Why celebrate the Summer Solstice?

Summer Solstice (aka Midsummer’s Night Eve or Litha) is a celebration of the longest day of the year, where the Sun is at its full zenith. It’s a time to celebrate our life-giving Sun and the Earth’s bounty. Look around you- there’s colour, beauty and life buzzing everywhere!

Summer Solstice is a turning point in the year; from this point on the light will wane towards the Winter Solstice (the shortest day) in late December. This solar turning point is a perfect moment to set intentions that are all about you.

How can you show up for yourself every day with loving kindness? Is it time for you to be recognized more fully in your business or career path? What intentions do you have for your health and vitality? How can you open to more joy in your everyday life?

Whatever your intentions are this Summer Solstice, let them be ones that makes your deepest soulshine sing! You’ve got the power and strength of the Sun behind you at this moment to be and do anything!

Midsummer’s Sun Tea

The big bright energy of the Solstice sun brings extra oomph to your Sun Tea Brewing! Set your personal intentions and let them steep with your Sun Tea. Just follow these easy steps and believe.. (because Midsummer’s Night Eve is known for it being a time for fairy rings and magic!)

Supplies:

• A mason jar/glass jar

• Enough water to fill the jar

• Fruits, herbs + flowers to put in your jar*

• Tea of your choice

• Sunny crystals like: Pyrite, Citrine + Clear Quartz (optional)

• Pen + piece of paper

*I recommend using fruits, herbs or (edible) flowers that are in season or in your garden. If you can get to a farmer’s market or a grocery store that supplies local food, pick whatever you feel called to. I’m including a few recipes below for inspiration, but by all means get creative and do your own thing!

Oregon Strawberry Rhubarb:

• a small handful of strawberries, sliced

• 1-2 stalks of rhubarb, sliced

• rooibos tea

• 1-2 teaspoons of honey

Sunshine in a Glass:

• half an orange, sliced

• half a lemon, sliced

• half a lime, sliced

• black, green or white tea

Summer Pollinators Delight:

• a small handful of lavender sprigs

• a small handful of sacred basil (tulsi)

• rose petals

• mint (with the flowers if you have access)

• chamomile based herbal tea

• 1-2 tsp of honey or a sprinkle of bee pollen

Brewing up the Magic

Ideally you can make this Sun Tea on the day of the Solstice.

1. Solstice morning or day before, spend time in nature (even if it’s in your own backyard) to connect with the elements and energy of the season. If you find anything on a nature walk you can take home with you (wildflowers, water from a stream, soil, rocks etc) to decorate your tea brewing area.

2. Set up your Tea brewing area with flowers, crystals (sunny colors like citrine, pyrite, tigers eye, yellow or orange calcite are great) and any other art, colors or items that make you feel powerful and shiny.

3. Calm your mind and energy by taking deep, slow breaths and feeling your connection with the Earth.

4. Ask yourself what intention you can make that will allow you to shine as your brightest, most expansive self.

5. Once you feel very clear about what your intention is, WRITE IT DOWN on your piece of paper. Be CLEAR + SPECIFIC.

6. Place all your ingredients in your jar and top with water. Place your jar with all your ingredients either outside IN THE SUN, or in a sunny windowsill, with your intention paper under or tied around the jar or your intention written on the brew jar in marker. If you’re using crystals, place your stones against the jar so they can infuse their energy into your sun tea.

7. Once your Sun Tea has steeped in the sun for at least 3 hours (but ideally all day), STRAIN + DRINK your tea over the course of the next day or two. With each sip feel the magical energy of the Sun and let your intention vibrate in every cell in your being!