Experiencing the Summer Solstice with a Chronic Illness
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The Summer Solstice is coming up, this June 20th, 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere. It is often dressed up in bold, fiery energy, long days, celebration, radiance, power. It’s the peak of the sun, after all. But for those of us living with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or other chronic conditions, that kind of intensity doesn’t always feel accessible. And honestly? It doesn’t have to be.
This year, I’m approaching Litha differently. Not with big rituals or sunrise hikes, but with more of a quiet reflection. Magic should be accessible for everyone.
Instead of seeing the Summer Solstice as something I need to force in a way, all bright and busy, I’m seeing it as an invitation to pause. The sun has reached its peak. This is a still point before the slow descent into the darker half of the year. Maybe that’s something we can mirror.
Gentle Ways I'm Celebrating
Here are a few ways I’m honouring Litha this year.
- Solar Oil – I'm setting out a jar of solar and healing herbs in oil, its a slow infusion method for ritual oils. It’s a passive spell in my opinion, one I can use to fuel me on later dates within my life and spellwork.
- Seasonal Altar Shift – I refreshed my altar with golden tones, dried calendula, and a little bundle of rosemary. Sometimes a space refresh can make all the difference.
- Reflection & Journaling – I ask: What’s flourishing right now? What do I want to gently release as we shift into the waning year? Some days I write. Some days I just pause and mentally reflect, my energy comes and goes. I manage what I can.
- A Nap with the Window and Blinds Open – Letting myself fall asleep in a sunbeam like a cat feels like the most Solstice thing I can do (be weary of direct sunlight, you never want a burn). My body knows what it needs. Letting it rest and heal is it's own kind of magic, really.
Ultra-Low-Energy Solstice Magic
On the days when you can’t get out of bed, here’s your reminder: you are still a practitioner. You are still honoring the turning of the year, just by existing through it.
- Window Witchcraft – Open the curtains. Let the sun hit your face for a moment. You don’t have to do anything else.
- Mental Offerings – In your mind, send gratitude to the sun or your deities if you wish. No words need to be spoken. No tools needed. Just a thought: “Thank you for your warmth.”
- Digital Devotions – Scroll through sunlit nature photos or your favorite sun-themed tarot card.
- Solar Playlist – Put on a playlist with summery, golden, or warm energy. Even if it just plays quietly in the background while you rest.
- The Magic of Breathing – Sometimes remembering to breathe and just be is something we forget, being present is vital for our health and wellbeing. Try some box breathing and see how you feel.
A Reminder to My Fellow Spoonie Practitioners
Your Solstice doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If all you do is open your window and breathe in a little warmth, that’s enough. If you forget it’s the Solstice entirely and only remember a week later, that’s also enough. The Wheel turns. It doesn’t need us to prove anything.
I hope you have a Solstice filled with softness, rest, and the kind of magic that meets you exactly where you are.
Wishing you good health and blessings,