I have been honouring the Wheel of the Year and the passing of the seasons for many years now. I find that by connecting with the changing energy in the natural world, I am more accepting of the ebbs and flows within my own life as I journey through the year.
As we reach the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, I wanted to share some of the lessons I have been working with this season.
A theme that has become prominent this year is that of polarity, and how becoming aware of opposites can allow us to create more balance as the sun reaches its peak.
In today’s post I shall be sharing my favourite ways to embrace the sun’s energy along with my favourite practices for cultivating balance when it feels a bit too much!
The Polarity of the Summer Solstice
As we stand at the Summer Solstice we have reached the peak of the year. Day length, sun strength, light and temperature are all at their peak. This time of year is associated with growth and fire energy and whilst these qualities can nurture growth and creativity in our own lives, in excess they can lead to us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
We may also find the reverse true of the Winter Solstice. On the shortest day of the year, day length, sun strength, light and temperature are all at a minimum. This time of year is associated with rest and the water element and whilst these qualities can nurture reflection and nourishment in our own lives, in excess they can also lead to feelings of stagnation and heaviness.
Being aware of the polarity at these times of year can help us to embrace the qualities of the season whilst creating some balancing practices when needed.
Honouring the Sun’s Energy
As I mentioned above, the Summer season is associated with the element of fire. Fire energy can be both stimulating and motivating, helping us to bring new projects to life. It helps us kindle ideas, enthusiasm, creativity and positive action. After the Winter, fire energy can feel a spark of fresh energy as we feel our zest for life return.
To harness fire energy as a positive force this season you may wish to spend some time journaling with the following question:
What you would I like to ignite, breakthrough or transform in this season?
if it suits, spend some time writing an answer to this question in your journal.
Balancing the Sun’s Energy
In excess, fire energy can become overwhelming. We may feel like things are moving too fast, leaving us worn out or frazzled. Here are 3 ways I like to restore some balance during this busy season.
- Spend time near water. It isn’t a coincidence that we may feel the pull to visit water at this time of year. Whether sea or lake, river or bath, spending time in or besides water can really help soothe feelings of overwhelm and literally cool us down. Water is the opposite to fire energy so can help us to feel more balanced.
- Visit a woodland and find shade beneath the trees. Spending time in the company of trees can really help us to feel more grounded and calm. This practice is especially helpful if our minds have been racing with ideas this season.
- Consciously slow down. Have you reached the Solstice and wondered how we are already half way through the year? Fire energy can leave us feeling rushed and so it is extra important to make some time to rest amongst this busy season. I love to spend some time reading, having my morning or evening cuppa outside without my phone or taking an evening stroll to slow down.
Plants and Polarity
So many of my lessons emerge from the plants and trees that I spend time with and this one is no different. If you been following our recent posts here or over on social media, I am sure you won’t be surprised by my choices here..
Rose
Along with most people, I love roses. A few years ago, my sister gifted me a beautiful rose that had been in a pot in my mum’s garden whist we moved around in our van over the past few years. It was one of the first things I planted when we moved onto our land at the end of last Summer and it has thrived since being planted into the ground. Every morning I have greeted its buds and flowers, and taken deep breaths of its precious scent. One of my favourite nature writers, Brigit Anna McNeill celebrates the polarity of the Rose so beautifully. Honouring both their soft, delicate petals and their strong, sharp thorns with which they protect themselves. During a recent storm here, that caused devastation across the farm, my Rose somehow managed to kept all her beautiful petals intact whilst those around it lost theirs.
Rose is a wise and tender ally of the heart. Her message tells us of embodying both strength and softness.
Oak and Holly
In my recent post, I shared about the legend of the Oak and Holly kings. These two iconic trees guide us through the different halves of the year. Oak leads us on a journey of growth and expansion through the light half of the year, whilst Holly guides us inwards on a journey of reflection and introspection through the dark half of the year. We crafted some Wild Jewellery pieces to honour the contrasting energies of these two trees, uniting them in each piece.
Wishing you all a blessed Solstice and if you are unable to celebrate today remember that the energy will still be strong over the next few days too!
Love and magic,
Nic x
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