Invoke the Midnight Sun

Cut from sheet mica, the elegant representation of a bird’s talon suggests the primal power of the predatory, the savage and the soul. Bird-claw ornament, Native American Hopewell culture, 100 B.C.E.–200 C.E., Ohio, United States.

Here is an ancient Daoist yoga breathing practice to restore vital energy in our physical body and, perhaps more importantly, to restore our inner vitality or Midnight Sun.  This simple breathing exercise connects our microcosm more deeply to a much greater macrocosm or universal spirit.  We invoke the power of the Sun when in full culmination of Summer Solstice and most noble like a diety in the sky.

1.      To practice start when the Sun is 5 days (5°) before the Summer Solstice of 0° Cancer. Arise just before sunrise and travel to a place where you can see fully the Eastern Horizon. This represents the ascendant in astrology, the direction where the Sun rises each morning on the horizon as a symbol of rebirth and something new emerging in our lives and personality. 

2.      Stand facing the exact location of the rising Sun and fix your gaze softly on the horizon.  Relax and soften your entire body; eyes are maybe one tenth open breathing in the light.  Notice your breath. Begin to breath slowly and softly through both nostrils, right and left, representing Sun and Moon.  If you really wish to get lofty then practice the Tantric Breath Meditation technique.  (Link here)

3.      As the Sun slowly ascends to the horizon line you will notice a subtle change in the color and intensity of light.   Notice the apparent speed of time as you watch the changing colors in the sky.  As the Sun starts to show itself on top of the horizon squint your eyes and stare into the colorful light spectrum emanating directly from the Sun like bolts of lightning. This is a yoga technique to strengthen inner and outer vision.  Look for the magenta light rays and begin to inhale these magical magenta rays into your body as if you are drinking from a well of light. In many cultures the cosmos is said to be like a vast ocean so this idea of drinking from the well of light of the cosmos.

4.      If everything still feels good and you would like to proceed further then make your lips paper thin and breath through your tightened lips as if you are sucking air through two blades of grass.   Inhale to your fullest extent filling your lungs. Then pause for a moment and swallow the light. That’s right, swallow the light, feel it going down your throat and into your stomach until it reaches your lower dan tien or lower abdomen. Feel the magenta light inside your body and in your belly. Then exhale through both nostrils evenly, slowly and softly, Left Right, Sun, Moon. And begin again.

5. Repeat the breath 3 to 7 times or until the Sun is too bright to look at.  This is all you will need.  Practice 5 mornings before the Summer Solstice and 5 mornings after for fullest effect.