of the Earth
with Christina Mercer
Celebrating
Summer Solstice
Ah, the Summer Solstice! A time when Gaia—Mother Earth—is at her most playful! When the sun delights in its majestic glory and shines its love upon us all. This is a time for brightness, lightness, to depart from our caves and bask in the fullness of our creativity.
In times past, the Summer Solstice was an honored seasonal marker. Also known as the Feast of Fires, Litha, Midsummer, and St. John’s Day, this nature holiday invited people to celebrate the most radiant time of the year. Bonfires, garlands, and feasts accompanied their festivities, as did plenty of dancing. And some, who frolicked amid the hills of green or in woods bathing under warm skies, would find themselves glimpsing realms beyond the boundaries of this world and into the land of fairy.
Let us harness the vibrancy (and playfulness) of this time through some inspirational practices:
Light candles (gold/yellow). Wear the colors of the sun. Decorate your home with flowers or ribbons. Create a nature table or display.
Meditate in the sunshine; allow the solar energies to pollinate your imaginations.
Sip on the sunrays; breathe them in. Feel them stoke those inner fires—that divine light & warmth within.
Dance & frolic as much as possible!
Bake something. Even better, bake something to share with the fairies. They LOVE sweets, so leaving out a cookie or bit of pastry will certainly delight them.
1 cup butter – softened (I love Irish butter)
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
Sprinkles, sugar, &/or icing of choice (get creative!)
Cream butter & sugar together with a fork or mixer; add vanilla & flour. Mix well. Place partially-flattened balls onto a baking pan lined with parchment. Add a dusting of sugar &/or sprinkles as desired. Bake 15 minutes at 325 degrees. Let cool to ensure they keep form. Add fun icing &/or sprinkles as desired. Eat (and share)!
yields 12-15 cookies
EASY COOKIES
Green Love
St. John’s Wort
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified medical professional; what I share is for informational purposes. Always consult with your health professionals before using any type of herb or supplement. Extra note: St. John’s Wort is deemed unsafe when taking SSRIs. Again, consult with health professionals.
St. John’s Wort earned its name for St. John’s Day because it grows at its most prolific at/around the Summer Solstice. A plant that fully resonates with this season, its blooms are like mini suns faithfully following the big sun during its journey across our sky. Little bursts of sunshine, the flowers contain a sap yielding a deep reddish or purple color. When infusing them in oil, they turn the liquid a beautiful red.
Uses of this herb date back to ancient Greece. Thought to banish dark energies (and also thunder), it was put into potions or hung on doors or in windows to boost protection. Its resemblance to the sun hinted at its uses in uplifting mood, easing anxiety, and calming the nerves, including nerve pain found in the body. It has been revered as a skincare support for mild burns, wounds, sores, and bruises. The plant contains astringent, diuretic, and immune boosting properties.
The beauty of St. John’s Wort is one of nature’s reminders to seek out our inner sunshine. We too embody vitality and joy. We too are radiant rays of light. As Gaia basks in the warmth of this season, let us do the same. Embrace your creative juices, be bold with your visions, and bring fire to those deep desires. The world awaits your brilliance!
Infused St. John’s Wort Oil Recipe
Bottle up some sunshine!
Fresh plants are preferred, though dried will work. If gathering in the wild, let them dry of any morning dew beforehand.
Place all plant matter (flowers/leaves/stems) in a clean mason jar.
Pour in Olive Oil (I use extra virgin) until plant matter is completely covered. Poke everything to ensure total saturation and to release any air bubbles (chopsticks work great). Place the lid on the jar and put it near a sunny window.
Gently shake jar every couple of days. You will see the oil gradually turn red over time.
After 4 weeks, strain oil through cheesecloth or other type of strainer. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Store your oil in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Oil can be put into dropper bottles or used as a base for ointments/salves.
Let’s Rock!
Citrine
Citrine is the perfect sunshine stone to take the stage. It emits powerful positivity, cheerfulness, and abundance. No matter what time of year, Citrine can serve as your own personal sun. Bring it along to shine eternal summer vibes wherever you go. Known for its esoteric ability to bring clarity, Citrine inspires light where confusion or uncertainty loom. It helps with self-empowerment, courage, and strength. Wear it, hold it, or adorn your space(s) with it to ignite enthusiasm and self-expression. This stone makes a perfect addition to any creative area, enlivening your spirit and helping you focus on your dreams.
Let the brightness of Citrine shine for you and be an encouraging friend on your life’s path.