Sun Tea for Solar Magic by Sam Wise

Now that we’ve passed the summer solstice, we are technically in the dark half of the year. But with record heat waves in Europe and North America, we are still very much under the reign of the summer Sun. This is my favorite time of year for solar magic.

In my upcoming book, Lavender Witchcraft: Crafting Queer Magical Practice, I discuss how queer witches and allies can connect with planets and luminaries as spiritual allies. As I say in a chapter on planetary magic:

“The Sun rules the parts of our life that are most important to us – the things that are at the center of our life, like the sun is the center of the solar system. It is the planet of the ego and personal identity, of self-esteem and individuality, and of creative expression. The Sun is also associated with success and positive feelings.”

This makes the Sun a powerful ally for manifestation magic. Whether we wish to call in career success, new love, or greater understanding of ourselves and our identities, the Sun’s warm, golden light can illuminate a path forward.

One of my personal favorite ways to connect with the Sun is by making sun tea infused with solar herbs. For those who aren’t familiar, sun tea is a tea or herbal infusion that is brewed over several hours using the heat of the sun. It’s known for having a more mellow flavor than traditionally brewed tea, and is considered an eco-friendlier option since it uses natural solar energy. It is also a wonderful way to connect with the magical power of the Sun, similar to how some witches use moon water to connect with the Moon.

tea cup and flowers — Photo by Sena on Pexels.com

To make sun tea, you will need:

A clean mason jar or other glass container with an airtight seal
Drinking water (tap water is fine)
Herbs ruled by the Sun (I like to use chamomile and cinnamon)
A sunny spot outside where your jar can sit undisturbed
(Optional) the astrological symbol for the Sun (☉) drawn on a piece of paper in gold ink

Note: Although some people prefer sweetened tea, it is best not to add sugar or any other sweetener until after your sun tea has brewed. Because this tea brews at a low temperature over several hours, adding sugar can potentially increase the risk of foodborne pathogens in your finished tea. You’ll want to play it safe by only adding sweetener once your tea is at a safer temperature (below 40°F/4.5°C or above 140°F/60°C)

To brew sun tea:

If desired, begin by preparing sacred space however you normally do for ritual.

Add your solar herbs of choice to your jar. I usually use chamomile tea bags and cinnamon sticks because they are easy to strain out of the finished tea. Typically I use a ratio of one teabag and one cinnamon stick per 8 ounces/300 milliliters of water.

Fill the jar with water. You want to make sure the jar is filled to the very top, with no room for air. This is another step to keep foodborne pathogens out of your tea.

Seal the jar tightly.

Take your jar of water and herbs outside and place it in a spot that receives direct sunlight. If desired, place a paper with the symbol for the Sun drawn on it under the jar.

You may wish to say a simple invocation such as, “I call upon the power of the Sun, our brightest star. May this tea be infused with the power and essence of the Sun, so that I may take this essence on when I drink it.”

Allow the tea to steep outside for between three and four hours.

When the tea is done steeping, bring it inside. Strain out the herbs, then immediately place your finished sun tea in the refrigerator. Let it cool down to 40°F/4.5°C or lower before drinking.

To sweeten your sun tea, use a liquid sweetener such as simple syrup or honey after the tea has cooled. (You can make a quick simple syrup by combining one cup of sugar and one cup of just-boiled water, mixing until the sugar dissolves completely, and then allowing to cool.) You can also mix your tea with fruit juice for a sweeter beverage. Orange juice or pineapple juice would be appropriate, as these fruits are also ruled by the Sun.

How to use sun tea:

Add a splash to beverages such as tea or coffee for a boost of solar energy.
Use as libations in a ritual honoring a solar deity such as Apollo or Sunna.
Drink sun tea as part of a ritual to call on the power of the Sun.
Sip during a spell to manifest success in any area of life.
Use to support your intentions during Leo season, as Leo is ruled by the Sun.
Serve alongside summer holiday meals.
Sip a glass of iced sun tea while watching a sunset to connect with the quieter, reflective aspect of the Sun.
And any other use you can think of!

For more information about how to incorporate planets and luminaries in your magical practice, be sure to check out Lavender Witchcraft!