Celebrate The Summer Solstice With These 6 Empowering Outdoor Rituals

Today we celebrate the summer solstice—a powerful planetary event when the Earth’s cycle shifts and our relationship to the sun changes.

It's the longest day of the year, and the Northern Hemisphere is currently bathing in the fierce fire energy of the sun. Countless cultures throughout human history have revered the summer solstice as sacred and divine.

It's a beautiful day to find a moment to pause and soak in that rich summer energy and connect more deeply with yourself and your Divine.

Every sunrise symbolizes a new beginning. Today’s is particularly powerful, and you can use its energy to fuel whatever new beginnings you are currently experiencing.

Find a good place to view the sunrise. Plan to arrive several minutes before the main event so you have time to pause, relax, and really absorb the moment. Take several deep breaths to ground yourself while you wait. As the sun begins to rise, think about what is newly beginning for you. What do you hope will grow with the strength of this summer solstice sun?

The powerful energy of the solstice makes it the perfect day to have a spiritual reading. If you’re able to treat yourself to a professional reading, today is a fun day to do so. But if not, even a total beginner can glean interesting insights by giving themselves a personal reading.

Find a comfortable spot and take several deep breaths to center yourself. As with all these rituals, if you’re able to do it outside, all the better.

When you’re ready, draw three cards (they can be tarot cards, runes, etc.), one at a time. The first one represents your past; the second, your present; the third, your future. Lay all three cards in front of you.

Using the guide that came with your cards, read the meaning of the first card you drew, which represents the past. Spend some time reflecting on what this might mean for you. Perhaps the card represents something you’ve let go of, something you’ve overcome, or something that fueled you to get where you are—your present.

The summer solstice is a powerful day to take a sun bath. This is an excellent way to soak in the abundant, passionate, hot summer energy and use it to light your inner fire.

Find a spot to lie on your back in the sun. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to ground yourself. As you breathe, begin reflecting on your inner strength, your fire—that part of yourself that is confident, and powerful, and badass. Picture that part of yourself as a fire burning inside of you; it may be fierce and strong, or it may only be a spark.

The sun reaches its peak on the summer solstice. It completes its cycle of growth and we begin to let it go as the days start to grow shorter again.

The summer solstice is a beautiful evening to (carefully!) light a campfire. You can also do this ritual by simply lighting a candle.

After you’ve lit your fire, take a few deep breaths to ground and center yourself. Reflect on what “debris” you’d like to set fire to. What is no longer serving you that you're ready to burn away? Get really clear on what you need to let go of. Take a moment and jot these things down on scraps of paper.

Gazing at your fire, continue to take deep breaths. With each inhale, draw in that fierce, hot fire energy. Really feel the fire entering your spirit. With each breath, envision your fire growing larger and stronger until it is raging within you. When you are ready, toss your papers into the fire. (If you are using a candle, make sure you do this extremely carefully. Burn them in the sink or a fireproof bowl.)