Finding Inspiration In the Summer Solstice Blooms
- Josephine Warren
- May 25
- 5 min read
There can be a lot of information out there about cyclical living, the season and change.
I find it can be grounding, magical and so interesting to dive into ancient myths, teachings and knowledge of flowers and herbs, that shaped each celebration, each moment of the tuning of the wheel and our connection to the wild world.
So, I thought I'd borrow some fantastic facts from (https://botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk/) and create a little blog of reflection for this summer solstice in June.
THE FLOWER: Sunflowers are seen as a symbol of the summer solstice. Their botanical name is Helianthus annus.
Young sunflowers track the sun as it moves across the sky. They face east in the morning towards the rising sun and follow the path of the sun until they are facing west when the sun sets.
WHAT IT IS TEACHING US: To start facing the East, carries the spiritual meaning of new beginnings, divine presence, and enlightenment. It's often associated with the rising sun, symbolising hope, renewal, and the dawn of a new day.
They face West as the sun sets, the west carries the spiritual meaning of freedom, connection to the divine and higher power.
JOURNAL OR RITUAL: How can you harness the potent fire energy of the solstice to create transformation and change, what do you truly want and what can you remove or burn away to achieve it.
Ritual of writing down the block, and burning it(carefully). and writing down what you want to supercharge, keep it safe, in a precious box, or even somewhere you can see it, depending on what resonates.
How can you create freedom, for yourself and also for others? How can you connect to the bigger purpose/power of the divine? Maybe through meditation, prayer and community. Maybe think on how you can contribute to collective liberation, you could fundraise, volunteer, speak up and speak out.
THE HERBS: In pagan celebrations, healing herbs were believed to be at their most powerful and potent when harvested on the summer solstice. It was thought that this was when evil spirits would appear and people would wear protective garlands of herbs and flowers to ward them off. During any solstice, the veil is said to thin, we are closer to spirits, sprites, fairies, the dead, the other worlds.
ST JOHN'S WORT: One of the most powerful was ‘chase devil’ now known as St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). This plant blends through pagan and Christian traditions. It has clusters of bright yellow, shaped blooms in midsummer.
The Celts believed St. John’s to be a magical plant which would bring prosperity, protection and peace and an abundant harvest. Gathering this plant on the solstice, preferably in the nude, was thought to harness the energy of the sun at its strongest. It was used in charms to protect against heartbreak and to cultivate a brave heart.
WHAT IT IS TEACHING US: This herb is said to be nature's antidepressant; we can reflect on protection, but not isolation and fear. How can we place more things in our life that bolster our hearts, and protect our energy, while not slipping into fear, isolation and too much self-focus. The bright yellow nature of the flowers represents the solar energy of manipura(solar energy), how can you fire up your desire, determination and your dedication.
JOURNAL OR RITUAL:
Journal on what needs protection, but also how your energy levels are? Are you teetering on burn out? Have you re-filled your cup? Are you angry or passionate about something, and how can you give that space to be voiced or felt? Do you have a goal, a burning desire, protect yourself, but also to galvanise?
If you're taking part in a fire ceremony, you can burn St Johns Wort for protection, You can also hang it over your doorway or wear it around your neck.
MUGWORT (Artemisia spp) is one of the oldest herbs to be used in traditional medicine. It is regarded as a Moon herb. Beliefs associated with this plant during the summer solstice are about its magical qualities which work in revealing shrouded mysteries when the night is at its shortest.
There is so much this plant facilitates and carries:
Dreams: it can help lucid dreaming and visions.
Known for its link to the moon, it can enhance and support feminine energies.
Intuition and inner widom can be enhanced by using mugowrt.
Other qualities are protection, flow, ascension, meditation and connection.
JOURNAL OR RITUAL: Burning a few leaves in the bedroom before going to bed or placing them beneath the pillow was thought to induce prophetic dreams.
Journal on, what are your dreams? Do you give yourself time to daydream, do you stifle yourself and cut off your dreams or find a quick 'Oh it's never going to happen'. Let your mind expand and dreams flow forth.
If you're lucky enough to have a garden, you can plant Artemisia in the which contain plants for treating Infection, Infestation and the Immune System; Glandular and Digestion disorders.
I loved this article from Medium about Mugwort and what you can make with it: https://medium.com/@3LittleBears/mugwort-the-wild-edible-and-recipes-5b3e0f0bc0d0
Other summer plants harvested at the time of the summer solstice when they were believed to have attained the peak of their medicinal value were Chamomile, Calendula, Fennel, Hemp, Rosemary, Thyme, Meadowsweet, Verbena, Sage, Mint, Elder and Roses.
I really hope you've enjoyed this slightly different take on the Summer Solstice, we will be calling on these plants and herbs in our retreats throughout June. Harnessing the potent energy of the summer and making space for our dreams, power, energy and magic.
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Sun 08 Jun
Slake, Worthing
3-5.15pm | Reset Retreat | £57pp | Space for 7 only | An intimate bespoke event, guided meditation, releasing breath-work, extended soundbath, tea, cards and free gift
Sat 14 Jun
Lets retreat
Join Josephine at The Yurt, For a special evening of Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Extended Soundbath, Aromatherapy and tea. Each session is built around the energy of the time, the changing cycles of the seasons and Radical Compassion.
Sun 22 Jun
Lets retreat
Step out of the fast pace of life and find rest, peace and calm in nature. Meditation & Breathwork, somatic flow practice, full Soundbath, tea & nibbles, cards, aromatherapy & floral waters
Fri 27 Jun
Slake, Worthing
7-8.30pm | Sound Retreat | £35pp | Space for 8 only | Welcome to your monthly sound retreat, incorporating guided meditation, immersive extended soundbath, tea, cards.
PRIVATE SESSIONS
A 1-2-1 soundbath is a transformative experience. 1-2-1 sound healings use sound to help lift, expose, transform, and heal what is being held on to, stuck, painful, or blocked.
Sessions are held at Josephine's cosy bespoke home studio, away from the hustle and bustle you will feel a deep connection to yourself, sound and vibration.
This includes time to settle in and anything that needs discussing before and after.
If you can't find a time or date that suits you below, please email: Josephine@echoyogaandsound.com
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