Hello lovely soul,
As we move towards Litha, the festival marking the Summer Solstice in the Northern hemisphere, we reach the peak of the Sun’s strength and power. This peak has a huge impact on the land around us – flowers are blooming, herbs are at their most fragrant and animals are busy raising their broods. Life navigates around this peak – rising and blooming in tune with the Sun.
Solstice literally means ‘the Sun stands still’ and it can be a good point in the year to pause and reflect on how our own lives are feeling right now. In today’s post I shall be sharing my favourite question to work with at this time of year, along with some simple ways to connect with the season.
Plants and Litha
Litha has long been considered the most potent time of the year to gather and dry herbs for use throughout the Winter months. There are so many fantastic plants to connect to with at this time of year, so I urge you to see which you feel most drawn to. Here are some that I have been feeling especially connected with this year…
Rose
Roses, both wild and cultivated seem especially abundant this year and I cannot pass by without taking a few moments to enjoy their beauty and aroma! Sometimes our rituals can be as simple as this, so if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the heightened energy of Summer, carve a few moments in the day to check in with what is in bloom around you. Absorb its colour, take a sniff and consider what it has taken for this flower to bloom.
A question that I always like to spend some time journaling with at this time of year is:
what do I need, in order to bloom?
Oak
It is a pleasure to meet any tree at this time of year, full of life force and vivid green canopies. Oak trees in particular are in their element at this time of year. For thousands of years, people have gathered beneath their branches and so if the heat feels too much, Oak welcomes us to cool off and re-centre ourselves beneath them. You can read more about the legend of the Oak king and his connection to the Summer Solstice in my previous post.
Seasonal rituals
I think of the Summer Solstice much like the crescendo in a piece of music. It can feel both celebratory but the intensity of the season can feel overwhelming at times too. Here are a few practices that I find grounding and refreshing around this time of year.
- Spending time in or around water can help balance the strong fiery energy of the season.
- Take a walk in the evening once it has cooled a little. It is a soothing time of day for spotting deer and soaking in birdsong and the sunset is always magical to see.
- Gather some herbs from your garden to dry and use in the months ahead or have a go at making a smoke cleansing stick.
- Spending some time beneath a shady tree. Whether for a picnic, rest or a solo journaling session, tune in to the buzz of life around you and the solid ground beneath you.
- Make a space to display treasures you gather over the season. This may include cut flowers, oak leaves, Sun ornaments, herbs, petals and feathers.
- Get your shoes off!
Wild Fen Offerings
Wishing you all a beautiful Litha, may you find some time this weekend to connect with the potent energy of the land as she blooms in whatever way feels right for you.
With love and magic,
Nic x
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