In less than an hour, the Sun enters Cancer, marking the summer solstice. This one of the major turning points in our astrological calender. Not only do we celebrate the Sun’s highest point, but we also recognize that as of today, we start to surrender some of the light as the Earth slowly moves towards the September equinox point. To me, the cardinal points say something very fundamental about the Earth’s relationship to the Sun. The solstice and equinox points, remind us that we are subject to the laws of nature and that we are subordinate to a higher authority than our own personal ego’s.
The solstice is celebrated in different ways across the globe. We now know that many of the great neolithic and later sites, have aligned themselves to the crossing of the Sun at the important cardinal points. Certainly at Stonehenge, prominence goes to the summer and winter solstices. I actually celebrated solstice at Stonehenge in the late 1970’s. It is a vague memory now, but what is cemented in my memory, is touching the stones. The sense of place there is formidable. Neolithic sites have tremendous presence. I love the dolmens in Emmen – where you can also find one of the few earth-works of the American artist Robert Smithson, Broken Circle, Spiral Hill. Smithson was tragically killed in a plane crash not long after finishing this work. Sites such as these have great personality and enormous presence in the landscape. Given my love of all things ancient (I am a Capricorn after all) it is a delight to have been asked to talk at a wonderful conference in Turkey this autumn. We will be visiting a number of sacred sites, such as the quite recently discovered Göbekli Tepe in Eastern Turkey. This site is part of ancient Mesopotamia, where our wonder for the heavens really has its roots. There are some great talks planned, and astro-astronomer Rod Chang, will be inviting us to look through his telescope at the stars. Remember, we are talking dark sky here. Anyway, if you have ever dreamt of a visit this part of the world, this is your chance.
Anyway, let’s take a little look at the ingress chart. What strikes me, is that we once again have Mercury in a water sign. Remember, Mercury was stationing in Pisces in the Aries ingress chart. We know that all the retrograde cycles of Mercury this year, fall in the water signs, whereby introducing a highly emotional element to our thinking. Water is personal. How does this or that effect me and my family? Concerns of places far away? Not our business. Own people first. In the chart Mercury is in its pre-shadow period. It will go retrograde on June 29th (on the day I travel to Dublin – I will let you know how that goes) and actually returns to the same degree as in the ingress on July 8th. Mercury goes direct on July 24th and moves out of the shadow zone, on 3 August. Why is this relevant? Well, look at the chart. The Sun in Cancer is Moon ruled and the Moon is in Virgo. Where is Mercury? In the Moon’s sign, in Cancer. The relationship here between Mercury and the Moon is called a mutual reception. Moon and Mercury are also in aspect with each other, so feelings and action are working well together. There is opportunity to act, albeit perhaps on an inward level as we prepare to launch something, or begin a new project. I think, that on a personal level, there is a highly productive Moon/Mercury relationship. However, the fact that Mercury will station retrograde, suggests that around the time of the solstice, themes start to emerge and these themes will become important during the retrograde period. At this time, we will work these themes out – feel our way through them – gestate or nurture our own plans. Anyway, at the end of the post-shadow period around August 3rd, things will start to move forward. This makes this solstice, a very good time for doing ground work. If you would like an in-depth look at the solstice horoscope, take a look at the recent CIA panel on YouTube.
I will conclude by wishing you all a wonderful summer solstice. Today and everyday, let us honour the light in ourselves, in others, and in the world around us. Happy solstice everyone.
