Midsummer Muses: A Tarot Spread for the Solstice
Plus a bonus summer solstice spell sachet ritual
The summer solstice (a.k.a. Midsummer) is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. I also look at it as a mid-year check-in. As I’m enjoying the sunshine, I think back to the last solstice, during the coldest and darkest part of the year. Since that falls just before the start of the new year here in the northern hemisphere, it’s a time when I’m optimistic about the coming year.
So how is the year going so far? I turned to tarot to help me gain some perspective. I also turned to the nine muses of Greek mythology, who have served as a source of inspiration through the ages.
If divination isn’t your thing, then use these as journal prompts. And if you’re in the southern hemisphere, I’ve got you covered with a “midwinter” version of the graphic (same questions) below. Text version at the end.
Midsummer Muses: A Tarot Spread for the Solstice
1. Clio, muse of history: What have I learned since the last solstice?
2. Melpomene, muse of tragedy and lyre playing: What challenges have I overcome over the last six months?
3. Thalia, muse of comedy and pastoral poetry: Where did I experience joy over the last six months?
4. Terpsichore, muse of dance and choral song: What should I celebrate during this solstice?
5. Polyhymnia, muse of hymns, sacred poetry, and dance: How should I express myself during this time of year?
6. Erato, muse of love poetry and song: What area of my life deserves love and attention right now?
7. Euterpe, muse of lyric poetry and song: What words of encouragement do I need for the months ahead?
8. Calliope, muse of epic poetry: What shifts will I undergo in the coming months?
9. Urania, muse of astronomy: How will the stars align for me until the next solstice?
One more idea for the solstice
Each year, during the winter solstice (Yule, for me), I begin thinking about what direction I want to move toward for the upcoming year. Then I make a spell sachet, tin, or bottle that represents all the things I want to attract and experience over the next 365 days.
Nothing says you can only do this spell once per year. If you want to head in a new direction, or recommit to your path, around this time of year, then this spell can serve as a physical reminder to help you reach your destination.
I wrote about this spell in my book The Creative Arcana:
Make a spell bottle or sachet to create a “gift” for yourself honoring this phase of your life. Choose stones, crystals, herbs, and other objects that represent the things you want to call in over the next year (love, creativity, abundance, new opportunities, etc.).
This is a great activity to do at the end of the year around Yule. Each year, I fill a small container with these symbolic gifts to carry with me or keep on my altar. A couple of years ago, I made a sachet with the intention of bringing more creativity, abundance, and new opportunities into my life. I used a Tiffany & Co. bag that had come with a necklace I love to wear when I’m feeling abundant. Inside the sachet, I included common objects such as bay leaves, orange peels, rose petals, and small crystals (green aventurine, fluorite, and ametrine). I also used other items that were more personal: a small stone from my yard, an arcade token (as a reminder to have fun), an old necklace charm, and a key as a metaphorical “door opener” for new opportunities. Then I sat with the sachet in my hands and visualized the things I wanted coming to fruition for me.
There is no “correct” list of ingredients for a spell bag or jar. Use your intuition to choose objects that you want to go into your spell. They can be as simple or as complex as you desire. Sometimes, just two or three items can be as powerful as — if not more than — a whole list of unusual ingredients.
As you give yourself this gift, turn it into a ritual. Light some candles or incense. Choose candle colors that correspond to what you’re calling in (see chapter on The Chariot). Next, spend time selecting your ingredients and placing them into the container one by one, stating aloud the significance of that particular item. (For instance, “May this citrine point bring me success.”)
When you’re done, anoint the sachet with a fragrant oil or pass it through the incense smoke. Then hold the sachet or jar and visualize all the good things you want for your future. Take this sachet with you wherever you go, or keep it on your altar or another special place. It will remind you of all the thanks that you deserve for making it through this time.
What are you doing for the solstice?
Share your favorite solstice tradition in the comments.