The Height of Light: Honoring the Summer Solstice

Contributed by Kirstin Lindquist

Summer Solstice - June 20th - is the longest day of the year. This day is the greatest expression of Yang energy, the force of brightness, activity, and expansion. 

Despite what it says on your calendar, Summer Solstice isn’t the beginning of summer at all… It’s the very height of it.

Energetically speaking, summer began back on May 1st, the ancient cross-quarter marker between spring and summer. Summer Solstice is the peak before slowly tilting back toward the quiet and stillness of Yin.

In many traditions, Midsummer is a day of joyful celebration. In long-ago times, after dark, cold winters, the extended light of the solstice was a reason to celebrate and a natural invitation to gather, dance, feast, and soak in the warmth while it lasts.

Here in Oakland, we’ll enjoy nearly 16 hours of daylight today — from about 5:15am until nearly 9:00pm. Compare that to the 9.5 hours of light on the winter solstice, and it’s no wonder our bodies and spirits feel different this time of year.

Some of us thrive in this solar abundance. Others feel overstimulated and long for the cool calm of winter. Either way, today reminds us that everything moves in cycles,  and that no season, no moment, no mood, is permanent.

Step outside, take a breath, tip your face to the sky, and honor the Solstice.