On 21st June this year, the sun will rise at (approximately) 4:43 in the morning to welcome the longest day of the year and commence the long-observed Pagan tradition of celebrating the Midsummer solstice. Many people in the Northern hemisphere will blissfully snooze through this most sacred of Pagan holidays - but not you. No, this year you’re setting your alarm painfully early and embarking on this most sacred of journeys. That’s right, on the 21st of June, you’re making like Florence Pugh in Midsommer and taking a step towards the occult. Do not fear, I’m here to hold your hand every step of the way. Let’s go, Witches.
If this isn’t you, I suggest you go read this lovely little article instead. Cos this shit is about to get hella strange.
What is the summer solstice?
Dating back to Neolithic times, the summer solstice is a ritual event that spans many different countries, cultures and time periods. Some communities mark the height of summer with performative chants, dances, and festival-like activities. Whilst others celebrate by building huge bonfires or structures to align with the sun’s rays; some even do a combination of both (with a lil’ ritual sacrifice sprinkled on top). No two communities agree on how to celebrate this annual event, and yet one thing has always remained steadfast: that the solstice occurs on the 21st of June - the longest day of the year.
This event holds significant spiritual and cultural importance to many communities. It represents the peak of the sun's power and the abundance of nature during the summer season. As such, the solstice is often associated with themes of fertility, growth, and the vitality of the Earth. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the majority of ritual celebrations on this day are centred around honouring the sun and its life-giving energy. Alongside, paying tribute to nature’s spirits and deities associated with the season and celebrating the beauty and bounty of the Earth.
Even nowadays, you have to admit that this longest of days has a somewhat ethereal quality to it. There’s just something so special and irreverent about the way that the sun stubbornly refuses to descend. At times seeming to expand with daylight, perhaps signalling towards a fantastical world where anything is possible. It’s a great opportunity to slow down and make the most of this extra time. Really take your time to appreciate the beauty of the sun, it’s warmth, and the beauty of our natural world. It is for this reason, that this year, in the context of a nature ravaged by the tolls of global atmospheric warming. I am suggesting that those seeking to celebrate this event should do so sustainably. By being mindful of minimising their environmental impact. For, what is there to celebrate on the summer solstice if not our beautiful natural world? To me, this event is the perfect time to realign ourselves with our environment and refocus our efforts towards acting sustainably, consciously and ethically.
On that note, here are 5 sustainable summer solstice activities that you should incorporate into the longest day of the year. For all my nature babies that love all that mumbo jumbo pagan shit, enjoy!
- Watch the sunrise
This is the most tried and true way to welcome in the longest day of the year - no ritual sacrifice required (phew). Every year millions of solstice worshippers set their alarms before the crack of dawn so they can witness the sun in all her glory rising to light up the skies on our longest day. If you decide to make like millions before you, and incorporate this ancient tradition into your solstice, not only will you blow all of those insufferable ‘That girl morning routine’ girlies out of the water, but you’ll truly be able to make the most of the extended hours of sun...provided you don’t pass out before sunset!
- Sun salutations
All my yogis will know what these are, but for the benefit of all you witchy folk who haven’t reached the stage of their hippy-ness when yoga becomes 50% of their personality (no shade intended), let me explain: Sun salutations are a series of yoga poses performed in a flowing sequence. They involve movements such as standing tall, raising the arms overhead, folding forward, transitioning through plank, and moving into upward-facing dog and downward-facing dog. These movements, when coupled with holistic mindfulness and meditation, are a great way to honour and connect with the energy of the sun, which is associated with vitality, warmth, and light. Performing sun salutations outside, facing the direction of the sun, serves as a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the sun's life-giving energy and the interconnectedness of all living beings within the natural world.
In short, it’s a cute lil’ combo of slow yoga, mindfulness and meditation outside basking in the sun’s rays. It’s like worshipping the sun, minus all the psychedelic drugs, ritual sacrifice and dancing! Much more up my street, unsurprisingly.
- Light some sustainable candles
One of the most prevalent ways to show appreciation for the sun on it’s longest day is to light a bonfire, and if you’re feeling it, have a lil’ boogie and a chant around it. Fire...sunlight...it’s a pretty obvious connection if you think about it. The problem with this, is that most of us have got lives, jobs, responsibilities, and probably really anal landlords who don’t even let you have a BBQ in the garden. Lighting a full-blown bonfire, stripping down to your birthday suit and chanting like nobody’s listening isn’t exactly attainable for most of us. As much as we’d love to live our Dani from Midsommar realness (minus the cold-blooded murder and torture, ofc!). On top of all this, having a huge ass pyre of burning wood doesn’t exactly scream environmentally friendly or sustainable, does it? Last I checked, we were supposed to be planting trees, not burning them. Bonfires don’t fit the parameters of a sustainable solstice, sorry to burst your hippy bubbles.
But, do not abandon hope, because you can do the next best thing: burn sustainable candles! Pick out your fave floral candle from our list of the best sustainable candles, watch the flame, and think about your ancestors. Or... just enjoy the candle, whatever floats your boat.
- Go for a wild swim
I know you’ve seen those Hampstead Heath outdoor swimming ponds on your TikTok FYP. You’ve got to admit that all those adventurous people bobbing about on your screen look like they’re having the time of their lives. And I’m not surprised! Wild swimming offers a unique blend of adventure, mindfulness, and community. It provides an opportunity to explore new places, embrace the thrill of untamed waters, and foster a sense of excitement. And for my wellness enthusiasts, wild swimming promotes mindfulness. Connecting the mind and body through the sensations of water and breath. Plus, you might meet some like minded Witches on your way. Since wild swimming often brings together a community of like-minded individuals. Fostering social connections and a sense of belonging in the natural world. So, if you’ve been looking for a sign to take the leap into the uncharted waters of Hampstead Heath (or other wild swimming spots): this is it! Use the solstice as your perf excuse to make wild swimming your new fave hobby.
- Walk barefoot in the grass
For those of you who like to keep your feet firmly on the ground, and are repulsed by the idea of flailing in a muddy pond with strangers...you’re not alone. As much as I have romanticised the idea of wild swimming, it’s going to take much more than the longest day to get me to strip to my skivvies and dive into murky waters. So, for tame witches like me, try walking barefoot in the grass. Sounds simple, but can be hugely beneficial in offering a sensory way to connect with nature. Feeling the earth beneath your feet creates a direct connection and enhances awareness of the natural world. It promotes mindfulness, grounding energy, and a childlike sense of playfulness. Walking barefoot strengthens foot muscles, improves body awareness, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment. So kick off your shoes, embrace the earth's textures, and come do some pagan shit with me on the 21st of June.
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