Enjoying the summer is a bit different than in years gone by. While the coronavirus is largely behind us, there is still a need to social distance and change the way people go about daily rituals. While you might not be able to gather with friends or go to large events, you can still connect with the season as a modern pagan. In fact, solitary or reflective practices can be amazing ways to feel in harmony with the world around you. Consider these ideas and find your own way to appreciate these summer practices for modern pagans.
Start Your Day at Dawn
Many summer practices for modern pagans involve the sun. This makes sense, as the summer is the time of year when there is more sunlight present for longer durations of time. If you want to seize the day, you need to wake at dawn and greet the sunrise. Connecting with the rising sun in the earliest of moments can really provide you with a frame of mind to conquer the trials of your day. Plus, starting your day with a sunrise can inspire you and help you appreciate the beauty and serenity of nature.
Spend Time Outside
Though you might not be able to hit the beach with friends, you can and should spend as much time as possible outside. Just because you can’t be physically close with people does not mean you need to be totally cloistered away. Getting outside and soaking up some sunshine is an amazing way to feel a sense of connection with the season. Whether you decide to go to an isolated spot by a lake or you just lay in your own backyard, you will feel fantastic when you engage in this practice on a daily basis.
Safety is also important when it comes to the summer sun. Though sunlight is nourishing and a central part of pagan rituals, you absolutely need to protect your skin from direct exposure. Wear sunscreen or makeup containing a strong SPF to guarantee you are shielding yourself from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays.
Light a Fire
When the sun sets in the summer, lighting a fire of some type is a normal custom. From swapping tales around a campfire to extending a beach party with a bonfire, summer activities are all about keeping the light aglow. To connect with the spirit of the season, light your own fire. You can keep it simple and light a single candle in your bedroom, or you can go outside and start a small blaze in a controlled setting like a fire pit. Being surrounded by the dancing glow of the flames can be calming.
Collect Plants
Finally, nothing beats collecting herbs and flowers when it comes to meditative pagan traditions. You don’t need to live out in the country to take advantage of this activity either. Having an herb garden in your home is a wonderful way to feel like you are directly connected to the bounty of the season. Grow your favorite herbs on the windowsill, harvest when ready, dry them out, and use the plants to flavor an array of meals you make throughout the rest of the summer.
Speak With a Loved One
Just because you can’t hug and kiss the way you would in the past doesn’t mean you can’t have a good conversation with a friend or family member. Talking about problems or aspirations with someone you trust can be important for your health and sense of wellness. Invite a friend to a park for some hanging at a distance, or pick up the phone and call a person you haven’t been able to see for a bit. You’ll definitely start feeling the magic of summer when you hear a friend’s voice.
Committing to simple pagan practices is a great way to stay responsible this summer without letting the coronavirus destroy your spirit. Research different activities and discover what works best for you.