The Summer Solstice has long been celebrated across cultures and continents. From ancient Stonehenge ceremonies to modern festivals, this longest day of the year marks a turning point—a moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, bathing us in light longer than any other day. It’s a time of energy, renewal, and reflection, symbolizing abundance, growth, and the cyclical nature of life.
The Solstice serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to nature’s rhythms. It invites us to pause and honor the light, both external and internal. Energetically, it represents a peak moment, encouraging us to bask in our accomplishments and prepare for the gradual transition toward introspection as the days begin to shorten. Symbolically, it holds dual significance: it is both a celebration of light and a recognition of impermanence, reminding us that even the brightest days inevitably fade.
A Personal Reflection
For me, the Summer Solstice is deeply bittersweet. It was on this luminous day last year that my sister-cousin, Noor, chose to leave this world. Her presence in my life was as radiant as the sun, and her departure on this day of light feels imbued with profound symbolism. She was a warrior, fighting ALS with grace and strength, and her choice to transition with the Solstice feels like her final act of alignment with the light she cherished.
My cousin loved the sun, and her chosen symbol was the dandelion. With its golden face mirroring the sun, the dandelion speaks to both impermanence and resilience. It’s a wildflower that thrives in unexpected places, spreading joy and beauty in its wake. She embodied these qualities, connecting our family, cherishing the small wonders of life, and finding laughter even in hardship.
The day of her funeral was imbued with her amazing energy. Choosing a natural burial, her service took place in the middle of a beautiful forest near her home in the south of Holland. She asked friends and family to dress in bright colors and floral patterns, and we each brought a single flower to fasten to the side of her coffin. She was buried in a floral wreath assembled by her loved ones. Under the green canopy of those trees, we heard her voice one last time—a recorded message of encouragement, love, and support played alongside a favorite piece of music. The sun shone brighter that day than I had ever seen, in a country known for its rain, as if the universe itself was honoring her passage.
Since her leaving, I’ve felt her presence and seen glimpses of her energy—usually in forms related to light. Whether it’s the sun breaking through clouds at poignant moments or a dandelion unexpectedly popping through the snow along a wooded path in winter, her energy is with me. The small scraps of paper left after I burned a note I wrote for her birthday remind me of her most important message: the only two words that remained were Love, Always. These signs have become a source of comfort and joy.
Her choice to depart with the light reminds me that even in darkness, there is light. While her absence fills me with profound sadness, her memory encourages me to embrace the Solstice as a celebration of her radiant spirit and the enduring connection we share. In her honor, I find myself cherishing wildflowers more deeply, laughing more freely, and nurturing the connections that matter most—just as she did.
The Summer Solstice is not just a moment in the year; it’s a call to reflect on what brings light into our lives and how we can share it with others. For me, it’s a day to honor Noor’s legacy and carry forward the light she left behind.
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Begin Within
and align with the rhythm of nature and self.
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