June is the meteorological start of summer — weather experts split the year into four lots of three months for ease, with June, July, and August encompassing the UK summer. Of course, many people take the solstice as the start of summer, but not me. I’m firmly in the “Solstice is Midsummer” camp, despite the evidence that there’s a lot more summer on the far side of the Solstice, most years!

Where you take summer from, there’s no getting away from the fact that some of the warmest weather appears in June. Okay, yes, in the UK that’s debatable; there’s also plenty of rain, wind, and even the odd storm to contend with. But here in Yorkshire, at least, we’re certainly no longer taking our “big coats” out with us.

The heat can be a soothing force for many. If you struggle with problems like seasonal depression, longer, warmer days can be invigorating. Sore muscles may respond better to heat, and others simply enjoy the simple pleasure of feeling the sunshine on their skin.

But the hot weather isn’t for everyone. Feeling sweaty and clammy can be uncomfortable, and those used to cooler climes or environments may yearn for a break from the heat.

For me, that’s where water magic comes in. Water is the elemental opposite of fire, yet connected to it in so many ways. When fire burns, it produces water as a byproduct, even though water can effectively extinguish most forms of fire. It’s a complicated relationship, and one you can leverage to discover some balance between heat and refreshment this summer.

Simple Water Magic

Keep your water magic planet friendly by:

• Only using the water you need
• Disposing of used water by watering plants if you can, or dousing a local tree
• Closing taps/faucets tightly when not in use
• Avoiding leaving litter and other pollutants near natural water sources

Water is a precious commodity and costs energy to produce, but a little goes a long way!

Hand Cleansing Spell

Fill a small bowl with clean water. Dip your fingertips into the water and feel the refreshing change in temperature. Run your damp fingertips down your hands and imagine the stresses of the day disappearing into the water. If you have trouble visualising, talk through what you want to cleanse from your day, whether that’s something work-related, personal, or just the fatiguing heat of the afternoon.

Moon Bathing

The full moon (11^th June 2025) is generally considered a good time for manifestation and other magic, but you can pick the phase of the moon you most resonate with. I love the waxing gibbous phase, for the idea of things growing and coming to fruition. Run a bath when you have time to enjoy it and not be disturbed. Use products that suit your magical intention, for example, citrus scents for energizing your mood, or sandalwood for grounding or purification. If you can’t have products in your bath water, consider a scented candle or even an image that matches your intention. Music can also help set a mood or enhance a manifestation. Ensure the water is not too hot and settle into it. Take the time to relax and focus on your intentions. Don’t work too hard — the idea is to unwind! When you finish, watch the water tumble down the plughole, imagining your intentions on their way to get to work.

Creating a Water Garden

Even a small space can host a water garden. It can be the focus point of a sacred area, for example, in the West, to represent the classical element of water. Or you could create it as a nature spot for local frogs, or simply as a focus for meditation. Water gardens can range from a simple glass bowl with a rock in it to a larger pond. A solar-powered fountain is a really easy way to bring the refreshing nature of water into your outdoor space.

Water is a fascinating element, life-giving yet potentially destructive. Understanding it better helps you gain a healthy respect for water, becoming better able to weave it into your Summer Solstice magical or spiritual practice.

Mabh Savage is a Yorkshire Witch, Pagan author, and musician with a particular interest in Irish spirituality, and folklore from all across the U.K. and Ireland. She’s also a member of the global Covenant of Hekate and has assisted in some fascinating collaborative projects such as working with members all over the world to create a song for Hekate.

Mabh is the secretary of the Pagan Federation Children and Families Team, a group that aims to make life easier for Pagan families in England and Wales. She’s also the current editor of Aether, the magazine for Pagan families.

She’s been a member of the UK Green Party for many years, and believes firmly that it’s possible to reverse the damage being done to our planet with the right focus and action now.

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/mabh-savage