Hello wild soul,
It seems hard to believe that we are approaching the longest day of the year on Thursday. I began writing this post to you as I have all of my wheel of the year posts this year, wrapped in a blanket, looking out onto a cold and rainy day. Today, however, is quite the contrast. I am sat with the sun on my face, surrounded by 5 noisy young swallows, who bravely left their nest yesterday and are out ‘finding their wings’, such a joy to witness!
In today’s post I wanted to share some simple rituals that I’ve been enjoying as we move towards the solstice, some reflections and a few exciting announcements so let’s dive in!
Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice falls on Thursday June 20th in the UK this year, marking the longest day of the year. Hours of daylight, have been slowly expanding since the Winter Solstice in December and reach their peak at the Summer Solstice. They will then begin the slow decline back to the shortest day at the Winter Solstice.
Typically, this time of year is associated with the element of fire, an invigorating force that encourages growth and expansion. In excess, this energy can leave us feeling a little frazzled and overwhelmed. This year, however, that fire energy from the Sun has felt a little lacking. For some of us, this may not be a bad thing, and for others, the lack of sunny days can lead to us feeling as though something is missing, (I have definitely been in this camp, what about you?)
A lesson in slowing down?
The peak of the year can often be a full and vibrant time; never ending jobs in the garden, events, gatherings, holidays and adventures all seem to occur around this time. With the damper, colder days, I have found myself moving at a slightly slower pace than usual this year. At times this has felt sad, like I have missed out on things but I also feel it has encouraged me to give my attention to things more fully. Instead of wanting to do or gather all of the things available I am more selective, gathering fewer plants with more intention. I wonder if you have noticed any differences in yourself this year?
Slow rituals
On this note, my rituals are becoming more and more simple and intuitive. I’ve realised how much I love to go out into the garden in the evenings and just have a potter. I check on my plants, gather a few herbs for an evening tea (lemon balm, chamomile and rose petals have been favourites) and watch the sun set and the moon rise. These daily rituals feel nourishing and manageable. I have realised how important it is to not let the desire to mark an occasion (a seasonal festival, or moon phase) become another thing on our ‘to do list’
Announcements & Updates
Folk in a field festival
We are busy preparing for our first ever festival! Some of you may know, that we have been taking our creations out and about over the last year and it has been wonderful to meet some of you in person. From the 4th – 7th of July, we will be trading at Folk in a Field festival, near Swaffham in Norfolk. Alongside a great line up of bands, there will be plenty of activities and workshops including free yoga to start each day! We are really looking forward to it.
Earth Pathways Diary
Another very exciting announcement is that our Wheel of the Year was chosen to be featured in the absolutely wonderful Earth Pathways diary for 2025! If you are unfamiliar with this publication, I would urge you to check it out. It is a beautiful yearly planner (and wall calendar) intended to help deepen our relationship with the seasonal year through inspiring art, photography, poetry, and prose. It will be on sale from Thursday 20th June, when the first 500 copies can be snapped up for an early bird price too!
Wild Fen Offerings
To celebrate featuring in the Earth Pathways Diary we have 20% off our Wheel of the year prints and card deck this week, available here. We also have some new Wild Jewellery pieces available too!
Sacred trio – Oak, Ash & Hawthorn
These trees have long been thought of as a ‘sacred trio’ with the ability to heal. They feature in the poem ‘a tree song’ by Rudyard Kipling.
Holly & Oak pendants
Holly & Oak are both considered to be kings of the woodland, that rule over different halves of the year. You can read more about their folklore in our ‘tale of two kings’ post
I hope we all get to enjoy a little Sun energy over the next few days. If you would like to read more about the Summer Solstice, including associated plants & further ideas for connecting with the season, you may like to check out last year’s ‘Litha‘ post. Or if you have some lovely herbs growing in your garden, my ‘Midsummer Smoulder Sticks’ post will guide you in crafting a cleansing herb bundle!
With love,
Nic x
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