Happy Summer Solstice!
Our next solstice is here! Officially on June 21, 2023 at 7:58 am PDT. This is the time of maximum light in the Northern Hemisphere and minimal light in the Southern Hemisphere. The Earth is also nearing its aphelion (officially July 6th), meaning it farthest point from the Sun in its annual orbit.
Astrologically, this is “Zero Cancer”, meaning the Sun is entering the astrological sign of Cancer. No matter the stars in the background, this is always the Zero Cancer point. The astrological signs are intimately tied into our place in time and seasonal energy. This is known as the tropical / seasonal / temporal zodiac.
Cancer symbolically represents the warm compassion and responsible caring and protection of family and community/tribe. On a global level, Cancer utilizes its qualities for the human family and other life on the planet.
In the sky, the Sun is at the Galactic Edge or Extreme, which is opposite the Galactic Center. If we could see the stars / constellations in the background, we would see the hand of Orion the hunter holding the Sun in its hand and between the feet of the Twins (constellation) and horns of the Bull.
A better picture is viewed during the December Solstice. At sunset on that day, the Galactic Extreme is rising in the east and the the constellations where the Sun was at June Solstice are prominently visible at that time of year all night long.
Solstice means “Solar standstill”. This is because the Sun has reached its farthest point north/south depending upon which hemisphere and time of year we find ourselves. The maximum the Sun can reach north and south of the equator is 23.4 degrees. The Sun will essentially stay in that point for about 3 days before slowly receding away back toward to the Earth’s equator.
We can honor this time of Solar Standstill or Solstice by creating an altar and setting intention with water and fire together (not to form steam necessarily) but as original elements. One can choose to include symbols that are nurturing and warm as well.
Enjoy the Solstice!