Happy Solstice ~ Happy New Moon

 

The Summer Solstice a few days ago on June 20th activated summertime and the Cancer season, and now, just a few days later (June 25)  new and powerful energies are being catalyzed by a New Moon in the sign of Cancer. At the Summer Solstice the Sun reached its highest (most northern) point in the northern hemisphere ~ marking the longest day of the year;then after a three day pause ~ and is now beginning its gradual descent to the lowest point at the winter solstice.  (how time flies)

 

“The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol ('sun') and sistere ('to stand still'), because the Sun's motion comes to a stop, and appears to pause before reversing. In that sense, solstice means "sun-standing". 

There is a great ‘out-breathing’ as the Sun reaches its zenith ~ we breathe out, then PAUSE, and turn within. Feet on the ground, head in the stars. Then ~ celebrate. You are alive!  The Solstice is a turning point ~ the half way marker for the year. We spiral in ~ we spiral out. Take some time to check in with yourself, check in with the planet (feet on earth) and check in with each other, check in with the stars. Light a candle to honour how far you have come.

 

The Sun represents both Self and Source ~ without the Sun we could not live. In astrology, the symbol for the Sun represents the 'Self', and in Alchemy the symbol for gold (Aurum) the same as the symbol for the Sun (and thus the Self). Sun = Self = Light = Soul. (that’s where the name of this blog comes from) 

"We are star dust , we are golden

And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden. "

 

 Happy Solstice!

The New Moon occurs as the  Sun and Moon align very near to this highest point of the year. Potent energies are being activated. We can’t see the Moon because it is too close to the Sun, but maybe you can feel it. The Moon will appear as a thin crescent in a few days; which is often the symbol used for the New Moon.

When Sun and Moon join energies, they create a new impulse. This sacred marriage (conjunctio) of masculine and feminine is a seed time - the intentions we put out at now are super charged for manifestation. Some say the first 24 hours after the New Moon is the best time to set intentions and initiate energy, although I suspect this New Moon's potent energy will linger for several more days.

 

The Sun represents the conscious self ~ the logos~ and is more linked to the left brain, the masculine, logical side of our life. It is our vitality, our ego identity, our personality.  In Astrology the Sun is considered masculine and the Moon feminine. 

“This principle (of yin and yang) is often misunderstood, trapped in the superficial debates of biology and politics. But the Hermetic Principle of Gender transcends flesh—it speaks of energy, essence, and creation itself. This is not about male and female bodies. It is about the Divine Polarity embedded within all things, seen and unseen.”       Ancient Order of Hermetic Wisdom

 

Within that polarity, the Moon represents  the right brain, the unconscious, liminal realms, our emotional patterns, our childhood, our mother, our deepest feelings. It describes how we respond instinctively to life. Cancer is ‘ruled’ by the Moon ~ part of what makes this a super charged event. Cancer is a very emotional  sign ~  its about caring and being cared for. So we may be feeling extra sensitive and vulnerable and it possible that tears will flow. The Cancer crab may have  a hard shell yet underneath its strength is in its softness. That  vulnerability can be a blessing and a curse ~ (I speak from experience) though ultimately it is a Cancerian’s superpower! We care like nobody else. Being in touch with your feelings is so important right now, as it can help you realign yourself and tune into more emotionally fulfilling and meaningful opportunities. This combination of both Sun (yang) and Moon (yin) energies - is what makes emotional Cancers much stronger than they may appear (Cancer’s do cry a lot - another super power is empathy) .  This is a sign that thrives on taking care of people - in fact - they need to take care of people, yet the big lesson is to also take care of yourself as well (you can’t pour from an empty cup). Many learn that lesson the hard way (burnout).

This sacred marriage (conjunctio) of Sun and Moon will ignite a wave of energy that will ripple out for several weeks, and setting intentions now is like planting seeds that can grow and blossom, and your tears may be water that helps the seeds we plant germinate and grow.

 

An added bonus comes via Jupiter's presence bringing joyful expansion and good luck, amplifying our creative potential so that whatever we focus on now can grow exponentially. Discernment is required (Saturn) so that we plant the right seeds in the right places. 

There are many planetary tensions occurring  in the background - all you have to do is turn on the news to know that things are a bit nuts(and that's an understatement). Some people are anxious, scared, wary.  Jupiter is the planet of faith - it can help us stay positive and bring us prosperity and good luck.  Jupiter can also be somewhat arrogant (it is the biggest planet after all) so there may be lessons in humility. With antagonistic factors stirring the pot (Mars/Uranus is volatile, war like, accident prone ) ~ our nervous systems are on edge. How are you sleeping? (A grounding mat is a great tool to offset some of this cosmic static. Best grounding - walk barefoot on the earth) 

 And there's the strange combination of Saturn(reality) /Neptune (dreams) newly in Aries - which brings a lot of potential for new ideas, new creations, visionary projects etc - though this combination is also rather confusing - on one hand Saturn wants us to get real and grounded -  while Neptune just wants to float away. It's like a strong wave coming in ~ at the same time as the surf is flowing out (called a rip tide).  and navigating these two requires both tenacity and perseverance. A sense of humour helps (greatly)! We may feel inspired one day (Jupiter) then defeated the next (Saturn). A see-saw to be sure. With all of these influences (and more)  flooding our psyches, we will need to try and find something solid beneath our feet. And we can dance. If we are both centred and open, Neptune/Jupiter will bless us with inspiration and joy with a touch of playfulness to get us through difficult times.  

We've got this! (Jupiter is ever the optimist!)  

So despite current tensions, this is a highly optimistic New Moon, chock  full of new  ideas and new possibilities. The highest manifestation of Jupiter is its capacity for joy ~ with a dollop of wisdom thrown in for good measure. The truth is ~ life IS beautiful… despite its challenges. Remember, cup half full- cup half empty. We get to choose.

Let this New Moon set the stage for new emotional vistas that expand our  emotional intelligence and help us find new ways of building bridges and connecting to others. Family is in focus- without them where would we be? Let some of this big, bold energy seep into your family dynamics. Have some fun. Spread some joy. 

 

Stubborn emotional patterns can now begin to shift. Yet lets be real here - crisis is often the catalyst for our inner growth (enter Pluto stage right). There's are crisis galore all around us... lets put that to good use. Let this be a wake up call. Jupiter is also a marker for completion. Job well done. There may need to be endings to make way for new beginnings. Time to move on? When we start to expand, it becomes impossible to stay in any situation that keeps us feeling small. This New Moon may be your get out of jail free card!

 

July is almost here: a time of holidays and family, gatherings and celebrations. May your days be filled with joy, your family full of fun, your work be true and strong  and may the road rise up to meet you as you travel on your way. 

One last thing: I've been having a LOT of eagle encounters lately,  and it seems such a good symbol for both the Solstice and this New Moon. So  I looked up Eagle symbolism: 

Eagle medicine brings swiftness, strength, courage, wisdom, keen sight, illumination of Spirit.

Eagle helps us rise above the mundane to see the spiritual, helping us see the overall pattern/big picture, connect to higher truths, and step into our power with balance, dignity with grace.

Eagle medicine is activating our intuitive and creative spirit.

Fly high dear friends ~ try and touch the sky.

You know you want to!

 

Happy New Moon 

 

PS I'm up late writing this - so there may be typos. I'll come back tomorrow to edit.  x