It was Summer Solstice on 21st June.

Summer Solstice is a doorway to the second half of the year… it’s a good time to reflect on our journey since Winter Solstice and to also think about what we might want to draw in and nurture in the build up to Winter Solstice.

“The great gift of the energy of Summer Solstice is that it’s designed to move you from one phase to the next on your own terms. “

– Deborah King

Known as the “festival of achievement”. Summer Solstice –-the longest day of the year – has always been seen as a very mystical time. Solstice means “Standing of the Sun”. Today the term solstice is used to describe the exact moment when the sun reaches its northernmost point (around June 21) or southernmost point (around December 22) from the earth’s equator. We can connect to this great turning point in the earth’s yearly cycle by taking a moment to stop, be still and look back at our own unique journey since the winter solstice.

“This is summer’s height, midsummer, the longest day and the shortest night of the earth’s solar year. Here we celebrate the completion of the cycle that began at the winter solstice. In the midst of the longest day of the year, we simultaneously begin our return to the dark half of the year.”

“Here we can stand on the threshold and ask ourselves what do we wish to encourage in your life?”

You can incorporate some Trataka candle gazing meditation into your home practice at this time of year to really connect to that fire element within and develop your insight.

“Candle glimmer, candle glow

Take my wish and make it so”

– Rachel Hertogs Moon times

“This is the time of year that affirmations and personal chants are exceptionally powerful – especially if combined with candle burning. The intellect is inspired by the passion of fire, now is the time to join together our passion and our spirit.”

– Rachel Hertogs

Check out these videos for some Summer inspired practices to do at home.