Practice suggestions for...

At Midsummer a king of Misrule was elected and “given powers that mocked those of the church and state. As such, he represented freedom and license, and an escape from religious piety and the oppressive power of the nobility.” John Matthews

In your practice throw away the rules! Break your routines and habits. Change the what/how/where/when. Maybe you can visit a sacred site or try practising out in the fresh air (remember your sun protection and to avoid the midday sun!) or at least create your own sacred space.

Get up early and greet the rising sun then later in the day observe it’s setting.

At midsummer herbs were gathered and dried for the year ahead. If you are interested in herbs and using them for health you might like to read “The Yoga of Herbs” by David Frawley and Vasant Lad. In this book the authors apply Ayurvedic herbal science to western herbs.

If you are in Derbyshire or the Peak District around this time then you might like to visit some of the well dressings. Peak District Well Dressings 2009

Posture Work

Playful!

Breathing

Bhramari (humming bee breath) and if your feeling hot try the cooling breaths sitali and sitkari

Relaxation

Midsummer’s Day a seasonal sensation.

Meditation

Gayatri or Asato ma Mantra (more information about these in the section on the Winter Solistice)

Other

A time for satsang. Meet with other like minded individuals and chant and sing and dance.

Glennie Kindred suggests that this is a good time for a vision quest.

Summer Solstice

June 21st 2009

Green Lady at Helligan, Cornwall

The Summer Solstice, Midsummer, the Longest Day. A time of power, joy & courage. A time to appreciate the gifts of summer and celebrate the fruits of our labours.

Historically a time of carnivals, processions and circular walks; communal dancing and singing; of young men leaping over and women circling around fires; and of visiting sacred sites - hills, springs, standing stones…