The dog days are, well, just about to begin. The longest day of the year is the perfect time to eat strawberries and cream, braid some daisy chains, and adore Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine with your own secret ceremonials.
You can, of course, worship her any day of the year. I saw her live and wept the whole time, not out of sadness, but out of adoration. Her songs (especially “What the Water Gave Me”) have brought me into meditative visions and healing dreams.
Still, give her this day. To make Florence Welch your Solstice Goddess:
- Wear only silk or lace. Would Stevie Nicks wear it? Does it make you feel like a nymph or Titania the Fairy Queen? Then it’s a yes.
- Plait. Everything. Your hair, the stems of flowers, the spaghetti on your plate, your roommate’s shoelaces – it would all look better in a fishtail braid.
- If any of your mirrors are covered, set them free. The time for mourning is over (shake it out!) and Florence Welch never fears looking deep and long at her reflection. (“Hunger” and “Ship to Wreck” are evidence of this.)
- Today is the day to banish evil spirits. Cherish the sun then light a bonfire when it finally sets. Add music – say, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitar, harp, xylophone, Hammond organ, a backup vocalist and twelve costumed dancers or so.
- Dance for the Oak King of the ancient Celtic religion. Dance for the “Queen of Peace.” Let happiness hit you like a train on the tracks.
- Today is a day to feast! Strawberry cream cake is tradition, but if you need to get hurricane drunk, today all is excused.
Check out the rest of our rock altars:
The 8 Crucial Elements of Your Tea Ceremony for Regina Spektor
The Seven Steps to Your Spiritual Bath in Honor of Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
