5 Spiritual Rituals To Help You Celebrate The Longest Day Of The Year

This summer solstice arrives as the U.S. begins to emerge from a long hibernation during the pandemic. You can feel the change in the air as we enter the longest day of the year.

The solstice has always been a time to celebrate, to honor our connection to the inner firepower that keeps us alive. It's a moment of abundance, filled with the potential for growth. In fact, the Pagan summer solstice festival was named after Litha—the goddess of fertility, power, and order.

Sit quietly for a few moments thinking about your mistakes (real or imagined), fears, regrets, and sorrows. Now is the time to let go of the old stories that keep you small. The past is over, so make space for the new. Write on white paper with red ink anything you are willing to release mentally, emotionally, and physically. Then safely burn it in a fireproof bowl or bonfire.

Say: "I now release in the flame, the Goddess of Fire will consume my pain. It is done."

As a kid, my summers were always meant for fun. I could ride my bike, swim, catch fireflies, draw, read books for pleasure, and stay up late. It was a time of freedom. Whether I was home or at camp, it offered me a portal through which I could connect to my playful, artistic self. Who says we can't find the same joy as adults?

One way to embrace your own childlike wonder and attract abundance is with a piñata. You can buy or make your own and decorate it in any way you like (preferably to represent the energy of the sun). Fill it with blessings written on pieces of paper like "I bless you with health," "I bless you with a great sense of humor," "I bless you with courage," "I bless you with an abundance of money." I like to use large yellow circles, but use whatever you like.

With the intention of amplifying your power to make a difference in the world, go outside and find a fallen tree branch. Decorate your "wand" with paint, feathers, gemstones, glitter, stickers, symbols, ribbons, and/or a cord. 

Every object you put on your wand can represent something that helps you step into your power: Feathers can represent spirit helpers, birds, or simply a wider perspective. The color red can symbolize passion, while green can represent healing. A heart symbol can speak to love and compassion. I also like to add a picture or symbol of a spiritual teacher or guide. Use your imagination!

If you want to really amplify the power of your wand, place a clear quartz point about an inch or so in length on the end of the stick. Tie it on with copper wire, a great conductor of energy, so that part of the crystal sticks out beyond the end of the stick. Think of it as an arrowhead.

Now, hold the wand in your hand and call on the sun to bless you with the energy to go out into the world with passion and purpose.

There are many ways to use herbs in summer rituals: Beyond cooking with them, you can turn them into incense or use them to anoint candles. They can also be sewn into a charm bag and worn or carried. I like to combine a few in a small burlap bag to carry around in my backpack or purse or tie with a string and wear around my neck as a powerful amulet.