The summer solstice,
Also known as estival solstice or midsummer,
Is a profound celestial event that occurs when one of Earth's poles has its maximum tilt towards the Sun.
It's a moment of significance happening twice yearly,
Once in each hemisphere.
During the summer solstice we find ourselves literally closest to the Sun,
Experiencing its radiant energy in the fullest intensity.
The Sun,
The epitome of fire,
Infuses us with its fierce,
Electrifying,
And invigorating power for many hours a day in the northern hemisphere.
Approach this peak moment mindfully.
You may find the energy of the solstice overwhelming,
But be so wrapped up in the joy of this season that you don't even notice.
The summer season can make us stay in constant motion with activities,
Or if you're like me,
You may find you're experiencing FOMO,
Fear of missing out,
Unless you participate in everything.
If we subscribe to the adage,
Make hay while the sun shines,
Or fear the impending winter and the gradual shortening of days,
We may struggle to allow ourselves to rest and take quiet time that we deserve.
This is where the moon cycle becomes significant.
At present we're in waning crescent of the moon.
This phase symbolizes time for rest and regeneration,
A period of self-care and inner peace.
So it's like the moon is presenting an opportunity to surrender to what's beyond our control and reconnect with ourselves before the lunar cycle begins anew,
And it's a nice reminder during this peak fire,
Peak Sun moment.
Astrologically speaking,
The summer solstice coincides with the start of cancer season.
It's a time when we turn inward to reflect upon our identity,
Our accomplishments and aspirations.
This energy empowers us to manifest our desires,
Especially those rooted in our soul,
Our intuition.
As the zodiac sign of cancer suggests,
We're encouraged to create a solid foundation for our homes and futures while honoring the journey and individuals who've helped shaped us.
By sharing our creations and experiences with others,
We can build a sense of community and togetherness,
So don't forget about others.
In Jyotish or Vedic astrology,
Which is rooted in the Indian subcontinent,
It doesn't specifically focus on summer solstice as a standalone event,
But regards the Sun as one of the most significant celestial bodies.
It represents the soul,
The Atman,
And vitality of the self.
So the summer solstice in particular represents a peak solar energy,
Its abundance,
Its growth.
For your personal development,
Vedic astrologer might suggest you to harness the energy of the Sun to navigate whatever specific influences the solstice is having on you according to your astrological makeup or however you're feeling.
Embrace the power of ritual during this significant time.
For those in the Detroit area,
The exact moment of the solstice,
When we're closest to the Sun before the days begin to shorten,
Will occur Wednesday,
June 21st at 1057 in the morning.
Meditation,
Chanting,
Practicing pranayama,
Immersing yourself in nature,
Performing sun salutations,
All of these are different ways you can mark the occasion.
Or maybe you tap into some other ritual that aligns with who you are or your historical or ancestral background.
Yogic philosophy emphasizes self-observation,
Introspection,
And self-awareness as a means to understand and transcend the limitations of the human conditions.
So we find pure consciousness through these aspects of the discipline.
Yoga science was developed through observation of natural phenomena,
Which reminds us of our connection to the larger forces of nature and brings us home to our consciousness.
I hope you'll take some time today to create ritual,
Relax if you need to,
Or go find joy out in the world.
Remember,
Any time you create a ritual,
It's potent and perfect in its own right.
It doesn't have to be today.
And ritual replaces worry with wonder.
It brings us a deeper connection to our spiritual self and reminds us of our connection with the Great Spirit,
Which we all hold in our hearts.
I'd like to leave you with about five minutes of relaxing music.
You could sit in meditation or you might choose to use the next five minutes to just rest.
When was the last time you allowed yourself to just lay down,
Put your feet up,
And rest?
There will be a bell to signify the end of your practice,
But feel free to remain where you are rejuvenate and appreciate this moment of summer.
