 300 rituals and counting!) and create a ceremony to honour this time of change. We also have other types of ceremonies you can create – from birth to death and everything in between. Check out all of our ceremonies and start bringing more ritual into your daily life.
Join our Village
Did you know that your Be Ceremonial subscription also includes unlimited access to the newly-launched Be Ceremonial Village? You can take ritual workshops and ceremony courses, join virtual events and gatherings, connect with other ceremony seekers and join specific ritual rooms to learn more about a topic you’re curious about.
We’re hosting a special Summer Solstice ceremony online on June 21st in our Village and hope you can join us. We’re also hosting an in-person Solstice Swim in the Sea if you live near Vancouver, BC. We have so many exciting things in store for you in our Village ~ we hope to see you there!
