Embracing the Summer Solstice – A Time for Light and Renewal
Hi dear one,
as the year reaches its peak of light, we arrive at the summer solstice — the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
This special moment happens at the exact time of 4:42 AM CEST (Central European Summer Time) on June 21, 2025 and marks the sun’s highest point in the sky, a turning point when the earth tilts closest toward the sun.
Under Solstice Skies of the Ancients
For thousands of years, ancient cultures across the world recognised the summer solstice as a time of great significance. It was a moment to celebrate fertility, abundance, and the life-giving energy of the sun. People gathered to mark this day with ceremonies, feasts, and rituals that connected them deeply to nature’s cycles.
In Britain, ancient Druids gathered at Stonehenge, where the rising sun on the solstice aligns precisely with the Heel Stone, flooding the circle with light. It’s believed they welcomed the sun with chanting, fires, and rituals to honour growth and life.
In ancient Egypt, the solstice signaled the coming flooding of the Nile, a moment of fertility and rebirth. Their temples, like Karnak, were aligned with the solstice sun. It was a time to honor the sun god Ra—the eternal light that made all life possible.
The Maya and Aztec civilizations built pyramids aligned with the sun’s path. These were not just architectural marvels, but ceremonial sites where offerings were made to ensure cosmic balance and agricultural abundance.
In Slavic lands, the solstice was celebrated as Ivan Kupala Night—a festival of water, fire, herbs, and love. Young women floated flower crowns on rivers, and lovers leapt over bonfires to bless their union. It was said that on this night, magical herbs gained their full power.
What all these cultures shared was reverence—for the sun, for the earth, for the cycles that carry us forward. They didn’t try to control nature. They listened. They danced with it. They made space to celebrate the simple miracle of being alive under the same sun.
Maybe this June, we can do the same.
A Day for Manifestation
Today, we can celebrate the summer solstice by reconnecting with these rhythms and the earth’s natural wisdom.
Pick herbs in the morning light. Light a small fire, or even a candle, as the sun sets. Practice mindful breathing or gentle yoga outdoors. Gather with friends or family for a simple meal or quiet celebration under the sky or simply sit with a cup of tea brewed from plants you’ve gathered yourself and ask:
What am I grateful for at this peak of light?
What do I want to invite into my life in the future?
In many ancient traditions, the summer solstice was considered the most powerful moment to manifest—when the energy of the day could help bring your deepest intentions to life.
A Simple Ritual for the Summer Solstice
This ritual is about connecting—lightly, lovingly—to the season and your inner rhythm. You don’t need anything elaborate. Just presence, breath, and a bit of intention.
☀︎ What You’ll Need:
A quiet space outdoors or near a window
A candle or small fire
Fresh herbs or wildflowers (like lavender, thyme, or St. John’s Wort)
A journal or a small piece of paper and pen
A warm cup of herbal tea
Step 1: Welcome the Light
Rise early, if you can. Step outside and take a few deep breaths. Greet the day with gratitude. Get that early morning sunlight in your eyes that Andrew Huberman can’t stop talking about—at least on this day, if not every day.
If you have enough time, ideally do the sun salutations.
Step 2: Sip + Settle
Make yourself a calming cup of tea with herbs that grow locally. Ideally you collect them on this day—many believe these leaves hold special energy and significance, infused by the sun’s peak power. Brewing and savoring this tea can be a mindful ritual of renewal. Sip slowly. Feel the warmth and scent.
Step 3: Light a Candle or Bonfire
Light a small fire (even a single candle). This represents the peak of the sun’s power.
Watch the flame for a few moments. Let it symbolize energy, focus, and clarity.
Step 4: Manifestation Moment
In your journal, or on a piece of paper, write:
“This is what I invite into my life this season...”
“This is what I am grateful for...”
Keep it simple. One word, or a short list.
Step 5: Ground in Breath
Sit quietly and do a few rounds of Samvritti (Box) Breathing:
Inhale 4 – Hold 4 – Exhale 4 – Hold 4
Repeat for 4–8 rounds, or as long as feels good. Even better if you do this at sunset or sunrise.
Step 6: The Last and Most Important Step
After you’ve calmed your mind with breathwork and written down your intentions, choose a moment to meet the day with presence. It could be the exact solstice time—or any moment that feels meaningful to you.
You know I’ll be awake at 4:42 AM, quietly celebrating. But if you’d rather rise with the sun a bit later, that’s perfectly fine too.
Now, take your piece of paper and gently read what you wrote. It doesn’t have to be out loud—a whisper is enough. Then, sit with it. Breathe with it. Simply be. Let this be a short meditation, a moment of quiet connection.
This ritual is yours. There’s no right way to celebrate—only ways that feel true to you. Let this solstice be soft and bright. A pause. A prayer. A turning toward light.
Yes, I know—in today’s world, many won’t pause, and some may even find this silly. But trust in your intentions. Let others believe what they will. You attract the same energy you send out. Maybe this year you’re celebrating alone, but who knows—one day soon, you may be surrounded by friends, all planting their wishes into the summer light.
Wishing you a bright and joyful summer solstice.
With light and love,
Ema