Embrace the light as it grows to its peak with sun rituals & seasonal magic.
Litha Rituals
Litha (June 20–22nd in the Western Hemisphere) is a beautiful time of year when we can come together in celebration of the sun at its peak, the abundance of nature, and the joy, warmth, and magic of midsummer. Traditionally, Litha is honored by connecting with nature through offerings and sun rituals, celebrations with bonfires and dancing, and quiet moments of gratitude for the fruitful moments ahead. However you may identify (Pagan or not), I invite you to take a moment to celebrate the energy rising within you, while also rooting deeper into what sustains you for the season.
May this season bring you joy, laughter, lightness, and a touch of whimsy while you tap into the abundant magic of this earthly life.
Abundance Guided Meditation
Harness the abundance of the summer season. Join me in a free Guided Meditation to practice aligning your thought patterns toward that of what you truly desire.
Greet the Sun with Yoga Asana
Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) are a beautiful way to honor the energetic force of the sun as it grows to its peak on June 21. As we move in a circular motion, this powerful practice not only connects us to the sun, but it promotes mindfulness as we sync breath to movement — not to mention the many benefits for the physical body (improves cardiovascular heath, builds muscle strength & flexibility, balances the mood, and even enhances lung capacity and respiratory function).
Set your intention and wake yourself with Surya Namaskar.
All you’ll need to practice is some space, your beautiful body, and perhaps a yoga mat and/or yoga blocks (if available). We’ll begin Surya Namaskar A standing with hands in prayer at the center of your heart. Close your eyes and set your intention.
- Tadasana (Mountain) — Stand with feet hips-width distance, arms resting your sides, crown of head reaching towards the sun
- Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute) — Inhale to reach your arms up, gaze up (option to take palms to prayer overhead, looking at thumbs)
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold) — Exhale to hinge forward to fold over legs leading with the chest
- Ardha Uttanasana (Halfway Lift) — Inhale to lift chest half-way, hands to shins or yoga blocks
- Phalakasana (Plank) — Exhale, planting palms firmly and step back to plank, maintaining an active core (imagine you are energetically dragging hands toward feet)
- Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff or half push-up) — Inhale to lean forward with shoulders over wrists and exhale to lower half-way (option to tap knees, chest and chin down for Ashtanga Namaskar as an alternative)
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog) — Inhale to pull the heart forward, roll onto tops of feet, roll the shoulders back and keep the legs active by lifting the thigh bones
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) — Exhale to tuck the toes and lift the hips high. Press your weight back through the heels of palms, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape
- Ardha Uttanasana (Halfway Lift) — Inhale to bend the knees, lift the heels and gaze forward towards hands. Step or jump to a flat back and a long spine, lifting the chest half-way and pressing hands against shins or blocks
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold) — Exhale to release and fold over legs
- Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute) — Inhale to rise up, sweeping the arms up and overhead (option to take palms to prayer overhead, looking at thumbs)
- Tadasana (Mountain) — Exhale to release the arms at sides and begin the cycle again, saluting the sun as many times as your heart desires
Sitali Pranayama: Cooling Breathwork
Sitali Pranayama is a yogic breath known to help lower body temperature and soothe the central nervous system. Use this breath after practicing Surya Namaskar or to cool down on a hot summer day. To begin, find a comfortable seated position with a tall spine and relaxed shoulders. Open your mouth and curl the sides of your tongue inward so it forms a tube or a “taco” shape (if easier, form a circle with the mouth as if sipping through a straw). Inhale and exhale slowly through the “taco” or “straw” shape of the mouth as your breath touches the back of your throat. Allow the breath to wash over you and enjoy the cooling sensation.
The Herbalist’s Corner
Herbal remedies, easy spells & witchcraft , and daily practices to live a more magical existence.
Herbal Recipes for Summer
Sun Tea
When I was younger, my mom would make Sun Tea — filling a big glass jar with water, placing teabags in the water to steep, and letting it sit in the sun for hours before we poured it over ice and sipped on a hot summer day. One of the best ways to soak up the solar energies is by working with the healing powers of herbs, berries, and fruits, letting them bask as a concoction in the radiant light of the sun.
Sun Teas or concoctions can be made with any herb of your preference; all you’ll need it a glass jar, distilled water, and your choice of herbs, fruits or berries. To make my favorite solar concoction, I place slices of lemon and orange, Hibiscus flower, Passion flower Lemon balm, and goji berries in a glass jar, fill it with water, and let it bask in the sun for several hours. While preparing my concoction, I set my intention, visualizing what it is I’m asking the sun to ignite in my life. Strain, and serve as your heart desires — over ice or with honey, and with lots of love and warmth from the sun.
Herbal Bug Repellent Spray
The warm weather has arrived, and so have the bugs. Essential oils are volatile chemicals stored in plants and released to attract pollinators, repel predators, and serve other purposes. Essential oils like Peppermint, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Rose Geranium and Clove are great for repelling mosquitos and gnats, while oils like Tansy and Sweet Myrrh work to repel ticks.
Materials & Ingredients: 2oz bottle, alcohol, distilled water, your preferred essential oils
- In a spray bottle, combine 4 tablespoons of distilled water and 2 teaspoons of Vodka
- Add 5-6 drops of your selected essential oil(s)— use Peppermint, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Rose Geranium and Clove to repel mosquitos and/or gnats; Tansy and Sweet Myrrh work to repel ticks; or Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Rosemary and Lavender to repel horse flies
- Shake well before each use and avoid direct contact on skin (best for clothes and hair)
Kate the Yogi 