So why is camping so important to do on the Summer Solstice, AKA, Litha? For one thing, it puts you directly in touch with nature and the four elements in sensory surround sound! It also forces you to slow down and get simple with it, something we could all sorely use some more of, to be sure. Plus, it allows for some necessary sun worship. One of my favorite activities to partake in when camping at this time, is to greet the day with some good old-fashioned sun salutations. Going barefoot in the grass with the birds chirp/cheering you on as you move through the positions is definitely a bonus. You can enjoy camping in a large group like the Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG), or go solo and brew some sun tea while you’re at it, during the day. Most of us in the Midwest are in dire need for some Vitamin D about now, so by all means, soak it up from sunrise to sunset, if you can. Just remember to stay well-hydrated and lather up with the sunscreen while you’re at it.

Earthy Vibes

While you’ve got the  earthy vibe going, be sure to give a listen to Tammi Kapitanski, our June podcast guest for “Women Who Howl at the Moon.” Tammi is the proprietress of Remedy Within, a massage therapy and spiritual gift shop. She knows her gemstones, tarot, and reiki and was a delight to talk to. She considers herself a practicing witch and has a good deal of natural knowledge to share with us.

One of my most memorable visits to a natural Pagan altar besides Stonehenge, was the Temple of the Sun in the Sacred Valley of Peru. These ancient civilizations had the foresight and spiritual instinct to craft these incredible natural spaces set up to specifically catch the sunlight at this precise time every year. It is both awe-inspiring and moving, to say the least.

Sun Worship

What are other ways that you enjoy to sun worship? Do you like to charge special gemstones or pieces of jewelry in the sunlight throughout this day? Will you build a roaring fire, as the sun goes down? Meditate on ways in which you might show the Sun Gods and Goddesses a healthy dose of appreciation today. End with giving them a toast with your sun tea—be sure to garnish it with some nice, bright yellow lemons while you’re at it.