Sister Bridget's Blog

Embracing the Summer Solstice: A Time to Connect with the Earth

Embracing the Summer Solstice: A Time to Connect with the Earth

The Summer Solstice, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, is a powerful time for reflection, celebration, and connection with nature. Occurring between June 20 and June 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, this astronomical event has been observed and celebrated for millennia across various cultures. The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), signifying the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This celestial pause offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the Earth and rejuvenate our spirits.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Historically, the Summer Solstice has held great significance for many civilizations. Ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Mayans, and Druids, built monuments aligned with the sun’s path, demonstrating their reverence for this day. Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramids of Giza are prime examples of how ancient peoples honored the Solstice. These structures served not only as calendars but also as places for ritualistic celebrations, emphasizing the importance of the sun and its life-giving energy.

In many cultures, the Solstice is associated with themes of fertility, renewal, and abundance. For instance, in Scandinavia, Midsummer festivals involve dancing around maypoles, singing traditional songs, and feasting. These activities symbolize the peak of summer’s vitality and the beginning of the harvest season. Similarly, Indigenous peoples of North America honor the Solstice with ceremonies that include dancing, drumming, and storytelling, paying homage to the Earth and the sun’s nourishing power.

The Spiritual and Natural Connection

The Summer Solstice is not only a physical phenomenon but also a spiritual event. It invites us to pause and reflect on our place within the natural world. This day encourages us to reconnect with the rhythms of the Earth and to appreciate the cycles of nature that sustain us. The heightened energy of the Solstice provides an ideal backdrop for spiritual practices and rituals that foster a deeper connection with the planet.

Ways to Celebrate and Connect with the Earth

There are numerous ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice and strengthen your bond with the Earth. Here are some ideas to inspire your own Solstice rituals and activities:

1. Sunrise and Sunset Rituals

Begin your day by watching the sunrise and end it by observing the sunset. These moments of transition are perfect for meditation and reflection. As the sun rises, set your intentions for the coming months. Think about what you want to cultivate in your life and visualize these goals coming to fruition. As the sun sets, take time to express gratitude for the light and energy it provides, and reflect on the growth and progress you’ve made so far.

2. Nature Walks and Hikes

Spending time outdoors is one of the most direct ways to connect with the Earth. Whether it’s a walk in a local park, a hike in the mountains, or a visit to the beach, immersing yourself in natural surroundings can ground your energy and bring a sense of peace. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and let the beauty of the natural world fill you with wonder and appreciation.

3. Gardening and Planting

Engaging in gardening activities is a symbolic way to celebrate growth and renewal. Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables in your garden, or use pots if you have limited space. Gardening not only connects you with the Earth but also provides a tangible reminder of the Solstice’s themes of fertility and abundance. As you nurture your plants, you can reflect on your own growth and the goals you wish to nurture in your life.

4. Creating an Altar

Set up a small altar with items that represent the Summer Solstice and the natural world. This could include flowers, crystals, candles, and any other objects that resonate with you. Use this space for meditation, prayer, or simply as a visual reminder of your connection to the Earth. An altar can serve as a focal point for your Solstice celebrations, helping you to center your thoughts and intentions.

5. Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, or tai chi are excellent ways to connect with your body and the Earth. These practices help cultivate a sense of presence and alignment with the natural rhythms of the world. By focusing on your breath and the sensations in your body, you can become more attuned to the energies of the Solstice and the Earth.

Embracing the Energy of the Solstice

The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate light, warmth, and life. It’s an opportunity to honor the Earth and our place within its intricate web of life. As we bask in the sun’s peak energy, we can draw upon its strength to fuel our own growth and transformation.

Reflecting on Personal Growth

Use the Solstice as a time to reflect on your personal journey. Consider the goals you set at the beginning of the year and assess your progress. The Solstice’s vibrant energy can inspire you to renew your commitments and take bold steps toward your dreams. Reflect on the challenges you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve learned and use this insight to guide your path forward.

Connecting with Community

The Summer Solstice is also a time to connect with others. Consider organizing or participating in community events, such as Solstice festivals, bonfires, or group meditations. Sharing the experience with others can enhance your sense of connection and amplify the positive energy of the day. Whether through music, dance, or storytelling, celebrating the Solstice with your community can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds.

Honoring the Earth through Sustainable Practices

Another way to honor the Summer Solstice is by adopting sustainable practices that support the health of the planet. This can include reducing your use of single-use plastics, conserving water, supporting local and organic farming, and reducing your carbon footprint. By making conscious choices that benefit the Earth, you can contribute to the wellbeing of the planet and honor the interconnectedness of all life.

Conclusion

The Summer Solstice is more than just an astronomical event; it’s a celebration of life and an invitation to connect deeply with the Earth. By honoring this special day through rituals, nature activities, and mindfulness, we can align ourselves with the natural world and harness its energy for personal and communal growth. As we embrace the longest day of the year, let us also embrace the boundless potential within ourselves and the world around us.

In a world that often feels disconnected from nature, the Summer Solstice serves as a reminder of our profound connection to the Earth. By taking time to celebrate and honor this day, we can rekindle our relationship with the natural world and find inspiration in its beauty and resilience. Whether through simple rituals or grand celebrations, the Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the gift of life.

Light and love, 

Sister Bridget

 

Angel Stones - Angelite !

Hello,

I seem to be in the mood for things that come out of the ground :-) Maybe its because the weather is turning, and I am spending more time indoors. I do find myself looking more and more at my ever growing box of crystals. I have had an affinity for a select few lately so I looked them up. Turns out they are each a stone said to be connected with the Angels and the spirit realm (of course!)  The first stone is a very pretty blue known as Angelite :

Angelite is a stone of Intuition, Communication, and the Higher Self. It works best with the upper chakras (Throat, Third Eye and Crown).  Looking at the lovely blue color, we can see its connection to and support of the throat chakra right off J Angelite is very good at helping people speak their truth, when they would otherwise have difficulty. It can help the wearer facilitate communication in relationships and groups, and can be very helpful in both the workplace and personal settings
in this regard. Also, as the name suggests, Angelite has a connection to the higher realms, facilitating angelic and spiritual communication. For these reasons, Angelite is sometimes referred to as the “Messenger Stone”. Holding a piece in your hand during meditation can help both increase and clarify the guidance that is received.

It is a very soothing, peaceful, and uplifting stone quite helpful during times of transition. It is a stone that carries great compassion within it. This quality makes it a wonderful stone to aid the carrier with issues of forgiveness.  Angelite is one of a group of higher vibrational crystals that can assist in smoothing the way for vibrational shifts, awareness and ascension. Angelite heals and clears the Throat, Third-Eye, and Crown Chakra, and sends energy to the Soul Star Chakra that lies 6 inches above the head.  The higher vibrations sent to these chakras allows for greater spiritual growth, enhanced intuition, and clearer communication.  Angelite’s ability to unblock the upper chakras clears the area to allow for the influx of higher vibrational information coming into the auric field, to be processed by the lower chakras. Angelite  can be used during meditation to enhance the meditative state, and to clarify issues in one's current situations as they arise.  By depositing inspiration from guides, guardians and/or angels into the chakras, Angelite allows them to be integrated into the whole, even after one is done working with the stone. 

Angelite is a fairly soft and porous stone. Be careful not to get it too wet (do not submerge it in water). Avoid the use of salt water or strong chemicals for cleansing. If you feel the need to cleanse the stone, leave it out in the moonlight on a bright night, or wrap it in a sturdy cloth and bury it in the Earth for 24 hours.

Tomorrow.....Seraphinite!

Love

Sister Bridget

 

 

 

 

Earthing.

Have you ever heard of “Earthing”? Up until 2 days ago, I had not. I happened to notice a link to an article as I scrolled through my Twitter feed.  Turns out, it is basically the practice of connecting with the Earth, and feeling better.  Sounds pretty simple, right? Admittedly, when time and weather permit, and I get to spend time in my back yard, sitting on the ground under my favorite tree, I do feel happier, calmer, more relaxed. And naps under said tree, well, they are the best. I got to wondering if there might be any evidence to back up the article I had read, and I did uncover some interesting reading. I tried to provide links to full text articles, so you could read for yourselves if you so desired.

This is a link to a pdf of an introductory article on Earthing  co-authored by Dr Oschman.

http://74.63.154.231/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/understanding_earthing.pdf The conclusions

”Earthing reduces every measure of stress we have used in our studies.”

’The most important health benefit of Earthing is providing the body with abundant electrons from the Earth. The scientific research and hypotheses related to Earthing point to a major impact on the inflammatory process as a result of this electron transfer.”

“We do not describe Earthing as a "treatment" or a "cure" for any disease or disorder. Instead, it can be said without any equivocation that the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576907/ Links to a study which you can read for free on Pub Med Central that states there “were measurable decreases in cardiovascular risk factors after 2 hours of grounding.” However, for you science minded folks, the sample size for this study was 10.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15650465 “Results indicate that grounding the human body to earth ("earthing") during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes cortisol hormone secretion more in alignment with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile. Changes were most apparent in females. Furthermore, subjective reporting indicates that grounding the human body to earth during sleep improves sleep and reduces pain and stress.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/ A pretty comprehensive review article on the subject, not terribly long and the full text is available for free. The conclusion ---  “The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or Earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21856083 “Earthing generates immediate changes in electroencephalography (EEG), surface electromyography (SEMG), and somato-sensory evoked potentials …..Earthing significantly influences on the electrical activity of the brain. “

I think the statement that struck me most was this:

“the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly”

Seems so simple and so true.  Naturally, there is a commercial element that has cropped up to help “promote” this practice. Earthing shoes, sheets, chairs, matts, etc. To me, adding more “stuff” seems to defeat the whole idea, which seems pretty simple – Go out and connect with the Earth!  

I am glad that I clicked on that link in my Twitter feed J I think I know a little more than I did a couple days ago. And the next time I nap under my favorite tree, I will feel a little less guilty when I wake up.

Love

Sister Bridget

Earth Hour 2009 - This Saturday - March 27th.

Hey there!

This Saturday night is 2009's Earth Hour is this Saturday at 8:30 pm - wherever you are ;-)

Help raise awareness about global warming and other serious environmental issues by going dark and turning off all electronics and lights around you for one hour.

http://www.earthhour.org/home/

For those of you working on spellwork or adjunct work, this would be a great time to get those love candles going! Or a nice, intimate love doll session ;-)  Or, if you get together with a group of friends its a great time to sit by candlelight and catch up on the local gossip or tell tall tales about the past. Or, for those of you who meditate or journal, Earth Hour would be a great time for those activities as well.

Make a date with yourself for Earth Hour 2009!~

If you care to share how you spent your Earth Hour, please do leave a comment here!

Light and Love

Sister Bridget

Prayer for the Earth

As the grass tries desperately to peak out from under huge mounds of ice and snow up here, this prayer for the Earth came to mind. I remembered coming across it last fall at a Native American Shrine ;-) Hope you enjoy it.

Earth Teach Me to Remember
   Earth teach me stillness
   as the grasses are stilled with light.
   Earth teach me suffering
   as old stones suffer with memory.
   Earth teach me humility
   as blossoms are humble with beginning.
   Earth Teach me caring
   as the mother who secures her young.
   Earth teach me courage
   as the tree which stands alone.
   Earth teach me limitation
   as the ant which crawls on the ground.
   Earth teach me freedom
   as the eagle which soars in the sky.
   Earth teach me resignation
   as the leaves which die in the fall.
   Earth teach me regeneration
   as the seed which rises in the spring.
   Earth teach me to forget myself
   as melted snow forgets its life.
   Earth teach me to remember kindness
   as dry fields weep in the rain.

   Ute, North American

Find an Earth Day Event Near YOU!

Hey Ya'll !

Tomorrow (4/22) is Earth Day! Earth Day Events are occurring all over the globe!

click here to find one in your neck of the woods!

We only have one earth! Check out Earth Day and support kind Earth practices however you can ;-)

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

            ~~~ Anne Frank

Light and Love

Sister Bridget