Happy Summer Solstice!

Hello friends! This past week has been so busy. I'm currently in the middle of finding a place to move into temporarily for the rest of the summer, and I want to move in a week! Needless to say, things have been a bit frantic, but I am trying to contain composure and balance while going through all of this. Also, as you know, I quit my office job, and I am now working part time at a vegan cafe in Cambridge. I figured I needed a break from all the corporate madness, so I am working at this cafe to enjoy myself, meet new people, and gain new experiences. I'm so excited to start.

On another topic, today is the Summer Solstice! It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is also the beginning of summer. In honor of the Summer Solstice, I've put together a post dedicated to this very day. I will post this week's Crafty Saturday tomorrow.

Scientifically, the Summer Solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when the earth is tilted at an angle where the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer, which is 23.5 degrees north of the equator. The image below gives a visual description.



Spiritually, the Summer Solstice has many different values in different cultures and religious/spiritual traditions. Many of these traditions call for celebration and a time for renewal.

According to Circle of Light, 

The Summer Solstice celebrates the joy, warmth and laughter of summer; and [the universe]'s power. The beginning of summer represents a time for purification, renewal and healing of the self & soul, a time to release the sadness, fears and pains from your life. A time for purification and renewed energy.

The Sun exerts its' maximum power at the Solstice because the tilt of the Earth's axis makes the Sun's rays most nearly parallel on that date at points in the Northern hemisphere. The time is here to complete external physical manifestation and all energies are about exerting the will. In ancient times it was considered a time of fullness of life, worldly blessings and celebration. Not much has changed today in how we look at summer. We see it as a time of vacations, play, celebration, fun, joviality, parties, and barbecues with family and friends at the beach or park. Days are longer which gives us more time to enjoy the sun and soak in its warmth.

My suggestion would be to take time today to set goals for yourself for summer. Give yourself the time and space to enjoy the sunshine and maintain a positive outlook on life.