This Saturday marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. Celebrated by Pagans as Litha, it’s the perfect time to appreciate the power of sun; the flowers blooming, fruits, and vegetables ripening, and long afternoons. Here are a few ways to enjoy the day:
1. Make the most of the daylight
The best way to celebrate the longest day of the year is to enjoy all of it. Try rising early at dawn for some sunrise yoga, a nature walk, or some quiet time with a cup of coffee.
2. Spend time in nature
Other than an early morning walk, consider eating a meal outside, seeking out local birdwatching spots, and visiting a nature preserve or botanical garden. If you’re a city dweller with limited options, look for an open air farmers market, or a shop within walking distance that sells fresh flowers.
3. Make sun tea
Sun tea is brewed by letting the tea steep slowly in the sun. To make a batch, soak 6-9 tea bags in a 4 liter glass jar for 3-5 hours, and refrigerator once it’s at the desired strength. Flavor with mint, lemon, or your preferred sweetener.
4. Build a fire
Bonfires are a staple of many pagan holidays. Enjoy one with a small group of family or friends, or quietly alone to meditate.
5. Write a gratitude list
Celebrating Litha is about taking time to appreciate the abundance of harvest and the power of the sun, but also about internal abundance. Write a list of things you are grateful for, and then save it as a time capsule to open at the start of next year’s summer.
Alas, Saturday looks like a rainy day in Pennsylvania.
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Unfortunately, my plans for a backyard fire are about to be rained out as well. We’re probably going to settle for burning incense on our screened in porch.
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And my rainy day never materialized. Beautiful here. Happy solstice.
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We are already enjoying a good harvest of greens from my husband’s garden. I’m really thankful for that–makes trips to the grocery store less frequent!
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Fantastic! My grandparents had an amazing garden when I was growing up, they could make a whole salad with the veggies they grew. I’m trying to take after them and turn my black thumbs green this summer.
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Good for you. Even just potted salad veggies should work out well where you are–plenty of heat and sun! Good luck!
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