the science (and magic) of the summer Solstice
researched & written by greer deliberato
art via alchemists kitchen article by kaylin brown
The Science
The word solstice means “sun” and “standing still” in Latin. The summer solstice happens because the earth is tilted on its axis. This is also why the seasons happen. When the Earth is tilted in a certain way the sun hits different places on our planet. When the solstice occurs the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. While the northern hemisphere is experiencing the longest day of the year the southern hemisphere is experiencing its shortest.
The Magic
Many ancient cultures believed that during the time of the summer solstice the veil between the living and the dead becomes thin and magic, good and bad, could sneak through. In many ancient cultures the summer solstice is associated with fire. Many ancient societies held ceremonies, such as jumping over bonfires, to keep demons away and to bring good luck couples. In some cultures people collected the ashes from these sacred fires to use for healing and magic.
Ways to Celebrate
You can celebrate the solstice by lighting up a bonfire, foraging in your back yard, or making a flower essence!
Having a summer solstice fire can be as simple as just having fire in your fireplace or as extravagant as hosting a summer solstice party. If you want to go foraging lookout for these sun related plants : Yarrow, Sunflower, Mugwort, St. Johns Wort, and Mullien (while these plants are not for eating, they do look pretty in a vase!)
How to Make a Flower Essence
Put 2 cups of water in a glass bowl
Find a flower that speaks to you. Take a moment of silence to meditate and ask the flower if you have permission to use it.
When you feel welcome, using shearing scissors, cut where the stem meets the flower, with your glass bowl waiting underneath to catch the flower as it falls. Collect enough flowers to cover the top of the water.
Now that you’ve collected your flowers sitting atop your water, set them out in the sun for around two hours to infuse the water with your flower’s essence along with the solar energy. You can research the meaning of your flower and its healing properties, or grab a notecard and write an intention you want to set as you work with your flower essence that can sit under your glass bowl in the sun while you wait.
Once you’ve let your water infuse, you have your flower essence! Strain the water into a mason jar. Add two parts flower water, and one part grain alcohol (at least 40%, such as vodka) into a small spray bottle.
Spray it around the room and enjoy the good vibes it brings.
