As the wheel of the year turns, we reach the fiery peak of Summer, a time that has been ritually observed by cultures around the world since the Stone Age. During this season, we often find ourselves drawn to the light, to movement, and to joy. This is the season of action—seeing the dream seeds and literal seeds we planted in the Spring burst forth.
Behind the scenes of our active social calendars and outdoor excursions, something incredibly small is at work. A beautiful little molecule called serotonin floods our bodies as we are exposed to sunlight. With this increase, we experience many benefits: our mood lifts, our thoughts sharpen, our hearts open. It’s as though the entire cosmos is supporting us in making the most of this time, helping us connect more deeply with one another, complete our plans, and nourish ourselves for the days ahead.
When we allow ourselves to be nourished by pleasure, connection, and beauty, we build the inner reserves needed to face life’s inevitable challenges. This isn’t just about feeling good, although what’s wrong with enjoying life’s pleasures? It is also about filling our cups, which we can draw on in the harder seasons of our lives.
To really make the most of the energy of this season, here are a few practices you can engage with:
Sunlight Meditation
Light is considered one of the great healers in traditions across the globe. Additionally, the serotonin that comes with increased light not only improves mood, but also supports full body healing.
- Find a peaceful place somewhere outside where you can sit safely in the sun.
- Allow yourself to close your eyes.
- Feel the sunlight pouring down over your body and imagine it shining into every part of your being.
- As it melts down, feel your muscles soften and your cells regenerate.
- Imagine the light gently burning away anything that is no longer serving you, opening up pathways to new, invigorating energy.
Enjoy Touch, Laughter, Music, Movement
Our bodies are the doorway to healing. Give yourself over to the sensuous pleasures of the season.
- Dance freely, laugh deeply, hug often. Hugs release oxytocin which boosts the effects of the surge in serotonin we are receiving.
- Make a “good times” playlist with every song from every good moment of your life. Inviting these feelings will fill you up and nourish you.
- Let your nervous system remember how it feels to feel good, rewiring it for ease and health.
Reflect Through Journaling
Personal reflection can offer illumination and healing for your path ahead. Here are some thoughts to consider:
- What is blooming in me right now?
- Where in my life am I being asked to shine more fully?
- What does sacred joy look like for me this season?
Our bodies are designed for enjoying this existence, and Summer is the season that amplifies that truth. By intentionally observing this seasonal shift, as our ancestors did, we support our own healing. During this season we remember that healing, and life, doesn’t always have to be heavy. Instead, it can be radiant.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-summer-solstice
Lambert, G. W., et al. “Effect of Sunlight and Season on Serotonin Turnover in the Brain.” The Lancet, vol. 360, no. 9348, 2002, pp. 1840–1842. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(02)11737-5
Nock, Judy Ann. The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year: From Samhain to Yule, Your Guide to the Wiccan Holidays. Adams Media, 2017.
