June 21st is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. This marks the longest day of the year—it also happens to be International Yoga Day. This day has had special spiritual significance since ancient times. It has been celebrated by civilizations across the globe and continues to be a significant day.

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, the Mayans, and the Druids not only celebrated this day, but also built structures or temples that would align with the sun on the day of the summer solstice.

At the Great Pyramids of Giza, as the sun sets on the summer solstice, the head of the Sphinx aligns perfectly with the setting sun. This creates a crown of light—illuminating the crown chakra or Sahasrara of the Sphinx. The crown chakra represents enlightenment, or oneness.

Stonehenge is another ancient site that aligns with the summer solstice at sunrise, midday, and sunset. There are many Native American medicine wheels that align with the summer solstice, including one in Wyoming constructed at the top of a mountain range.

Many civilizations worshipped the sun for its life giving qualities. The sun represents cosmic power, life, energy, strength, and the one’s self. The sun can also represent clarity, or vision as seen in Greek and early Hindu mythology suggest. In Greek mythology, the sun is the eye of Zeus, while in Vedic mythology it is the eye of Varuna.

This summer solstice, practice your own ritual to honor the abundant season of summer and the life giving energy of the sun. You can do this ritual alone or with friends and family.

• Gather up herbs, flowers, and anything from the natural world.
• Begin by honoring the four directions. Go outside and stand in each direction, give thanks or recite a prayer toward one another. Sprinkle herbs or flowers in each direction as an offering of gratitude.
• Practice one Sun Salutations facing each of the four directions. Begin facing West, then another Sun Salutation facing North, East, and South.
• Use fire to honor the life giving warmth of the sun. If available, make a bonfire to enjoy with loved ones. If a large fire is not possible, a candle will do just fine!