As the vibrant blooms of summer unfurl in all their splendor (looking at you, Dahlias), we find ourselves at the zenith of nature's grand spectacle. Today marks the summer solstice, a momentous occasion when the sun, at its highest point in the sky, bestows upon us the longest day of the year. This celestial event holds profound significance in the realm of floral design and herbal medicine, as it inspires us to honor the interplay between light, nature, and the ephemeral beauty of flowers, which lies at the heart of Fleurvoyant's mission.
Alas, it's picnic season - perhaps one of my favorite pastimes in Manhattan (bonus points since it's one of the few activities here that are free!). Almost every evening I find myself on the grass with my blanket, basket, and book - reading, writing, slowing down, and grounding. Today, I will look towards the long rays shining across the West Side Highway as I engage in ritual (see below!) and reflect upon the lasting sun.
The summer solstice has long been celebrated across cultures as a time of renewal, abundance, and profound connection with the natural world. It is a time when the bountiful gifts of nature are on full display, beckoning us to revel in the kaleidoscope of colors and scents that grace our gardens and meadows.
For us, as floral enthusiasts, the summer solstice is a reminder to embrace the radiant hues and transformative power of flowers. It invites us to explore the harmonious blend of bold blossoms, verdant foliage, and ethereal accents that embody the spirit of this season. Whether arranging a centerpiece or adorning a cherished space with a simple bud vase, let the solstice inspire you to create designs that reflect the splendor and joy of this time of year.
Moreover, the summer solstice invites us to pause and reflect on the cyclical nature of life. As the sun reaches its pinnacle and begins its gradual descent, we are reminded of the impermanence of each passing moment. The summer solstice encourages us to appreciate the fleeting radiance of each flower's bloom.
Let us cherish the evanescent nature of our floral creations, embracing ephemerality as beauty and transformation as illumination. Today, we celebrate the light.
As we embrace the abundant energy of the summer solstice, we invite you to partake in a flower essence and mandala ritual to connect deeply with nature and set clear intentions.
Preparation
Choose a serene outdoor space where you can immerse yourself in nature. Find a spot that resonates with you – a garden, a meadow, or any place where you can feel connected to the elements.
Gather a variety of fresh flowers and foliage, selecting those that inspire and speak to you personally. Consider the symbolism and energy of each bloom as you make your selection.
Collect a small glass bowl, purified water, and a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will be used to make your flower essence.
Creating the Flower Essence
Fill the glass bowl with purified water, symbolizing purity and cleansing. Place it on a stable surface amidst the flowers you gathered.
Choose one or a few flowers that particularly resonate with your intentions and gently place them in the bowl of water.
Allow the flowers to infuse the water, absorbing their essence for at least an hour. During this time, meditate on your intentions, visualizing them manifesting with the energy of the solstice.
After the infusion period, carefully remove the flowers from the water, expressing gratitude for their essence.
Transfer the infused water into the clean glass bottle, sealing it tightly. This bottle will hold your flower essence, serving as a reminder of your intentions.
To preserve this essence for future use, make a 50/50 solution of the flower essence water with an alcohol solution (I prefer using brandy). This solution is now the “mother” essence. Multiple “children” essences can then be made from the mother if you'd like to make multiple bottles.
Creating the Flower Mandala
Find a flat surface on the ground where you can arrange your flower mandala. It could be a patch of grass, a smooth stone, or a large piece of fabric.
Begin by grounding yourself and entering a calm state of mind. Take deep breaths, allowing the energy of the solstice to flow through you.
Start arranging the flowers and foliage in a circular pattern, building your mandala from the center outward. Let your intuition guide you as you place each element, creating a design that resonates with your intentions.
As you arrange the flowers, reflect on your desires and aspirations. Visualize them taking shape and blossoming into reality, infusing the mandala with your focused energy.
Once your mandala is complete, take a moment to admire its beauty and imbibe the intentions and energy you have poured into it.
Closing
Allow the solstice energy to inspire you and infuse your intentions with the vibrancy and transformative energy of the season.
Keep the bottle containing your flower essence in a special place (out of direct sunlight), using it as a reminder of your intentions for the rest of summer. You may wish to incorporate the essence into your daily rituals, such as meditation or self-care practices, to enhance its energetic influence.
- Emily
Emily Swarts is a florist, herbalist, and founder of Fleurvoyant, a floral-botanical design studio based in New York City. Her mission is to create enchanting floral experiences to celebrate and honor earth's natural beauty and medicine.
