summer solstice (a.k.a. maximum tilt) ☀️
happy summer solstice y’all! the solstice marks the official beginning of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere, occurring when earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the north pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the sun, resulting in the longest day (16 hours) and shortest night (8 hours) of the calendar year. on this day, the northern hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year. by the way, the solstice is not the same as the perihelion, which is the sun’s closest approach to the earth. perihelion happened on january 4th this year. at our house, we usually recognize the solstice by having friends over for dinner on the deck so we can take advantage of the extra long daylight (because in minnesota once twilight starts the bugs often chase us back inside). while i always recognize the winter solstice with an abundance of candles and an offering of food to the wild animals, it occurred to me that i don’t really formally celebrate the summer solstice in a similar way. so i looked up some suggestions. here’s what i found:
- observe both the sunset and sunrise on this day–watch is begin and end
- go swimming, and then soak up the sun’s energy by sunbathing
- say it with flowers: make flowers crowns or wreathes, fill vases, plant sunflowers
- make a sun-catcher
- make an alter to light–include flowers, crystals, fruit, herbs, and candles
- plant a perennial or tree to signify future bountiful harvests
- make a feast with seasonal foods: grilled veggies, peach or berry cobblers, lemon iced tea with thyme or mint
- dance around a bonfire all night long (it’s only 8 hours!)
- start summer resolutions
- greet the sun with a yogic sun salutation
- go full woo-woo: cast a spell, bury your negative feelings, write a manifesto, speak your intentions to the universe
- get outside and play!
these golden-yellow (male) cattail flowers seem to exemplify this abundance of sunshine. i barely pinched those green spikes and the number of flowers that spilled out was astonishing. heaps and loads of plentitude this time of year, all fueled by the sun’s energy. let’s celebrate.
male cattail flowers (typha)
