A summer solstice ritual to benefit your love life

On the longest day of the year, many cultures around the world mark the sacred seasonal occasion with a Summer Solstice celebration. In the Northern Hemisphere, June 21st is officially the first day of summer, and is the perfect time to attract more love into your life with a special solstice ritual.

Summer Solstice ritual themes are commonly based on traditional folklore tales about banishing negative spirits and demons, and welcoming renewal. However, the wonderful energy that's available at this magical time of the year can also be harnessed to benefit your love life, marriage and fertility.

Solstice ritual – what you need:

A Summer Solstice ritual can be hosted alone, with a romantic partner, close friends or family members. You will need a selection of nature inspired elements, along with any personal items that you may want to include.

As you prepare the space in which you've chosen to celebrate the day when the solar year is at its peak, it's a lovely idea to play your favourite atmospheric music in the background. Slip off your footwear and connect with the Earth to feel grounded, as you set up a small bonfire, altar and decorations.

Wear garlands of fresh, fragrant flowers in your hair, and save a few blooms to put under your pillow at night, when you make a wish for true love to find you. If you're already loved up, you can wish to share more romantic moments and enhanced intimacy with your partner.

Create an outdoor altar (or Earth mandala). A small wooden table, block or large log is perfect for decorating with seasonal items like flower petals, twigs and stones. Embellish the altar with gorgeous natural crystals that you've charged in the sun.

Prepare an array of delicious foods to feast on. Choose seasonal foods like beetroot, courgettes, radishes, lettuce, watercress and samphire. For protein add grilled fish or meat. Raspberries, strawberries and cherries will satisfy sweet cravings.

Serve glasses of 'honey moon' (the Pagan name for the Midsummer moon) mead made from fermented honey.

You will also need small pieces of paper and a pen.

Solstice ritual – how to:

To boost the sun's energy, at dusk on June 21st, light a small bonfire to generate magic. Alternatively, you can place romantic flickering candles on your Summer Solstice altar.

Gather with your partner, friends or family around the bonfire. Give each person in attendance a piece of paper and write out what no longer serves you in your life. If you're not sure what to release, consulting a Psychic Network reader prior to the Summer Solstice ritual can help you identify anything that no longer benefits your love life.

As you stand by the bonfire or altar, enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation and reflection on your personal growth. Give gratitude for all that you have, as you gaze at the abundance of nature that surrounds you. Honour the radiance of the sun by safely burning the pieces of paper in the open fire. As the flames flicker and dance, visualise your body releasing old energy so that it can be rejuvenated.

Offer Litha, the Goddess of fertility, a verbal blessing:

"May you bless Mother Earth with your radiant warmth of the solstice. As nature shares its rich bounty and fertility, I bless you. As you kindle the fires of passion in our souls, I bless you".

Dance barefoot to your favourite music, and observe how much lighter you feel as you merge with nature's elements. If you prefer, you can sit with planted feet on the Earth in meditation for a few minutes.

End your ritual by tucking into the delicious Summer Solstice feast you prepared earlier.