The Summer Solstice is Approaching

Let’s all welcome the month of June! The sun is shining and the warmth is here to stay with us. The summer solstice for the northern hemisphere is on June 21st, and that signifies the official beginning of summer. This means it’s time to enjoy all of your favorite summer activities and bask in the sunshine.

Now, before you put your sunscreen on and head out to the beach, let’s dive into the interesting facts and history of the summer solstice, and what the summer solstice signifies for us in our lives.

The Facts About the Summer Solstice

Let’s start with the basics, what exactly is the summer solstice? Well, the summer solstice is when the sun travels the longest path and the farthest north within the northern hemisphere. This means the days are longer. You may have also heard June 21st referred to as the longest day of the year due to this.

The summer solstice occurs when the earth hits its point in the orbit where the North Pole is at a tilt of 23.5 degrees facing the sun. During this time, the northern hemisphere gets the most direct sunlight of any day, so if you like bathing in the sun, today would be the day. Just be sure to apply that sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

The sun also doesn’t rise or set in the same positions, so if you’re an avid sunset/rise watcher, be aware of these changes in positions. They move more northward or southward. Once the solstice is over, the sun will then head back in the opposite direction, thus completing the cycle.

The History of the Summer Solstice

The word “solstice” derives from the Latin words sol “sun” and stitium “still or stopped.” It’s believed that people have been observing the summer solstice as far back as the stone age. Neolithic humans are believed to have used the summer solstice as a way to predict when a good time would be to plant and harvest crops. The Egyptians also used the solstice as a way to predict the flooding of the Nile.

Back in ancient Greece, the summer solstice actually signifies the start of the new year. In ancient China, the summer solstice is associated with the yin of the yin and yang. The yin symbolizes femininity, so both the earth and femininity are celebrated during the solstice.

What the Summer Solstice Means for You

As the solstice approaches, let’s all be mindful of what it means for us in our lives. Everything and everyone is constantly changing and evolving into being the best version of ourselves.

We all experience rebirths as we try to find ourselves in the world. In an ever-changing world, we don’t always have to be afraid of change. It can be a good thing. Just like the flowers changing from little bulbs to blooming into beautiful flowers.

The summer solstice is here to remind us that nothing lasts forever. Things continue to change, so don’t take this time you have for granted. Get outside of the hustle and bustle mindset and open yourself up to the beauty and wonder that surrounds you.

New Beginnings

Summertime is full of richness and passion, so take this time to explore the world and yourself to find out what you really want to achieve in this life. What will make you happy and give you that satisfaction that you are truly living the life you want for yourself?

Do the activities and experience the things you’ve been pushing off. Feel the warmth on your skin before the cold sting of winter hits again. Live in the moment and spend this time with the people who mean the most to you.

This is a time to try new things, whether it be new dishes, hobbies, or taking a day trip to a new location, just as long as you’re having fun then that’s all that matters.

Have Fun This Season

Make this summer solstice the best one yet. You don’t have to do any grand gestures, but do try to get out of your daily routine and experience new things as best you can. Even the little things can end up meaning the most and giving you the best experience. This season is about you, so take care of yourself and make the most out of this summer season.

The choice is yours for how you want to spend your summer, but leaving your comfort zone for a little bit can end up being very rewarding to you. You never know what new things you’re going to end up loving unless you try. So at least make a promise to yourself to try at least one new thing this summer. Have fun and make this summer solstice one to remember.