Summer Solstice, Cross Quarter Day Bright, Joy and Wholeness, it is the peak of Solar Energy, Mid Summer. It is a fruit bearing brand that offers us a openness to our success, goals and wishes fulfilled. 
Just know that is carries with it the knowledge that one can not stand to long in the Sun, life requires balance to exist. Light and joy must have its balance.

What do you now understand?

What successes have you achieved?

What have you birthed or brought to fruition?

What joys are you sharing with others?

What commitments have you made?

Affirmation: I create warmth and light with my clarity and enthusiasm

Sacred Space
Creating Sacred Space

Frequently, our surroundings or our physical being can become congested with negative energies that may increase our levels of stress.  This may be apparent in the workplace or in our homes, as well as in our bodies.  For example, you may walk into a room, or into your office and immediately feel uncomfortable or irritable.  You may feel tension in your body as you are working or interacting with people.

The art of creating sacred space has been used in every culture for centuries.  Monasteries, churches, spas and more have used various methods to clear out negative, unwanted energies for rituals and spiritual practice.  Many people do this in their own homes daily without consciously realizing what they are doing.  'Creating ambiance' by lighting candles and playing comforting or relaxing music is an example of this.  Burning incense is another example.

There are many methods of clearing the negative energy around or within you.  Below I am going to give a few examples that may be applied into your daily life.

Smudging: Smudging is the burning of herbs and plants to clear negative energies from an area or person.  The term comes from Native American culture, however is similar to the burning of incense used in many cultures.  Smudging can also be used to bring desirable energies into a space.  The Native American's use a number of plants for this purpose, however the 'holy trinity' consists of Sage, Cedar and Sweetgrass.  Sage is a powerful clearing tool, also used for protection and wisdom.  Cedar is used for healing, nurturing, purification and protection.   Sweetgrass is for wisdom, positive energies and protection.  To smudge, you may use a smudge stick or loose material placed in a shell or other safe, natural container.  Light the smudge and allow the smudge material to smolder.  The smoke works to clear negative energies from the area.  You may use a feather to fan the smoke into the area you wish to clear.  To smudge yourself, use the feather to bring the smoke over your head and down along your body, and into your heart.  If you have any area of pain or dis-ease, you may choose to focus the smudge to that area.  To smudge a room, many traditions begin in the East, the place of the Sunrise, and move in a clockwise direction through the room or area, fanning the smudge with the feather to clear out negative energies.  This can be done according to your own traditions or preferences.
Burning incense or smudging is not always a safe or practical option, especially in the workplace, or when one is sensitive to smoke.  'Smokeless Smudge’ is a wonderful alternative to use in areas where traditional smudging is not an option.  

Music is an excellent method of creating sacred space.  Many traditions ring bells or beat on drums as a means of clearing negative energies from an area, for example.  There are a number of ways in which to use music to create sacred space and/or clear negative energies.  The music you choose should suit your purpose.  For relaxation, listening to or playing relaxing, positive music is recommended.  Aggressive and loud or sorrowful music all have their place, however for the purpose of clearing out negative energies and stress, choose music that will suit this purpose.  All musical forms have their place and purpose.  If you are looking to find a quiet place to create sacred space for yourself, and/or to clear negativity, take care not to choose music that may increase or enhance that which you are trying to clear.  Music is also a wonderful way to raise positive energies and lighten the spirit.  In this way, listening to or playing high energy music is an excellent tool.  Percussion is wonderful for this.  The music you choose for this should bring a sense of joy.  Use your body and your voice, sing and dance.  Let the energies rise within and around you, let it move your spirit and have some fun!

Move your body!  Negative energies can cling to our bodies, creating stress, illness, emotional blocks and disease.  Body movement is another tool that can help relieve stress and create sacred space within and around the body.  You may choose yoga, Tia Chi, walking, jogging, dancing, or any other method of movement.  Although this may seem silly, simply waving or flapping your arms around your body can clear out negative energies around you and relieve stress (and if you laugh at yourself a little, all the better!!).  The benefits of exercise on the body are well known.  Exercise and movement also have a powerful affect on the mind and spirit.  It helps to reduce stress, releases endorphins, and produces a sense of well-being.  It is common for people to move into a meditative or altered consciousness state while exercising, bringing benefits through connection with their higher self.  Find a method of body movement that suites your physical abilities and is enjoyable to you, and try it out.  

To promote relaxation and clear negative energy from the body, bathing is a wonderful option.  You may add essential oils, bath salts, candles and/or music to your bathing ritual.  Submerging yourself in water alone may be enough, however adding these little 'extras' may enhance the experience and make it more beneficial to the individual.  Water, by nature, is cleansing and purifying.  However you decide to prepare your bath, you may consider being purposeful with your intent and, as you immerse yourself in the water, ask that the bath serve your purpose, whether it be relaxation, healing, stress reduction or cleansing (physical/emotional/spiritual, etc.).  Turn your bath into a sacred and healing experience.

CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER!  In addition to the above-mentioned methods, take a good look at the space you are in.  Is it cluttered?  Piled with work, bills or other items that become a constant reminder of tasks you need to perform?  What kind of decor is around you?  What message is the space around you sending to your conscious self?  Clear it out.  Organize your work; put things that you do not need to have out away.  Clear out or get rid of unnecessary knick-knacks that crowd your space.  Arrange things in a manner that is pleasing and promotes calm.  Remove or file away anything around you that promotes negativity or tension.  Look into Feng Shui.  You may find some great information and tools to use to clear your environment.  Play with it a bit, and have some fun.  It may take a little while to get the right atmosphere, but you can have a great time figuring it out.