Written by: Silvana Avram, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
How we can use the positive energy of the solar solstice to reignite joy in our life, for our community and for humanity.
“The Sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy.” – Henry Ward Beecher
The solar solstice, a joyous celestial event marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, has been celebrated across cultures throughout history as the triumph of Light over darkness.
At a time when our world seems so overwhelmed by worry, let us take a moment to remind ourselves of the profound impact of the solar solstice on human consciousness!
Let us remember that we live on a wonderful planet blessed by the generosity of our star, the sun! And, as we look at the intertwined themes of light, expansion, and happiness, let us take this opportunity to join in the celestial celebration and bring more joy into our life!
1. Reconnect with the power of ritual
In cultures worldwide, the solar solstice serves as a catalyst for joyous celebrations. From the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece to the indigenous traditions of the Americas, people have marked this celestial event with great fervor. In Norse mythology, the solstice was celebrated as Midsummer, where bonfires were lit to honor the sun and symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. In India, the festival of Makar Sankranti signifies the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, marking the end of winter and the onset of longer, sunlit days.
In contemporary times, the summer solstice is celebrated in modern paganism and neo-Druidism as a time of renewal and spiritual reflection. There are countless other midsummer festivities and festivals all over the world, some more recent, like the “Fête de la musique” – or “Festival of music” started in France in 1982, which eventually became “World Music Day” observed on June 21 every year in more than 120 countries – a celebration of music and creativity. (For more info have a look here.)
What all these diverse celebrations, old and new, reflect, each in their own way, is, undoubtedly, the universal human yearning for light, warmth, and the joys of life.
We all recognize the power of communion and of celebration. The summer solstice is an opportunity to open our hearts to more light, to more compassion, to more joy.
How would you like to reconnect with this celebratory spirit?
Is there an ancient ritual you feel drawn to? Is there a community you wanted to join for a while?
For more ideas on how various cultures celebrate, and how you could join in, here are some great articles published recently:
12 Fascinating Summer Solstice Celebrations Around the World (2023): Click here.
In pictures: What is summer solstice and how is it celebrated around the world? Click here.
You may, of course, feel inspired to create your own ritual.
Be sure to set some time aside to meditate on the endless cercle of life, the eternal dance of night and day and the privilege of being alive.
Let your heart sing with joy.
Trust that the universe is on your side.
2. Honour the sun without and the sun within
The sun has held immense importance in various cultures, serving as a symbol of vitality, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment. In Hinduism, Surya, the sun god, is regarded as a divine embodiment of light and energy. Ancient Egyptian civilization revered the sun god Ra, perceiving the sun's daily journey across the sky as a symbol of life's cyclical nature. In Roman mythology, the Sun is associated with Apollo (or in Greek mythology, Helios), the God of Light or the Sun God. In Aztec culture, the sun god Huitzilopochtli was honored as the source of life and nourishment. The concept of the interconnectedness between yin and yang is foundational to many Asian disciplines, from Chinese Medicine to Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) to martial arts. The sun is associated with the active and luminous energy of yang, and the moon with the darker, more reflective energy of yin, yet the beauty comes from the fact that, based on ancient Taoist cosmology, yin and yang describe the paradoxical unity found within duality. One cannot exist without the other.
This reverence for the sun and its benevolent presence in the world’s mythologies highlights its association with enlightenment and spiritual awakening. It also underscores its intrinsic connection to expansion and joy, as the sun is seen as the provider of the energy and sustenance necessary for growth and happiness.
In Astronomy, the Sun is the center of our solar system, and all the planets orbit around it.
In Astrology, the sun is the symbol of life and identity, the luminous self. The gifts of the Sun are open hearts, generous spirits, creativity, playfulness, and love.
What about you? How do you honour the sun? How do you honour life?
Do you allow yourself to shine?
Use the opportunity of the solar solstice to acknowledge the warmth and love we receive from the sun. Let your heart fill with love and gratitude. Make a promise to carry this light, and this joy, into every day. Be mindful of the natural cycle between the outer and the inner, the yang and the yin, the giving and receiving.
Make a promise to shine your light courageously and generously.
Make a promise to consciously honour the sun without, and the sun within.
3. Let joy and hope fill your heart like the sun fills the world with light
The solar solstice not only marks the turning point in the sun's journey but also embodies the essence of joy, light, and expansion. The solar solstice and joy are intimately entwined. As the sun reaches its zenith, spreading its radiant light, it evokes a sense of awe and wonder in the human heart. The solstice represents the peak of solar power, a moment of immense energy and vitality. This cosmic alignment instils a profound sense of joy and elation within individuals, mirroring the natural world's exuberance during this season of abundance.
Often associated with the sun's presence, Joy transcends cultural boundaries and becomes a manifestation of the sun's brilliance, a reflection of its life-giving force.
Light serves as a powerful metaphor for joy and enlightenment in philosophical and literary traditions. As the sun's rays illuminate the world, dispelling darkness and revealing hidden beauty, so too does joy illumine the human spirit, banishing despair and awakening the potential for growth.
In Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the enchanted forest becomes a realm where love, laughter, and mirth reign supreme. The solstice, with its liberating energy, catalyses transformations, and embodies the potential for joyous triumph.
The French philosopher Albert Camus once wrote: "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
And you? Are you choosing hope?
Acknowledge the invincible summer in you.
Let hope chase all your worries. Let the light of trust cast all your doubts away.
Let the solstice remind you that even during times of darkness, joy can reside within us, awaiting the return of light.
Make a commitment to allow this special time of the year to open and heal your heart.
Take willing part in this cosmic dance, in this sacred celebration of light.
4. Celebrate life, celebrate the sun and its generous light, celebrate the best in you and celebrate humanity
The solar solstice serves as a timeless reminder of the profound relationship between the sun, joy, and human existence. From ancient mythology to modern literature, the sun's radiance continues to inspire joy, illuminating the path towards personal and collective growth. Embracing the joy inherent in the solar solstice allows us to tap into the limitless reservoir of human potential and expand our hearts and minds to new horizons of possibility.
As cultures across the world celebrate this celestial phenomenon, let us pay homage to the enduring power of light, expansion, and happiness.
As we embrace the solar solstice, let us bask in the sun's brilliance, celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, and cultivate the enduring power of joy in our lives.
The light of the sun spreads equally to everyone.
Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your own beauty. Know that you, too, can be a radiant sun.
Let us honour the kindness and generosity we all have in our hearts.
Let us come together to celebrate the best in humanity.
With love and gratitude in our hearts we can create a better world.
May the solar solstice illuminate our paths and ignite the flame of joy within our souls!
PS. Joy is a topic so close to my heart, I never tire of writing and talking about it!
For more tips on how to experience more Joy and make it stay, check out my recent Brainz article here.
And you can read my latest blogs and share your thoughts with me here.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Silvana Avram, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Silvana Avram is a successful, Inspirational Life Coach, philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of Life Coaching with Silvana – whose mission is to empower us to embrace our uniqueness, fall in love with life, fulfill our potential and create a beautiful legacy.
Fascinated from a young age by the mystery of life and our place in the universe, Silvana has been on a quest to find her own answers to the big existential questions facing humanity. Now an acclaimed Coach and Author, she draws on her extensive study of Philosophy, Psychology, Meditation, Holistic Healing, and Spirituality to create a uniquely inspirational and empowering style of Coaching – also reflected in her Book “Being You and Loving You” in which she guides us through an unforgettable, transformative journey of self-discovery and self-love.
Convinced that we can overcome the prevalent paradigms of fear and division, Silvana has recently focussed her attention on developing a radically innovative approach, outlined in her upcoming book, “Living in Eternity” – and which has earned her an unexpected nickname: “Miss Eternity”! She argues passionately that, rather than chasing goal after goal and living for tomorrow, we should, instead, live every day, every moment, with the joy, awe, and serenity we experience when we see our lives from the perspective of Eternity. When we choose to live in Eternity, everything falls into place, everything we do takes on a different meaning, and we become aware that, as humanity, we are, in fact, constantly creating our common legacy.
Silvana’s ambition: is to inspire us to write a better story for ourselves – and for humanity – in Eternity!
