The summer solstice falls around the 21st June, each year. It is the longest day and the shortest night of the earth’s solar year. This occasion is celebrated in many traditions ranging from pagan rituals to yoga.
Most of the traditions consider the light of the summer solstice to be a time to gather the fruit, while the long dark night of the winter solstice on 21st December symbolises the soil in which the seeds of new beginnings are sown. Whether you resonate with this idea, or simply wish to welcome the official beginning of summer or, even, to create your own ritual with personal significance, here are a few things to do during the summer solstice.
Sunsrise at Mnajdra & Hagar Qim
Every year during the winter and summer solstice, Heritage Malta organises visits to the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples at dawn, usually on two consecutive days. During sunrise, the sun’s rays enter the temple of Mnajdra to fall directly on the edge of stone slabs that have served as a solar calendar for 5,000 years. The phenomena is marvellous to witness and the whole experience is memorable. For further information and booking contact Heritage Malta on 21424231 or 22954000 .
Sunset Yoga at the beach
Year after year for the past ten years, the Lotus Room Yoga Centre organises its annual summer solstice yoga at the beach to participate in the Summer Solstice Global Mala Practice, a collective yoga ritual happening simultaneously in several places all over the world. Surya Namaskar practice synchronises body and breath while enhancing the charge of your solar plexus chakra, which denotes personal power. Donations go to the Gaia Foundation NGO. Be ready with your yoga mat or towel at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay at 7.15pm on Friday 21 June.
From sunrise to sunset
Celebrate the passage of the sun by welcoming it at Qala in the furthest east of Gozo at sunrise and walking the southern coast of the island all the way to San Lawrenz on the far western side for sunset. Don’t worry, it’s only a 4 hour and 21 minute walk according to Google Maps, so you can really take your time and enjoy several stops on the way, enjoying the sea views and country views.
From sunset to sunrise
Create your own celebration by staying up all the way through the shortest night from 20:22 on 21 June to 05:46 on 22 June, a total of just 9 hours and 24 minutes. Sitting around a campfire in great company is a good way to do it. Especially if your crowd understands it as a ritual of sorts. Celebrate the power of light and allow the campfire to ignite your personal power, self-esteem, warrior energy and the power of transformation.
Do you celebrate the summer solstice? What does it mean for you and how do you prefer to celebrate it?