Summer Solstice Celebration!

Physically we are experiencing more *light* and since the beginning of time, our ancestors have marked this period with ritual and celebration. It is a time to celebrate the fullness of life and raise our energy to regenerate abundance and manifest dreams. By practicing something symbolic to honor this time, we are not only reviving traditions but tapping into something that is eternal. This solstice is a time to honor the physical Sun and also the spiritual fire within each of us!

There are many ways to celebrate the summer solstice, and here are a few ideas:

1. Brew Sun Tea. Fill a quart glass jar with 1/4 cup of summery tea and fresh water. Leave it in a safe and sunny spot for 4-6 hours. The power of the Sun will help create the infusion. Strain over ice, garnish with fruit, herby tips and enjoy!

Try our summer seasonal teas: Honey Kissed a white pu'erh filled with summer florals and laced with granulated honey. Forest Berry a delectable black strawberry tea with rose hips. Blueberry Moon is fruity, refreshing and brews up a beautiful dark purple tea that will magically change to pink when you add a squeeze of lemon. 

2. Create a Summer Tea Mandala. Gather some colorful flowers and make a sun mandala. Arrange flowers, leaves and petals in circular patterns around your cup of tea. Do this in a comfortable and peaceful place indoors or outdoors. The act of creating something beautiful and sacred is a holy and healing act. As you create, infuse it with your prayers and intentions for yourself this season. We love to burn Smoke & Sage incense during tea rituals to help cleanse space and lift our prayers into the air. 

3. Go on a picnic. Pack up a blanket, a thermos of tea, and a dessert to compliment it. It's also a perfect time of year to savor juicy local ripe fruit. Pick a lovely spot outdoors and take notice of the sights, sounds, and wildlife. Enjoy the warm weather and being intertwined with the nature surrounding you.

4. Have a Summer Bonfire to celebrate the outer and inner fire! Play drums, dance and celebrate with your loved ones. If you want to get more ritualistic gather some fresh herbs like Lavender, Mugwort, St. John’s Wort or whatever is local and throw them into the fire with your deepest wishes!

5. Swim in wild waters. Take a trip to a beach, lake, pond or river. Tap into your inner child and jump in. Thoroughly enjoy some water play! It’s summer after all!

6. Summer Bath Ritual. Draw yourself a hot bath and add a quarter cup of Illuminate Bath Soak or Epsom salts into the water to dissolve. You may light some candles and toss in some fresh flowers. Visualize your worries melting into the water. Let the warmth embrace you and breathe deeply. Relax and enjoy this quiet time for yourself. 

7. Body Oil to show yourself some extra love. One of my favorite ways to love on my body is to use body oil and lovingly massage it in after bathing. Do it slowly and intentionally, fully appreciating each body part and what it does for you every day. You are beautiful. Illuminate Body Oil smells like summer in a bottle, and the shimmer oil will add a little extra glow to your skin. 

8. Have fun and practice gratitude. Don't waste another day worrying or feeling regretful. Wake up every day with the intent to feel good, to find joy, and to acknowledge all there is to appreciate.

Let this summer fill you with joy, pleasure, and happiness. You deserve it.

~Natalie

P.s. If you'd like to leave a comment I would love to hear what is growing around you or in your garden. How do you plan to celebrate this Summer Solstice?