This Wednesday, June 20^th at 7:09 pm Eastern Time marks the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year and for many it signifies the official start of summer. In pagan tradition however, Summer actually begins on May 1^st and ends on August  15^th, which is why the Summer Solstice is also known as Midsummer’s Eve.

Here are four ways to celebrate the solstice either personally or with your child.

Watch the Sunrise – On June 20^th the sun will rise at 5:25 am Eastern Time. (To find your sunrise visit here and change the location to yours). If you’ve never seen the sunrise, it’s a beautiful thing. Soak in the promise of a new day and wonder of the planet we live on.  Do some pre-day scouting for the best place to watch the sunrise. It rises in the east.

Surya Namaskara/Sun Salutation – Surya Namaskara is a series of hatha yoga asanas done to honor the Hindu solar deity, Surya. If you don’t know the series, there are a number of YouTube options or Wikipedia has the sequence in photos. Start your day with it, or plan to do it at 7:09 pm Eastern to mark the actual mid-point of summer.

Plant Marigolds  – Buy Marigold plants or grow them from seed (it takes about 45 days). Marigolds are known as the herb of the sun and are a symbol of passion and creativity.

Make a Sundial –  If you just want to play for the day, you can make a temporary sundial with found items. Find a big stick to act as your time source, and then create your sundial around the stick. First figure out what time it is pointing to and then set up your clock accordingly. Or you can make a more permanent sundial. I like this one here (http://hilaroad.com/camp/projects/sundial/sundial.html  You could use anything for the hour and minute markers. Gemstones would be especially nice. If you are making a sundial with your child you have all sorts of opportunities for learning: math, astronomy, cause and effect!

© 2012 Christine Agro

Have questions about your child or need support? Christine offers private readings as well as on-line support at The Consicous Mom’s Guide

Christine Agro is a clairvoyant, naturopath, Master Herbalist, conscious mom and author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously as well as of The Conscious Living Wisdom Cards (Special Moms’ Edition). Christine is founder of The Conscious Mom’s Guide , a membership site where she helps support you on your own journey of living life consciously and on your journey of being a Conscious parent. You can also join Christine on Facebook. To contact Christine, invite her to speak or to schedule an appointment with her please email her