20-21 June 2021
In the early morning on 21 June, the first sunrays usher in the summer solstice, also called Midsummer or Litha. The Sun has reached its zenith, the highest point in the sky. Light triumphs over darkness during the longest day of the year. It is a time of celebration, union and extroverted vitality. Traditionally, Midsummer is the time when bonds are formed and unions are officially established, when weddings take place and families are founded. No surprises there, as Cancer, the first zodiac sign of the summer, is the sign of family. Therefore, Midsummer also marks the beginning of Cancer season.
Cancer teaches us how to feel at home, how to accommodate, how to find our sanctuary, how to nurture and how to nourish ourselves and others. Cancer season is a time for emotional work, spending time with family and close friends, finding one’s tribe, spending time near water and (re-)discovering the more private aspects of life – usually through the home.
Ruled by the Moon, Cancer symbolises the womb and is associated with the mother. The home is the external manifestation of the womb, an intimate place where we recharge, find comfort and feel secure, hence why it is traditionally held by women. Cancer season is also a time to honour Mother Earth, to show gratitude for everything that she does for her children and to dive deep into her womb, in order to rediscover our roots and the inner love that nourishes our being.
One important lesson of the Cancer-Capricorn axis is that, to build a lasting legacy, our roots and foundations must first be deeply and securely grounded. For a tree to reach the sky, it must first cultivate strong roots, which in turn will support its entire body.
The flower St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) blooms on the Summer Solstice. It is a traditional flower to use in Midsummer rituals, as well to harvest and store for the darker months of the year, when the sunshine has lost its potency. St John’s Wort is associated with the Sun, as it brings vitality to the mind, body and soul. It promotes well-being, awakens our inner power, opens the solar plexus, helps us to access our true self, our inner light and our purpose, allows the life force to flow easily and reintroduces optimism into one’s life. It is commonly used to treat Sun deficiencies, such as depression, anxiety, low energy, motivation and self-esteem.
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I saw the rising of the Midnight Sun, while sitting on the ancient stones, the same my ancestors once walked on, in times of old.
Its rays of golden light penetrate my skin all the way to my core, through every corner of my being, lighting the fire within.
The St John’s and Sunflowers turned to greet the Solstice of Summer. The wind spreading their seeds across the plains and fields, yielding hopes and dreams.
Are you going to Midsummer’s Fair?
To dance around the maypole
with flowers in your hair?
A pint of ale in your hand, a smile on your face, celebrating Life and our first real embrace.
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Let’s fall in love as we breathe the summer air
Let’s dance under the Moon and stars
Let’s soak in the sunshine from dawn ‘til dusk
Let’s not refrain from fun nor abstain from love
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Let the music play all night
Let your spirit run wild
Set yourself free from all that was
This Summer, let’s celebrate Love, Light and Life
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May the Summer bring you love, freedom, abundance and joy.
May the sunshine fill your heart with happiness.
☀ Happy Summer Solstice ☀
For seasonal visuals, check out the Summer photo album.
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