My house smells like dehydrating apples and baking bread, the crows outside are molting, leaving their feathers about everywhere and that autumnal energy seems to be leaking into these dog days of summer. 
The dog days of summer are often the hottest days and they were termed the dog days due to the morning arrival of the star Sirius. This star is one of the brightest and if you are awake at dawn you just might catch a glimpse of the glow of this star sun. 


We are still in the sun sign of Leo and the fire this sign brings with it can be felt in that summer heat as well as in the desire to get out and do things that often accompanies this time of year. 

We continue to move through this wild time of uncertainty (here in America especially) and I hear from people almost daily who are struggling with anxiety, depression and/or restless sleep. In this height of summer heat and sunshiny days, why not utilize the solar energy to cheer your mood and fuel your magic.    When I think of the sun, I think not only of heat but of yellows and oranges and reds. I think of citrus and sunflowers. 
A Simple Sun Ritual- Take a jar of water and set it outside at dawn. If you have lemons add some slices to the jar, if you don't' have lemons but have lemon essential oil (or orange essential oil) you might add a few drops. (If you have none of these things thats ok too the water will energize whether you add to it or not).  Allow this water to set in the sun and absorb the brightness and energy from dawn til dusk.  You might even write out an intention and set it beneath the jar. (One of my personal favorites is "Vibrant sun burning bright calm my nerves and help me sleep tonight" and no, your intention doesn't have to rhyme)   Use this water to create a ritual bath or shower. Utilize red and orange and yellow crystals if you have them, setting these on the ledge of your tub or shower to surround yourself with that sunshine energy, you may want to light candles to add some of that "fire element", then if you are taking a bath include the sun water in your tub (if you have sunflower petas why not include these as well)  and allow the energy to soak into your muscles.  If you are showering you can use your solar water as a rinse for your body and hair, imagine the energy of the water infusing your body with its energy infusing its energy into your body as it pours over you.  Some people find solar energy too invigorating for night time bathing. Keep this in mind as you choose a time to do this ritual.    A Sun Altar- To tap into what the sun energy means to you, it can be helpful to create an altar honoring the sun energy. The sun is usually linked to what is considered by many as masculine energy (the moon being linked to the feminine). It is action and drive, will and directness. The sun is often considered to be about creating and doing. Your solar altar is a great place to work manifestation spells and create intentions. Items you might consider for your altar include, wand or blade, yellow, red and orange flowers, crystals in these hues, candles (never leave these unattended), images or statues of the sun, honey or honey cakes, lemons and oranges, the tarot card The Chariot, rattles and snake skins. As with any altar the possibilities are endless and the idea in the creation of this is to create a space that has meaning to YOU and your relationship with the sun.