Summer Solstice 2026 Meditation
THE SUMMER SOLSTICE,
the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere,
WILL OCCUR ON
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026.
IT BEGINS AT 4:24 AM EDT
U. S. EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME.
The June Solstice
In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the Sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky.
This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite: the June solstice marks the astronomical start of winter when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky.)
—The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Meditation
As I have done last year, I offer you this meditation on ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
by Susanna Newsonen
The Path to Passionate Happiness
Posted June 8, 2025
in Psychology Today [1}[2]
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Reconnection
Ten ways to reconnect with light, nature, and ourselves.
Each year, around June 21st, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the Summer Solstice.
For centuries, cultures worldwide have marked this celestial event with rituals, reflection, and revelry. It’s more than just an astronomical occurrence; it’s a powerful symbol of light, growth, and renewal.
The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, meaning the “sun stands still.” Ancient people were deeply attuned to the rhythms of the Earth and sky, and the summer solstice often held deep spiritual and practical significance.
Though our lives have changed drastically since ancient times, the solstice continues to offer a unique opportunity to pause, connect, and celebrate.
Whether you live above the Arctic Circle or in a city apartment, the summer solstice is a chance to acknowledge the abundance around and within us.
Here are some simple and soulful ways to mark the day:
1. Rise with the sun.
Start your day early and soak in the light. Open the windows, stretch, and step outside - even if only for a few minutes. Sunshine is a natural mood booster, and even on a cloudy day, your body absorbs essential Vitamin D.
2. Move your body in nature.
Skip the gym and move your exercise outdoors. Take a long walk in a local park, go for a run by the river, or roll out your yoga mat under a tree. Let the sights, sounds, and smells of summer invigorate your senses and energize your spirit.
3. Connect with the earth.
Ground yourself - literally. Walk barefoot in the grass, dip your toes in a lake, or run your hands through soil. These simple actions can quiet a busy mind and rekindle a sense of belonging to the natural world.
4. Create with nature.
Pick wildflowers or treat yourself to some seasonal blooms. Craft a flower crown, a sun-shaped mandala, or a simple bouquet. It’s not about perfection - it’s about noticing and celebrating the beauty of the season.
5. Savor seasonal food.
Prepare a meal using fresh, local produce. Think berries, herbs, greens, and anything that grows under the summer sun. Let your plate reflect the colors of the season. Eating mindfully is a powerful way to honor nature’s generosity.
6. Dress with intention.
Mark the occasion by wearing something that makes you feel joyful and light. Maybe that means florals, white linen, or a touch of gold - whatever makes you feel like sunshine itself.
7. Toast to the sun.
Mix up a summer solstice-inspired drink - a cocktail or mocktail with fresh berries, mint, or edible flowers. Raise your glass to the sun, to yourself, and to the people around you.
8. Dine al fresco.
Eat outside if the weather allows - or simply open your windows wide. Let the breeze in. Light candles or hang string lights to carry the feeling of light into the evening.
9. Reflect and realign.
The solstice marks the midpoint of the year. Take time to pause and look back. What have been your personal highlights? What have you learned? What surprised you? Journaling or sharing with a loved one can bring clarity and gratitude.
10. Set intentions for the months ahead.
With daylight still abundant, think about what you want to carry forward into the second half of the year. More time in nature? More connection? More creativity? Let this be a quiet moment of recalibration.
SUMMER SOLSTICE BEGINS ON:
SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2026 AT 4:24 AM, E.D.T.
WATCHING A SOLSTICE CELEBRATION LIVE
AT
STONEHENGE
If you would like to to see the solstice celebration at Stonehenge as it happens LIVE this year, here is an event in two parts with guidelines from English Heritage for viewing their FREE livestream broadcasts of the two solstice moments.
They say: “Wherever you are in the world, don't miss a moment of the two parts of this special occasion.”
The two solstice moments are the Sunset and the Sunrise.
Each part has two components: the broadcast start time and the solar event start time.
Where to Watch:
English Heritage
Two Options: YouTube and Facebook
YouTube (needs a YouTube account)
Tune in directly to the
English Heritage YouTube Channel
The page opens to sunset and sunrise options.
—OR—
View alongside the community via:
Facebook (needs a Facebook account)
NOTE:
English Heritage reports
use military time (aka 24-hour clock time):
e.g. 20:00 (military time)
instead of
8:00 pm (on-the-clock time)
Also, because we are all in different time zones, consider the following points:
Stonehenge is located in the United Kingdom (U.K.).
The U.K. is currently observing the daylight saving time zone known as BST (British Summer Time).
All English Heritage events are reported in BST.
As mentioned, English Heritage events are also reported in 24-hour clock time as opposed to on-the-clock time.
To get your actual time to tune in:
Start with the BST time as listed and convert it to the time zone in your own location, e.g. EDT in the U.S.
Do a google search to get a converter that includes your time zone.
For your convenience:
BST TO EDT TIME ZONE CONVERTER
Convert British Summer Time (BST)
to
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
https://savvytime.com/converter/bst-to-edt
Note for readers in the United States:
British Summer Time is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time
6:59 am in BST is 1:59 am in EDT
Okay! Here we go!
Guidelines from:
English Heritage
FIRST PART OF SOLSTICE EVENT: SUNSET
June 20
Watch the summer solstice LIVE from Stonehenge with the FIRST of our two FREE 2026 live streams, SUNSET:
Our cameras will capture views of Stonehenge as the sun sets this summer solstice, allowing you to connect with this spiritual place from the comfort of your own home.
Date and time to tune into the SUNSET:
SUNSET:
Date in BST: June 20
Date in EDT: June 20
Time for BROADCAST to start:
BST: 20:00 (military time) Saturday night June 20
BST: 8:00 PM (on-the-clock time)
EDT: 3:00 PM afternoon Saturday June 20
Time for actual SOLAR SUNSET to start:
BST: 21:26 (military time) Saturday night June 20
BST: 9:26 PM (on-the-clock-time)
EDT: 4:26 PM June 19 Saturday afternoon June 20
~~~~~~~~
SECOND PART OF SOLSTICE EVENT: SUNRISE
Watch the summer solstice LIVE from Stonehenge with the SECOND of our two FREE 2026 live streams, SUNRISE:
Date and time to tune into the SUNRISE:
SUNRISE
Date in BST: June 21
Date in EDT: June 20
Time for STREAMING to start:
BST: 4:00 (military time) early Sunday morning June 21
BST: 4:00 AM (on-the-clock time)
EDT: 11:00 PM Saturday night June 20
Time for actual Solstice SUNRISE to start:
BST: 4:52 (military time) early Sunday morning June 21
BST: 4:52 AM (on-the-clock time)
EDT: 11:52 PM (on-the-clock time) Saturday night June 20
Watch the sun rise over the Stone Circle as people celebrate.
ENJOY!
CELEBRATE!
MEDITATE
RELAX
And once again, as we have done for the last two years at this time, it is appropriate to include in your meditation the first part of
The Canticle of St. Francis of Assisi, his toast to the Sun:
THE CANTICLE OF THE SUN
Praised be You my Lord with all your creatures;
especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day
through whom You gave us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor!
Of you Most High, he bears the likeness.
-St.Francis of Assisi (1225)
St. Francis of Assisi
RESOURCES:
(1) Psychology Today has been known for its authoritative translational science writing, inviting individuals and luminaries in the field of psychology to write about their own work and that of others in a way that is accessible to lay readers. It is published today under PsychologyToday.com .
(2) Susanna Newsonen is a writer and philosopher based in a tiny village in rural France.
She’s lived in eight countries, abandoned the corporate world for the freedom of self-employment, and swapped the hectic city life for the calm and quiet of country living. Whilst riding this rollercoaster life of twists and turns, she’s learned first-hand how transformational having the right perspective is. Because of this, her mission is to spread hope and love, one reader at a time. She has authored five books to date: Notes on Letting Go, Notes on Self-Love, Horse Girl, Happiness Is Here, and Screw Finding Your Passion.
Before becoming a full-time writer, she was a sought-after life coach, positive psychology practitioner, and keynote speaker when wearing her now-retired Happyologist hat. Her client list ranged across industries, including Brainwash Festival, American Express, BMW, Kellogg’s, Lululemon Athletica, and The School of Life to name a few.
She has also been a TEDx speaker, an online columnist, and a regular commentator in the media from the BBC to The Huffington Post and more. Her quotes and writing have been featured in a wide range of publications, including Psychologies magazine, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, The Guardian, Thrive magazine, and Horse & Hound.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her horse and dog. She believes we can learn a lot from our four-legged furry friends.
IN YOUR OWN WORDS:
Previous Post: "Ode to a School,” Written by Anne Andersson June 5, 2026
—Thanks Anne. This is a wonderful account of a wonderful school. I suppose all good things must come to an end eventually. However, I firmly believe that the good lives on in varied ways. You are one example of that. —LB
— I am sad that many Catholic schools are closing, but this was such an uplifting essay! Thank you so much for all you have done to educate and mold these young people into caring and God centered young women! —SP
—You are a gifted writer - it was beautiful! Thank you for being an important part of our dear Cathedral family. —CG
— It's beautiful and perfect, Anne! God bless you!!!! —JA
—As always - “beautiful” writing and heartfelt and sensitive ❣️
Thank you 🩷🙏☮️🌎. —RG
— “Ode to a School” is beautiful. You touched all the right sentiments. Hope you shared it with our colleagues. Thank you. —RE
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