Summer Solstice Reflection: The Fig Tree Vase

As the sun reached its zenith on the longest day of the year, the air is thick with the warmth and vibrancy of summer. The Summer Solstice, or Litha, is a time of celebration, abundance, and the powerful energy of the sun at its peak. This year, I found inspiration in the heart of my garden, beneath the sprawling branches of the magical fig tree.

The fig tree has always held a special place in my garden. Its broad, verdant leaves provide a lush canopy, offering shade and a sense of tranquility. Figs, with their rich history and symbolism, represent wisdom, prosperity, and the divine feminine. The tree’s presence feels almost otherworldly, a living connection to ancient wisdom and natural magic.

In crafting my Summer Solstice vase, I wanted to capture the essence of this magnificent tree. Using the coiling technique, I hand built the vase, layer by layer, allowing the process to be a meditative journey. Each coil represented a spiral of energy, an echo of the sun’s journey across the sky.

The leaves were the heart of this creation. I spent many hours beneath this fig tree, carefully selecting leaves that spoke to me, each one a perfect specimen of nature’s artistry. Pressing these leaves into the soft clay, I felt a deep connection to the tree, as if its ancient wisdom was being imprinted into my work. The leaves left their intricate veins and textures in the clay, creating a tapestry of patterns that danced across the surface of the vase.

Afterwards I went over those perfect veins to show how we as humans simply cannot craft a leave as perfectly as mother-nature. For some you this might not make sense. But hopefully for some it does.

As the vase took shape, I chose glazes that reflected the vibrancy of summer: a deep, verdant green to honor the fig tree’s foliage, and a warm, golden hue to symbolize the solstice sun. Similar to this photo.

When I opened the kiln, the finished piece emerged, shimmering with the representative energy of the season, but intentionally not as perfect as Mother Nature.

This Summer Solstice vase is more than just a piece of pottery; it is a celebration of life, light, and the natural world. It stands as a tribute to the magical fig tree and the endless cycles of growth and renewal that define our existence.

The days following the longest day, as I place the vase in a place of honor, I reflect on the gifts of the season. The Summer Solstice reminds us to bask in the light, to embrace the fullness of life, and to celebrate our connection to the earth. The fig tree, with its wisdom and grace, teaches us to root ourselves deeply, to grow towards the light, and to give generously.

May this vase serve as a reminder of the magic that surrounds us, the beauty in the natural world, and the eternal dance of the sun and earth. As we move forward, let us carry the warmth and energy of the solstice within us, nurturing our creativity and our spirits, much like the fig tree nurtures its leaves and fruits.