Summer Solstice: Honoring the Light Within

The Summer Solstice is almost here, giving us warm days and turning our attention to the nourishing light of the Sun. On the Summer Solstice, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky and gives us our longest day of the year. We also have the start of Cancer Season, marking a time to shift gears from spending energy to restoring energy. If we follow the cycles of nature, Spring is the first Season of the year and ushers in a time of activity. We plant new seeds of inspiration with Aries Season, the start of the astrological year. We then allow those seeds to take hold during Taurus Season. Next, we bring new perspectives and ideas to them over Gemini Season. As we transition into Summer, we are first brought the energy of Cancer, asking us to slow down and nourish ourselves. Following, we have Leo Season, reminding us to play and enjoy life in the brilliant Sun, lastly, we have Virgo Season, a time of organization and deep soul renewal before we enter a period of release known as Fall.

In astrology, zodiac signs are broken down into three categories: cardinal, fixed and mutable signs. The four cardinal signs mark the change of the annual seasons; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The season of Aries kicks off Spring, Cancer begins Summer, Libra brings us into Fall and Capricorn occurs on the Winter Solstice. The fixed zodiac signs; Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius stabilize the energy of that annual season. These periods are when we can feel the full vibration of that season. For example, Leo stabilizes the energy of Summer, allowing us to align with it throughout our entire life and being. The mutable signs: Gemini, Sagittarius, and Pisces, bring about change. They are times of transition when we can still feel the vibrations of the current season but are preparing to shift into the next one. We can tune into the frequency of the annual season by aligning with the zodiac seasons that accompany them. We can honor Summer and all it brings through understanding the energy of Cancer, Leo, and Virgo.

For centuries, people have recognized the power in aligning with the annual phases of the Sun by honoring both Equinoxes and Solstices and building monuments, such as Stonehenge, in their honor. When the Sun’s light first breaks through the darkness on the day of the Summer Solstice, it hits this ancient monument directly in the center, lighting up each pillar like a magical horseshoe. During the Winter Solstice, the sun sets directly between the largest stones of this mysterious piece of history. Many other ancient monuments and wonders, including the Great Pyramids of Egypt, also align with the four phases of the Sun showing the importance of these times for civilizations across the globe. What made these points in time so significant that people dedicated their whole lives building something to honor them?

The cycle of the Sun represents the cycle of our lives and reflects the natural flow of energy moving inward and outward. There are times to grow, times to pause, times to shed and times to learn. Just as we align with the Moon’s journey every month, we can align with the Sun’s journey throughout the year. Always occurring at the start of the Cancer Sun Season, the Summer Solstice reminds us to turn inward and find the nourishment needed to grow and evolve. It is a time to pause and wait for the energy planted in the Spring to reach full bloom. If the Spring represents action, the Summer represents patience. We must develop trust and confidence for what we set in motion previously, even if we go through some troubled times. Our course is set at this point, we just need to nurture it and find purpose within its process.

The Summer Solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops and also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light. Summer reminds us that there is hope in the world, that the light within can spread to the far reaches of the globe and inspire others. We can nurture others, just as the Sun nurtures us. Summer becomes a time to work on ourselves, including our ability to be the light, and find meaning in our journey, even when it seems uncertain. This is the rhythm of nature; new beginnings transition into a period of uncertainty. During this time, it is easy to fall prey to anxiety and worry. Big shifts also cause old energies to surface and darkness can easily take over our mind. Summer is the time to develop faith in our life, squash the darkness with light, and trust that just like the Sun, we will rise each day no matter what life brings us.

Through honoring this day of light, we energetically set in motion a period of awakening in our consciousness which lasts all summer through its three zodiac seasons, until the Fall Equinox. Here are some ways to align with this day and harness its power to build the light within you.

Honor the Four Directions

The four directions; east, south, west, and north, represent the seasons and their corresponding Equinoxes and Solstices. Through acknowledging and asking them for guidance, we align ourselves with the divine, cyclical rhythm of nature. This practice can be done at any time of the day on the Solstice but is best done at sunrise.

Start by having four candles each positioned at the four directions (you can use a compass to mark these points). Before beginning, state that you are open to receiving guidance and intuition, opening your consciousness. Light each candle as you face that direction while closing your eyes and meditating on that direction’s energy. Allow the information to flood in, continue through all directions, and then you can journal about what each one brought to you.

• East is represented by Spring and new beginnings. Reflect on what you’ve started the past 3 months and what new opportunities have come your way.
• South is the direction of Summer, rest, finding your purpose and direction. Reflect on the bigger meaning of your life and where you should focus your energy and refine your attention.
• West is the direction of Fall, where the Sun sets, representing a time to go within, detox and shed. Ask for wisdom of knowing when to let go, when to release and when to hold on.
• North represents Winter, wisdom, and protection. Ask what wisdom is needed for your journey. Reflect on your lineage and the road your energy has traveled across lifetimes.

Set Summer Intentions

The Summer Solstice is an energetically charged day and an important one to set intentions. Direct your intentions on the themes of this phase, which are patience, nourishment, and trust. Create powerful “I am” statements that reflect these qualities and the development of them. Include “reception” statements that open you up to receiving the energies available on this day. Examples are; “I am open to receiving nourishment and growth” or “I am able to receive the energy needed to develop trust in my life.” Set your intentions and continually remind yourself of them all summer long.

Express Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a good thing to do any day, but especially on the Solstice. Write gratitude statements for everything that you already possess and everything that you want to come your way. Part of the manifestation process is to actually feel gratitude for what we want before we even have it. Through this act, we are telling the universe we trust that our wishes will be fulfilled and the very act will call in the energy we desire.

Practice these rituals on the morning of the Summer Solstice and feel yourself nourishing the light within you. Carry this feeling throughout the Summer, as you align with the journey of the Earth and the Sun. However, you choose to celebrate this day, be sure to spend some time feeling the Sun’s rays on your face and standing fully in the light as you learn to stand fully in the light of your own existence.

Align with the Season of Cancer

Cancer is ruled by the Moon and the great Mother. This Season is a time to feed our souls and receive energy to recharge our batteries. It is also a time of great intuition when our emotions may rise but if we can ride their waves, we land at the shore of our inner knowledge. Being a Cardinal sign, Cancer Season is a perfect time to set a new daily practice. Align fully with the Season by making this practice-oriented to self-care. Carve out time each day to sit with yourself away from the distractions of the world. This can be a daily meditation practice, a long walk without your phone or even just free time to stare at the ocean. Create a practice for all of Cancer Season which gives you space to feel your emotions and hear your intuition. Set the intention to receive guidance and intuition each day and be open to what energy may come your way. Feel into the fluid nature of this season and its ability to nourish new beginnings.

Enjoy the vibes of Summer and all they bring. Remember to pause and immerse yourself in the joy of warm nights and positive vibrations. You can learn more about how to fully align with Season of Cancer in the Cancer Season + New Moon workbook.