Summer Solstice Rituals: Herbal Baths, Intentions & Self-Care

by Lucy Toussaint

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year—a moment when the sun is at its peak and the earth is fully alive. (Though, if you're willing to travel, you can experience it twice a year!) For centuries, cultures around the world have marked this day with rituals of gratitude, release, and renewal. At Rue & Dagger, we believe this seasonal turning point is one of the most powerful times to reset your body, your energy, and your intentions.

Here's how to honor the solstice with a self-care ritual rooted in herbal wisdom and intentional living.

Why the Summer Solstice Matters for Wellness

The solstice (June 21) marks the midpoint of the year. The sun reaches its highest point in the sky, flooding us with light and warmth. Think of it as a mid-year check-in: What have you been carrying that you're ready to release? What do you want to call in for the second half of the year?

Step 1: Set Your Intentions (Morning)

Before the day gets busy, take 10 minutes in the morning to journal or simply sit quietly. Ask yourself:

  • What am I releasing this season?
  • What am I welcoming in?
  • How do I want to feel by the end of summer?

Write it down. Burn it. Speak it aloud. The act of naming your intentions is the first step in any ritual.

Step 2: Soak in Some Sun If You Can (Early Afternoon)

Get some movement by going for a walk, planting your feet in the grass, or spending time in your garden if you have one. Whatever you decide to do, let's stay in the frequency of gratitude.

Step 3: Make an Herbal Drink (Afternoon)

One thing about the summer heat is that we need to replenish. Water is the most refreshing choice, but how about crafting a drink that is both refreshing and healing at the same time? Remember, herbs are not one-size-fits-all. When adding herbs to your daily routine, be sure to speak with an herbalist to help facilitate your journey. Here are some herbs that can help you cool down while you enjoy the energy of the solstice:

  • Peppermint Leaf (Mentha x piperita)
  • Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
  • Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
  • Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

While these are just a few herbs that can be blended for a refreshing summer drink, do not be afraid to mix your own brew with your personal favorites.

Step 4: Cleanse with an Herbal Bath 

Calendula and Chamomile come to mind as the perfect herbal bath remedy to end a day of rituals. I call this the Cale-Cham Herbal Abundance Bath. Calendula is known for its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory benefits, and it acts as a warming herb. To balance that warmth, we've paired it with Chamomile—a Sun and Lunar herb with cooling properties known to soothe the gut, relieve anxiety and stress, and help with insomnia. You're getting the best of both worlds in this bath. It is a perfect, simple, yet effective way to end your summer solstice rituals.

How to prepare your solstice bath:

  1. Place ½ cup of the calendula and chamomile to a cheesecloth or filter bag. If you are new to herbal baths, this is the perfect starting amount, but as you get more comfortable with your rituals, always feel free to trust your intuition and use an amount that feels right to you!  
  2. Bring 8-10 cups of water to a boil, submerge your filter bag, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Draw cool/warm (not hot) water for your bath—the solstice is already fiery enough. Add your brewed herbal water to the tub and adjust the temperature to your liking. Please be careful while transporting your herbal water from the pot to the tub. 
  3. Light a candle, dim the lights, and step in with intention
  4. Soak for at least 20 minutes, breathing deeply
  5. As you drain the water, visualize releasing what no longer serves that area in your life 

Step 5: Anoint with Body Oil (After Your Bath)

After your bath, while your skin is still slightly damp, is the perfect moment to seal in your intentions with a body oil. Our Apre Lapli Body Oils—named for the Haitian Creole phrase meaning "after the rain"—are blended to nourish the skin and uplift the spirit. Choose a scent that matches your solstice intention: grounding, energizing, or softly floral. Check out our body oil line here

A Simple Solstice Ritual Checklist

  • Morning journaling/meditation: Set your intentions
  • An outside activity: Get the body in motion
  • An Herbal drink: Cool and calm the body 
  • An Herbal bath: Cleanse and release
  • Body oil: Anoint and seal
  • Evening reflection: Close the ritual with gratitude

And on that note, you've had a full day dedicated to giving back to yourself and honoring Mother Nature's seasonal cycles. Happy Solstice!

We also want to highlight our Spiritual Herbal Bath Collection here specifically our Zodiac Herbal Balancing Baths. These baths are crafted with botanicals that support spiritual cleansing, emotional balancing and physical ease. Think of it like an all in one mind body and spirit remedy. We recommend choosing either your rising, sun or moon sign that you feel needs some attention to right now. Where in your big three do you feel you need to release stress, move some stagnant energy or just the emotional weight that you could be carrying in that area.  

If you’re reading this well after the 21st that’s okay. These rituals can be done anytime you feel you need a self care day/night. (Knowing me I probably did not put it out in time - blame my head and not my heart) 

If you really enjoy astrological products also check out our Zodiac Kits here

With love and roots,
Lucy

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