Are you feeling powerful today? Today is the summer solstice—also known as midsummer—the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. This event has been culturally significant since the Stone Age. Many ancient monuments, from Stonehenge to the Great Pyramids of Egypt to Mayan architecture, align perfectly with the sun today (or on the Southern Hemisphere’s corresponding solstice in December).
The summer solstice occurs when the Earth is tipped on its axis so that the sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer. The Northern Hemisphere absorbs the longest duration of sunlight today than on any other day of the year (if you’re reading this from Alaska, you’ve got a hefty 22 hours of it today). Despite this, it’s not the hottest day of the year. The earth will absorb-absorb-absorb those life-giving rays—although they are feeling increasingly like rays of destruction, but today we’re focused on positive energy—and it’ll take several weeks to release it.
Sun #1Â by Jen Hewett
Storing energy is very on-brand for the solstice. This occasion is traditionally tied to themes of expansion, abundance, and fertility: the world is hospitably warm and crops are growing. For thousands of years, folks have celebrated the start of a new season by jumping over fires, wearing protective garlands of flowers and herbs, and feasting.
Astrologically, a rare conjunction between Mars and Neptune in Pisces this year encourages individuals to embrace compassion and ground themselves in their intuition. Regardless of what you believe in, this is a time to connect with nature, yourself, and others. Focus on emotional healing, familial ties, and love in all forms. This is a time to shine.
AS07-08-1933, a 20x200 Space Edition
