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


Uranus, the rebel planet, goes retrograde at 8:12 pm EDT on June 2nd. We feel the need to change our circumstances or to break away from the past.

Mercury goes direct on June 8th at 11:12 am EDT in Gemini. Delayed messages or news finally arrive. We're eager to speak our minds. Communication or transportation channels open up and flow smoothly.

Venus enters Leo at 4:17 pm EDT on June 14th and remains there until July 10th at 5:10 pm EDT. We are ready to exhibit our talents, entertain, and assume our position in the spotlight.

Sun enters Cancer at 9:25 am EDT on June 21st. Cancers are the nurturers and sensitives of the Zodiac. They strive to experience the feeling of kinship.

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,



Ama is an astrologer and pathfinder. For questions email her at lafngcro@yahoo.com. For more information about astrological services provided visit www.amalaughingcrow.net.



 

© Melt Magazine 2002