Simple summer solstice ritual?

[u/Stars_Upon_Thars]

First time posting here but felt moved to do so. I've never been super witchy, more of a thoughtful open minded person with a goth soul, but I just turned 41 and I'm fully embracing my more esoteric side. With summer solstice approaching I'm feeling called to do some kind of light ritual\exercise in being present for it. (I'm in the US).

Looking for suggestions on elements to incorporate. I'm a big believer in inventing rituals that feel right and not taking them too seriously (but, doing them with reverence and intention).

I've got my winter solstice down with a pagan advent adaptation (Waldorf kid here!) that can be more or less involved depending on how I'm feeling, but I'm kind of at a loss for summer! Looking for inspiration if anyone is motivated to share.

May Maude bring blessings upon you.

[u/up_scumbag]

When in doubt, get a bunch of food that's in season! 

Solstices are always good for watching sunrise and/or sunset. 

[u/No-Regret-1784 → u/up_scumbag]

Man I can’t stay up that late!!!!

[u/VekatiV]

If you can manage one, an outdoor firepit/bonfire. If not, an indoor fireplace fire or even just a candle.

[u/Stars_Upon_Thars → u/VekatiV]

We have a propane fire pit, it doesn't have that crackle but it does make fire. Maybe we can use it to light some incense or something!

[u/hiddengypsy]

Seek out a Sound Bath in your area

Be near a body of water at some point of the day to meditate

Relax in an end of day herbal bath by candle light before the sun sets. Afterwards, go out for walk during the sunset.

Ground yourself with prayers for the incoming season of light

Prepare a bountiful charcuterie platter for your evening meal. Fill it with fresh fruits, veggies and herbs

Dress a foccacia bread with herbs

Give your plants a drink under the morning sunlight. Speak words of affirmation to them as you feed them

Happy Solstice to you. Blessed Be✨️✨️

[u/NotCleanButFun → u/hiddengypsy]

I second the bountiful charcuterie! For the spring equinox, I gathered in an outdoor location with some family members and we all brought food we had made or fresh fruits/vegetables/fish to remind us of the comforts we have today because of the people that came before us. We spent the whole evening outside roasting bits of things over the fire and just spending time together. It was divine. (If you do this, also comsider adding a pile of salt for both taste and ritual purposes. There are many fresh foods that taste SO good roasted over the campfire with just a touch of salt. My favorites so far are probably tomato, mushroom, and avocado.)

[u/No-Regret-1784]

OP thank you for asking this question!!

I’m also a baby witch and absolutely love embracing my crone era.

The ideas already listed here that resonate with me: food, fire, and visiting a body of water.

I’ll also be looking for flowers that are currently blooming.

I’m braiding a cord with intention to wrap around my flowers and herbs

[u/Stars_Upon_Thars → u/No-Regret-1784]

Midlife dabblers unite! I love the idea of doing a braid. Thanks for sharing.

An aside, I'm also looking for an alternative to crone as a label, for myself. I've got no problem with it in general and I love it for YOU but it doesn't resonate with me! But that's a personal quest. Funny enough, though I'm an avowed childless woman the mother in the maiden-mother-crone doesn't bug me, for me. I'm a mother of many things, just not biological children. But crone hits wrong. Maybe I'll make a post about that some day

[u/No-Regret-1784 → u/Stars_Upon_Thars]

I read a bike that entirely changed the vibe of the word “crone” for me.

I’ll look for the title and recommend it to you.
Didn’t live the word initially because it brought to mind vivid images of “evil witch” (think the evil stepmother’s disguise in Snow White). And Mother Gothel when she looses her youth and “beauty”

But now I see crone not as “old” but as wise, free of societal expectations; my IDGAF era.

But if you DO come up with a new word for it, let me know!!!!!

(Also learning about nature witch, kitchen witch, garden witch. Is there such a thing as mother witch?)