Light is in abundance and we have reached a magical time of year in the Northern hemisphere, the high Midsummer known as the Summer Solstice. It is considered a time of magic and mystery when the ‘sun stands still’ in its rhythm and reaches its peak height in the sky. It is the longest day and the shortest night, a time of renewed hope, warmth and growth.
Spring has lifted the natural world into full bloom and the sun’s energy is powerful, the rays at their most intense. For many people the Summer Solstice is a time of inspiration, a moment to remember and attune to the cycles of nature.
Many cultures have revered this day for thousands of years, recognising it as a time of fertility and abundance and one to honour and give thanks for the blessings of the sun and to embrace the possibilities that the light brings. In ancient times, the Summer Solstice was seen as a time of magic and of dreaming when the veil between worlds was thin and the spirits of nature could be seen and connected to within.
Ancient Egypt carries perhaps the oldest memory of celebrations with the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx built to align directly with the Solstice sun. The Egyptians lived within a complex and intelligent system of thought and creation that worked with and in harmony with nature’s rhythms and the stars, the sun and the moon. Even to this day it remains, in some part, a mystery to us yet the magic can be felt in our bones and seen in our dreams.
Another famous location for celebrating the Summer Solstice is on our homeground at Stonehenge, an ancient stone circle in Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed over 4,000 years ago, and it remains one of the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring ancient sites in the world. The exact purpose of Stonehenge is not known, but it is likely it was for religious and ceremonial purpose and , at times such as the Solstice, Druids and Priestesses of old would gather there to witness the sunrise and to take the pledge to honour our earth.
Even now, every year, there is a huge and lively gathering where people come to the stones for sunrise on the morning of Solstice and dance in the light as the rays break through the spaces in the constellation of giant stones. There is collective feeling of awe, reverence and humility, as the sun’s warm embrace graces the morning hours. The sun rises directly over the Heel Stone, a solitary stone located outside the main circle, and the rays of the sun align with the stones of the circle, creating a stunning display of light and shadow. It’s so magical, a divine curation of Spirit and magic.
Summer Solstice has always been a time of spiritual awakening and renewal and wherever you are, it is believed to be a potent time to meditate, pray, and connect with the natural world. As a time of transition when the old gives way to the new, many people use this time to set intentions and make positive changes in their lives. Whatever your tradition or beliefs, there are a thousand ways to meditate on and harness the fullness of light and abundant bloom of the natural world.
Whether you choose to turn in for a quiet time of reflection or to dance and sing the morning sun in around a fire, we have the perfect silks and gowns to drape yourself in and stunning jewels to adorn your body with symbolic meaning and intention.
Embrace your inner light with the stunning Sol Kaftan in ash tie dye or our beloved Rise Kaftan in cream which will drape luxuriously over your body and reflect the morning rays as you welcome the golden sunrise. The rays of light ring in gold will add an extra shine to your Solstice glow as you weave your prayers and rituals into the space.
For a true celebration of the fire of the adorable sun we love the Cosmos Maxi dress and Uma Jumpsuit in Flame. However you choose to celebrate this solstice, wear either of these gorgeous pieces and you will effortlessly embody an ethereal yet fiery look that honours the sun.
For a final touch, pair your outfit with the unique and gorgeous Arcadia Earrings, visions of nature in gold, to truly light up your world.
