In June, we celebrate Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Solstice is a combination of Latin word meanings, Sol “sun” and stice “to stand still.” Now, that seems like a gift “Sun to stand still” to bring longer daylight hours. What a wonderful thing to have happen allowing us glorious moments of fun in the Sun. Have you noticed how you feel when the Sun is shining? As we enter summertime, the world is alive with colour and activities. Everyone is smiling and people are gathering to share the outdoors.
Many believe God created the Earth on which we stand. Sun is known as Father Sun in the Native American faith, interesting as we also celebrate Father’s Day in this month. In many cultures, sun is honoured by lighting a fire that represents the warmth of the Sun. Fire is symbolic of energy, power, passion, action, creativity and sexuality. Masculine energy is also described as being the fire element: energy, power, action, sexuality. Fire brings warmth to us during the winter and sun brings warmth during the summer; both heat our hearts and lift our spirits.
The movement of fire signifies upward and forward motion. Where in life are you not taking action? Do you live to do your passion? Moving with fire energy can consume, transform, and lift us out of our limitations. Where can fire help you to move forward and away from your limitations? How can fire help transform you and your life? Knowing fire also represents passion, what fuels your passion? Also, passion can become too hot and turn into anger; so what angers you? Perhaps it is time to put out what angers you and transform this anger into compassion.
Summer solstice is a great time to honour the Sun for the daylight hours of pleasure and the warmth it gives. The nourishment it gives to plants allows them to grow. Sun provides Vitamin D and is very important for our mood and health. If we lack sun, many become depressed and suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder due to the lack of sunlight.) It is said, if you have a ‘sunny’ disposition you are happy and optimistic. I am sure you have recognized how warm and happy you feel when the Sun is shining bright. I often sit and allow the Sun to shine upon me and feel its embrace. During this union between the Sun and me, I will always say thank you to the Sun for the warmth it gives both my heart and me.
The second half of solstice is ‘stice’, which means ‘to stand still.’ It is important to remember to allow ourselves time to rest and relax. Thinking about the Sun we can get sunburnt. This reminds us to allow downtime to rest as it is important to not get ‘burnt out.’ Fire is an element of action and passion. Also, fire itself is a symbol of transformation, or when a forest is burnt by fire it is destroyed, but in time the fire makes way for something new to grow. Where in your life has fire allowed room for growth? Balance is required. The ‘breathing time’ is an opportunity to celebrate our relationship between the Earth, Sun and Us. Breathe in the Sun and feel its energy radiating through your body and embracing you with its warmth. Feel alive!
Sun provides light; this brings to mind another message. Every time the Sun shines, it emanates brightly using its full power. Are you allowing your light to shine fully?
Honouring who you are reminds me of the Sun card in the tarot. This usually pictures a naked child, happy upon a white horse, with the Sun shining brightly above him. It is one of the most positive cards in the deck. The Sun’s rays are representing feminine and masculine energies. The card radiates success, love, happiness and creative energy. The power to live, to be and to act is available to all and is always there. The sun sees everything, judges nothing, and is available to all. The child resembles the idea of baring himself to the world for all to see. He is liberated from old beliefs or past events and is ready to ride ahead. It also represents wholeness, freedom and fruitfulness.
Like the season, it is time for everything to bloom and grow. Earth is using her creative energies along with the help of Father Sun. Sun is power. Without the Sun, we and everything on Earth would not be alive. This reminds you it is time to honour your creative energies and personal growth in your life. Recognize and appreciate your own accomplishments of the past and those that are blooming now. Allow your light to shine as bright as the Sun.
Validate who you are and value your gifts. Understanding spiritual pride is a healthy part of feeling ‘whole’ and honouring our individuality. The Sun lights everything revealing all. This symbolizes clarity and new understandings along with realizations of things hidden or accomplishments we have not recognized. Have you recognized your positive qualities and achievements? Remember, you are special and here on Earth at this time for a reason. Rejoice!
Celebrate your own power by writing down your strengths and assets along with your accomplishments in all areas of your life. Try stating, “I am….”, “I have….” aloud so the energy vibrates into the world. Perhaps even think of a new power you can develop in your life.
On the day of the Summer Solstice, celebrate it outdoors if you can, walking in the woods or along the water and watch how the sun dances on all that is. You may light a campfire but be careful not to let the fire get out of control and start burning the Earth around you. If indoors, light a candle to symbolize the light of the Sun. Say thanks to the Sun for brightening your life and bringing warmth to you. Also, spend some time seeing your accomplishments and honouring your growth. Perhaps think of what would make you happy and how to bring joy into your life. How does your light shine on to others? What have you birthed or bloomed in your life? What successes have you achieved? Looking at your life, what do you now understand? Where in your life are you optimistic or what are you enthusiastic about?
When we recognize our light, we can begin to shine that light in our reality and create a happy, joyful abundant life. Another way to celebrate is find the time to say this prayer in thanks to the Sun. In addition, feel free to add other lines to the prayer to make it more personal to you.
“For the warm rays that heal my body and renew my spirit
I give thanks to the Sun!
For the new beginnings and personal growth,
I give thanks to the Sun!
For the vitamin D
I give thanks to the Sun!
For brightening my days and warming my heart,
I give thanks to the Sun!
For the pleasure of sunrises and sunsets,
I give thanks to the Sun!
For the beauty you provide to us from the Earth,
I give thanks to the Sun!
For being alive
I give thanks to the Sun!”
This June allow Father Sun and Mother Earth to remind you of your warmth and light. Share your joy and enthusiasm with others and create sunshine in your life!
Erin – Divine Infinite Wisdom; Connecting Spiritually with Reality
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