RITUALS FOR THIS YEARS SUMMER SOLSTICE, THAT ANYONE CAN DO | 2023

The summer solstice may have been related to the timings of crop cycles. It was typically marked by Celtic, Slavic and Germanic people by lighting bonfires, intended to boost the sun’s strength for the remainder of the crop season and ensure a healthy harvest.

The solstice sits within a wider celestial framework, complemented by seasonal equinoxes marking spring and autumn as well as daily, monthly and annual cycles.

Lighting and jumping over bonfires on Midsummer’s Eve dates to pre-Christian pagan customs. It was thought to keep demons away and bring good luck to lovers.

This year at Echo, I am leaning into letting go. The summer for me has been an unfolding, of yearning to feel safe, and the safer I feel the more I rest, relax and realise how tired I am.

I've been using Yin yoga to calm the inner fire that summer brings, to utilise the gratitude and fertility of summer to expand, soften, and be kind. I'll be weaving this practice into my summer offerings and teachings.

Here are are few tips and ideas on how to celebrate or see in the day with rituals.

Spend time with the flowers. Buy some Green, red, golden or brightly coloured flowers and arrange them all over your home, or head to a local garden and rest. Flowers are symbols of the solstice and many believe flowers possess magical powers.

Fire magic. The sun is the symbol of the fire element of the solstice. Set your intentions with a fire ritual. Some cultures would light bonfires and dance all night until the flames reduced to embers. Then they would jump over the burning coals to make their wishes for the months ahead.

A more toned-down ritual can include lighting a candle, setting your wish or intention, and blowing it out (sound familiar? Even our birthday rituals hold pagan roots).

Ground yourself with yoga or meditation. There’s strong sun energy brewing on the solstice sabbat, which can feel intense for some. Help ground yourself with meditative or yoga rituals. Go to a class, watch a calming yoga tutorial on youtube, listen to meditation music, and try to do these rituals outside if you can.

Ritual Baths. Solstice night is a perfect time for a ritual bath. Light candles, fill your bath with salts and essential oils, even flower petals (or add essential oils to your shower and hang flowers from the shower head), burn cleansing palo santo or sage, and clear your mind.

Brew recipes! This is a great time to infuse potions and tinctures for summer. Bake cakes infused with honey (the symbol of the June moon), flower treats, and homemade beauty products made from plants and flowers.

Aromatherapy: Use a base oil, and select a blend of Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender

Lotus, Passionflower & Rose.

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If you are in need of some care, soothing and rest, why not come to our blissful afternoon retreat, book you place here.

Or reserve you place at a deeply healing soundbath.

Perhaps, make special time for you, and book a 1-2-1 session with Josephine.

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