Lately, I’ve been learning how to live by the cycles of the earth—not just the seasons outside, but the ones moving within me. As someone who once moved fast and pushed through, I’ve been slowing down and listening to what each phase of the year is asking of me.
And the more I do, the more grounded I feel.
More in rhythm with my body.
More alive in my own garden—physically and spiritually.
What Is the Summer Solstice?
The Summer Solstice, usually around June 20–22, is the longest day and shortest night of the year. It marks the peak of the sun’s power, when the light has fully returned, and nature is in full bloom.
Known as Litha in some Pagan and Wiccan traditions, this day has been honored across cultures for thousands of years.
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The Celts gathered for bonfires, celebrating the sacred sun and fertility.
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The Norse honored the goddess of the sun with feasting and fire.
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The Inca held Inti Raymi, a festival for the Sun God Inti.
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Indigenous tribes across the world tracked the solstice with stone alignments and dances, living in harmony with the land’s cycles.
The solstice is about radiance, but it’s also a turning point—from here, the days slowly begin to shorten. It’s a sacred pause: a moment to celebrate growth, harvest energy, and begin preparing to turn inward once again.
The Wheel of the Year
As I deepen my relationship with the earth, I’ve begun working with the Wheel of the Year—a modern framework that honors eight seasonal shifts, rooted in ancient European Paganism.
The Wheel includes the solstices, equinoxes, and four cross-quarter festivals, helping you live in tune with:
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Light + dark
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Growth + stillness
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Inner + outer life
The Summer Solstice (Litha) sits directly opposite the Winter Solstice (Yule)—symbolizing full illumination before we begin the slow descent into the darker half of the year.
This rhythm reminds me: there is wisdom in every phase. I don’t need to bloom all the time.
But when I do—it’s okay to shine all the way.
A Ritual to Ground in the Summer Solstice
You don’t need a firepit or fancy tools to honor the solstice—just presence.
Here’s a simple, heart-led ritual I’ve been doing to root into this season:
"Shine + Release" Ritual
What you’ll need:
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A candle (gold, yellow, or white)
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A flower or herb (sun-aligned: calendula, rosemary, St. John’s Wort, or sunflower)
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A journal
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A small bowl of water or soil
1. Create Sacred Space
Light your candle and take a few deep breaths. Sit outside if you can. Feel the sun on your skin. Place your herb or flower on your altar or in your hand.
2. Reflect
Ask yourself:
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What has grown in my life this year?
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What am I proud of? What’s blooming inside me?
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What light do I want to share more fully with the world?
Write what comes up.
3. Release
As the light peaks, so does intensity. Let go of what’s not aligned.
Hold your flower or herb and whisper what you’re ready to release. Drop it into the water or soil as an offering.
4. Close with Gratitude
Say thank you—to the sun, your own growth, your journey. Blow out the candle when you feel complete.
Final Thoughts
Living by cycles has brought me back to myself.
The Solstice teaches me that I don’t have to hustle my way into healing.
Growth happens in rhythm—with light, with darkness, and with love.
May this season bring you clarity, celebration, and connection to your own sacred rhythm.
If you try this ritual or feel called to deepen your own seasonal practice, share your journey with me on instagram @thehealinggardenapothecary — I’d love to witness your bloom.