Honouring Our Seasons
We’ve made it—the Solstice! Are you celebrating the Winter or Summer Solstice?
The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), much like the pause at the end of an inhale or exhale. Scientifically, during the solstice, the angle between the Sun’s rays and the Earth’s equatorial plane appears to stand still.
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, this marks the shortest day of the year, with the fewest hours of sunlight. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the longest day of the year, basking in the most sunlight. The length of these days varies depending on how far you are from the equator.
Having grown up in the UK, lived in East Africa, and now residing in South Africa, I’ve experienced the seasons and solstices in all their diversity—from the long summer nights of northern Europe to the equatorial coast's relative seasonal indifference.
A Season of Contrasts
This year is an unusual one for me. As I write, I’m in the midst of a heatwave in South Africa, sweating as we reach the year’s peak. Yet, soon (and as I post this) I’ll be travelling to Europe, diving into the depths of winter. Swapping summer heat for winter’s chill doesn’t bother me much (I’m looking forward to feeling cold after these last few weeks!), but the shortened daylight hours and extended darkness are daunting. With such a short trip, I won’t have time to acclimatise.
I feel a bit like Persephone, descending into the underworld after a season of sunlight on the surface.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice
Here in the Southern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice feels like the year has been slowly inhaling since winter and now reaches its peak. Like the sun pausing in the sky, the year finds a moment of stillness before exhaling into autumn and winter.
In Xhosa, the solstice is known as ‘turning back the sun’, and in Zulu, the sun resides in its ‘summer house’ (iHhovo Ikhaya). These beautiful expressions remind me how deeply connected we are to the cycles of nature and our own lives.
This connection brings me clarity, grounding, and comfort—knowing that everything is always shifting and pulsing in rhythm. We are part of a larger creative and growth cycle. The Summer Solstice is a time to pause, acknowledge what we have achieved, and celebrate ourselves.
Ways to Honour the Solstice
Even though we’ve reached midsummer, it doesn’t mean summer is over. The energy shifts from growth to maturation, potentising, and becoming ‘fruitful.’ Take time to listen to yourself and nature. What do you need to honour, manifest, or celebrate about yourself?
Here are some ideas to bring the Solstice into your life:
1. Celebrate Yourself
The solstice is the perfect time to reflect on your wins and achievements before diving into New Year's resolutions. Look back at the places you’ve been, the memories you’ve made, and what you’ve accomplished since winter. You’ll be amazed at how much has unfolded.
2. Practice Gratitude
Summer can be a busy and overwhelming time, especially in the Southern Hemisphere with year-end activities, school holidays, Christmas, and family gatherings. Pause to ground yourself with gratitude for what you have and what truly matters.
3. Get Creative with Nature
Honour nature by creating art inspired by it—make flower crowns, nature mandalas, or bring seasonal beauty into your home.
4. Honour Your Cycles
Notice how the shift in seasons affects you. Summer isn’t just about being bold and busy—it can also be a time of stillness and calm. This week’s heatwave reminded me to slow down and embrace the stillness.
5. Move Your Body
Celebrate the solstice by dancing, swimming, or engaging in any movement that feels good. Ancient solstice celebrations were filled with joy, music, and dance!
6. Reevaluate Your Intentions
Check in with your goals. Like tending a garden, your intentions need care and adjustment. Reflect on your vision board or set new intentions for the coming months.
7. Invite Creativity
The solstice is a peak time for creative energy—think abundance, fertility, and manifestation. Where is your energy leading you? Playful exploration, finishing projects, or simply flowing? Follow your instincts.
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to discover those jewels—that’s creative living.”– Elizabeth Gilbert
Journaling Prompts for the Summer Solstice
I honour the seasons:
What jewels of wisdom does summer offer me?
What abundance can I carry forward?
What do I need to celebrate about the past year?
I am full of gratitude:
What resources help me during busy times?
What abundance and love exist in my life?
What am I grateful for today?
I honour nature:
What beauty do I notice in summer?
How can I celebrate the fertility of life?
What excites me most about nature right now?
I honour the summer and my summer energy:
How can I invite light into my life in the coming months?
How can I embrace stillness amidst busyness?
What emotions arise during sunrise and sunset?
For more on seasons, cyclical living, and creative processes, visit www.ovathemoon.co.za, or message me for a chat about coaching or mentoring.
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