Summer Solstice: Celebration and Ceremony In Challenging Times

Here in the northern hemisphere, we are approaching the Summer Solstice, a time celebrated around the world to mark the longest day of the year. Since the beginning of time, humans have celebrated the sun as a powerful, life-giving force. Midsummer especially has been a time to honor the sun; at this time, we can witness the abundant growth we've seen since spring, knowing that our well-being and sustenance for the year to come will rely on the growth happening now; hence a celebration!

Today, we find ourselves in the midst of upheaval and incredible change on many levels, and with these changes, it is even more important to create meaningful ways to ground into our heart space and reconnect with the truth that dwells there.  The solstice is a powerful time to tune into the energy of life- if you're able to get outside and listen to the sounds around you, you will hear life in full swing and the force of growth is palpable. There is a ripening happening, the first fruits of summer, the dreams we carried through the winter, baby birds maturing into their adult selves, the list could go on. 

Right now, a lot is upwelling on this planet (and for good reason), and that is an understatement.  With this, comes many challenges that can be painful and confusing, and rightly so as we learn new ways of living that are more deeply in balance. During these times, it is also important to find ways to celebrate and honor what is, which at this time of year is the abundance of light and growth that is the Summer Solstice. Celebration is a way of calling forth that in our life which we are grateful for so that we remember and appreciate that which sustains us.  We can touch upon what inspires us and drives us towards creating more inner connection, interpersonal connection, and overall harmony on the planet. From this grounded place, we can be powerful agents of collective expansion and growth in new and healthy ways.

Cacao is a helpful ally here in so many ways, but especially by helping to facilitate a state of flow, where it's easier to feel into what is real for us in this present moment. The effect of cacao is heart opening and a feeling of expansiveness, taking us into intuitive ways of thinking and being. This makes it a great vehicle to connect with the many subtle aspects of ourselves that are often pushed aside in modern life, as well as to tune into wonder and deep gratitude for all that we have. A cup of cacao or a cacao ceremony is the perfect thing medicine to draw us into deeper ceremony for the summer solstice!

Check out our Ceremonial Cacao Drink Recipe here, to learn how to brew up a drink to share for the Summer Solstice. 

Here are some simple ideas to help get the creatives juices flowing on ways to celebrate and honor the summer solstice: 

• Fire Element - with the heat of summer upon us, this is a great time to honor and work with the fire element. Gather around a fire or candle and through reflection, offerings and prayer, connect with your inner fire, seeing what wisdom and practical advice it has for you. 
  
  
• Celebration - Host a big cookout feast on an outdoor fire. Splurge on your favorite foods and treat your friends & family. Consider foods that are traditional to your heritage. Take a moment at some point to share gratitude from the heart. 
  
  
• Musical Gathering - Invite the ecstatic in by gathering around a fire to make music, dance and sing! Invite your friends, pull out drums, guitars, rattles, or other instruments and dance, sing & make merry. Find easy songs to sing together. Start before sunrise and revel in these long summer days, celebrating into the night. 
  
  
• Sunrise Solo - For a solo idea, find a beautiful spot in nature to sit quietly and watch the sunrise. Summer Solstice happens at 5:13AM on June 21st this year, so wake up in the early hours and witness the actual moment. Let your senses take in the natural world all around and attune yourself to its rhythms. To deepen this practice, get set up in your spot while it’s still dark and watch the magical transformation from night to day. 

Whether you’re spending time solo or with others, we hope you have a wonderful summer solstice, filled with abundant blessings, and may it extend in all directions!