The Summer/Winter Solstice Arrived!

June 20th, 2016 marked the Summer Solstice for the year. The solstices are interesting times of the year, actually- from a number of different standpoints. Solstice actually comes from the Latin word “solstitium” and that translates to something along the lines of “sun stops”. On this day, the Sun won’t rise in the east as it usually does, but rather in the North of East- and it will of course, set sort of north of the western area: this makes it visible along the horizon for a longer time frame than usual. Much like planetary retrograde motion, there’s an illusion at play: the sun actually seems to rise, set, stop and reverse its direction during the solstice.

Because we use the meteorological definition for our seasons, the Summer Solstice is actually midsummer. But, according to astronomy, it marks the first day of summer. I know, it’s a bit weird, but, I guess many things like this can be. ;) Of course, if you’re below the equator in the Southern Hemisphere, for you- it’s Winter Solstice.

Summer Solstice

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice occurs in December- so, this part won’t so much apply to you guys right now, but, I’ll be going into Winter Solstice for you guys right after this.

Across cultures, there are a variety of traditions involving midsummer, but, the central message of these is the transition of time from when we plant, into when we reap the harvest. Not the actual time of harvest, mind you: but that in between space when things are growing. This is both literal and figurative.

Using the Summer Solstice to Find Fulfillment

One of the many different traditions that I have always deeply loved was the Litha celebration. I could go into the variations of this, but most of these can be summed up one way: it’s a celebration of the power of the Sun. There are many different parallels to it, across the globe, and they all have that common thread. Essentially, whereas the earlier Spring festivities involved fertility in the sense of creation, this time is when we celebrate making it grow. Whatever “it” may be.

I’ve always adored this kind of thing, because I believe that ritual is important: and whatever ritual you use, whether that be an actual Litha ritual (Bonfires are pretty awesome, right?) or celebrating the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist or dancing the quadrilha, or looking for ferns in bloom, one thing is clear: you are further establishing your intentions for the rest of the year ahead.

It’s a time to be grateful for the work you have already done, the good things you’ve already seen as a result, and looking ahead to the good things to come. More than that, though, it’s a time when you can look at the results you’re getting and determine whether or not you need to make some changes.

Whatever you celebrate, whatever customs you have- here are a few things to consider during the Summer Solstice:

● Take a look at those areas of your life where the light has died a bit. What better time to re-ignite it than the celebration of the Sun? Decide now that you are going to tap into not just your own inner power- but that around you to either build this back up: or let it go out entirely.

● Get back to nature: sometimes, a recharge is all you need. I tend to think with as technologically involved as we are, this one is more important than you might think.

● Put together a “Bucket, Chuck it, and F*ck it” list. I tried coming up with another word for that, but, it threw off the rhyme scheme. This is the most important thing you can do, right now. More than that, you need to be ready to actively work towards the items on the “bucket” portion, be ready to “chuck it” on those things that just aren’t working towards your goals, and well, definitely be ready to say the last to those things acting as millstones around your neck.

Winter Solstice

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, our Winter Solstice, much like the Summer Solstice for those in the South- happens in December. But, for those below the equator, while those above are celebrating the Summer Solstice- you guys get the Winter. I have always loved the polarity of it all.

If I bring up Litha for Summer, then, Yule is the usual counterpart for Winter. I bring this one up because I’m rather fond of the ties to the Wild Hunt- and I love that idea and what it stands for: particularly in the context of this article I’m writing.

The Wild Hunt was said to involve supernatural huntsman- stories vary as to whether or not they were the spirits of the dead, elves, or even the fae: but the leader often seems to have some parallels to Odin. Some also believe that the leader might be various leaders, depending on who’s telling the story. You’re probably familiar with the name Grimm- from Grimm’s Fairy Tales? Well, Jacob, one of those brothers is said to be the first to truly conceptualize the idea in print, in about 1835. Anyway, for brevity’s sake, and for the purposes of this article- the notion we’re addressing in this is the confrontation of the dark that sort of weaves its way through all of the tales and tellings.

Using the Winter Solstice for Rebirth

Much like the Summer Solstice, the Winter Solstice can be an intense time of reflecting on the time that has passed, the efforts that have been made, and again: a time of transition. Historically, the Winter Solstice marks the time when people are going into the “famine months”. When things are leaner and colder. Not that dissimilar to the Death card in Tarot, this concept is about doing away with things so that there can be a rebirth. That’s not always an easy thing to confront: but, I think most of us know, you can only hide for so long.

So, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Yule, or any other of the multitude of traditions associated, here are a few things you can do to make the most of it:

● Oh, you parents are gonna hate me for this one but: Let it gooooooo! Yes, that’s a Frozen reference, but it works, doesn’t it? You cannot move forward if you’re still clinging to those things from your past. You just can’t do it. Nostalgia is wonderful and remembrance in honor- also wonderful. But you don’t live in the past. You don’t live in those situations; you aren’t- or you shouldn’t be bound to those people that aren’t pulling their weight. Consider a moment “the lean times” and understand that in some way- everyone you are tied to must in some way bring something to the table now. The same can be said for those things that you do want to hold on to.

● Re-birth means it. If you have a ritual or otherwise that helps you to slough off the old so that you can start again: do it.

● Develop better habits, schedules, and otherwise to help you nourish your re-birth. Starting over, and doing the same things you did in order to necessitate a do-over is shooting yourself in the foot. Map out a plan and stick to it.

A fantastic way to make use of whichever Solstice you happen to be celebrating is by having your ducks in a row cosmically. Now is a wonderful time to pick up a natal chart, explore progressions, or even fine tune by working with a financial or love chart. Whatever new horizons you’re looking to cross through: we are happy to help.