Summer Solstice – Increase Your Personal Power

by Abhijita Kulshrestha

Summer solstice is marked by a variety of events across the world where people celebrate the Sun’s highest elevation in the sign of Cancer. It marks the longest day in a year. It is also the celebration of the dynamism of Mother Earth and the seasons, which could be alternatively regarded as metaphors for life and consciousness. This is the festival of midsummer and celebrates light – the consciousness of spirit, the power of Atman.

In the Western tradition, St. John’s Day is celebrated on this day. The Pagan tradition, the Wicca, the Native Indian tribes and several culturally distinct traditions have their own ways of acknowledging the peak of Sun’s powers. Sun represents the soul and when it is at its northernmost elevation, the light within the consciousness is also shines brilliantly, opening possibilities of tremendous growth and evolution.

In the Hindu astrology, the festival of Uttarayana in the month of January marks the Northward movement of the Sun. It is representative of the soul’s learning journey, spiritual development. At summer solstice, Sun moves into the sign of Cancer, a sign ruled by the Moon, the Divine Feminine of the Zodiac – the nourishing mother, the significator of emotions and attachments.

The Southward journey or the Dakshinayana begins now. In the Hindu tradition, while the Northward movement is celebrated with great aplomb, summer solstice is low key. After all, it may be difficult for people to celebrate when the Sun is scorching the subcontinent. A shift in perspective and subsequent rearranging of goals could bring great gains. One could alternatively look at it in the way, that one is now earthward bound. The material plane lessons, dealing with more of what are ‘here and now’ calls for attention.

Rituals for Personal Power on Summer Solstice:

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #1 – Fire ritual

It can be an intensely powerful experience to light a bonfire or a lamp or even a candle and worship the power of Sun – actually channeling more power to one’s spirit. Acknowledging the potential of self can be quite empowering.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #2 – Step out into the Sun and seek blessings

With the purest and highest significator of the soul shining resplendent at its peak, step out into the open, even if for a while and seek blessings of this pratyaksha devata – the visible deity.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #3 – It’s a time for new beginnings

Take a good look at your goals that are more about life on the material plane. Reconnect, balance and reorient yourself towards fulfilling responsibilities undertaken.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #4 – Sun salutations

Since this is the celebration of Sun’s powers, Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations to the 12 Aadityas are in order!

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #5 – Personal pledges

One could take a personal pledge of not engaging with energies of anger, greed, jealousy etc., that dim one’s own light within. Have a day of mindful living.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #6 – Energy cleanses and recharge

Those working with healing modalities could use this amazingly powerful time to do an energy detox and revitalize themselves with the best of Sun’s strength.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #7 – Formalize earthly bonds and commitments

Summer solstice has a long history where couples have formalized their relationship or renewed wedding vows. So you could look lovingly at the one who has chosen to walk with you and accord love and honor to the bond.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #8 – Spending time outdoors

Communing with nature helps grounding of self, that would be much required for achieving material goals. Buying flowers for self is always therapeutic but more so on this day.

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #9 – Use the gemstones of the Sun

It’s a great day to gift yourself a ruby or a red garnet, gemstones of the Sun!

Solstice Personal Power Ritual #10 – Father’s Day

Father’s Day this year falls on the solstice, the day this cosmic ‘pater’ energy significator is celebrated. Spend time with your father / father figure and learn a thing or two for life!

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About the Author

Abhijita Kulshrestha is the director and astro-gemologist at www.gemstoneuniverse.com