The Summer Solstice is one of the major turning points of the astrological/astronomical year. It occurs when the sun enters the sign of Cancer between June 20 and June 23 of any year. At this time in the Northern hemisphere when the sun appears at its zenith above the celestial equator we experience the longest day of the year.
Ancient cultures considered this lofty position of the sun to be symbolic of the king ascending the throne and welcomed this phenomenon as the kingdom's renewal of strength. Monuments such as Stonehenge in England and the Temple of Karnack in Egypt were built to mark the yearly summer solstice alignment. Ancient South American and Egyptian civilizations built structures that directed the rays of the sun, when it reached its yearly zenith, to a particular point in the temple.
In Europe the folk practice of celebrating the summer solstice was incorporated into the Christian calendar as the feast day of St. John the Baptist celebrated on June 24th and became known as Midsummer Day. This was considered a time of renewal when bonfires were lit to symbolize the returning strength of the sun. Ceremonies symbolic of sexual union were performed to increase the fertility of the earth.
This year the summer solstice occurs at 9:25 am EDT on June 21st. It is a time when we should acknowledge the sun as the life giving force of all things on earth. We should also take this time to celebrate our own inner sun that manifests as our creativity and joie de vivre.
JUNE GUIDE TO THE MOST AUSPICIOUS DAYS |
DATING/ ROMANCE/ MARRIAGE/ FRIENDSHIP/ DINING/ ENTERTAINING Dates: 1, 7-11, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 27, 28 FINANCE/ BUSINESS/ SALES/ LOTTERY/ BUY, RENT, MOVE INTO HOME/ SEEK EMPLOYMENT Dates: 14, 15, 20-23, 27, 28 CONTRACTS/ SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS/ EDUCATION/ COMMUNICATION/ LEGAL AFFAIRS/ ADVERTISE Dates: 11, 16-19, 22, 23 TRAVEL/ BUY CARS/ ENGINE & MECHANICAL REPAIRS Dates: 1, 7- 11, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23 BUYING CLOTHES/ BEAUTY/ TATTOOS Dates: 7, 8, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23 MEDITATION/ PRAYER/ SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES Dates: 1, 5, 8, 11, 18, 24, 28, |
© Melt Magazine 2002
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