June 21th is the beginning of the sign of Cancer and the Moon; the most numinous female ruler in the zodiac is associated with this sign.

Astrology being an elemental language assigns water to the sign of Cancer as well as to the Moon. Ancient astrology further delineates the quality of “moisture” as the capacity to release emotions and connect with others. Moisture blurs boundaries and allows empathy where bonding can occur.

Water is an element that relates to the world of feelings; it is receptive and perceptive, fluid and penetrating. It requires the Sun’s heat and light, corresponding to the fire element, to create life on earth but it also needs the moon’s life sustaining watery association to aid with growth.

If we view the year as a lunar cycle, the summer can be viewed as the full moon phase of the cycle. During this time the earth reflects the fullness of the dance between the sun and moon in the same way that the full moon reflects abundantly the light of the sun.

At the time of the Summer Solstice and the summer season that follows the earth is seen as an embodiment of the Feminine principle with her desire to give, nurture, protect, care, and provide a warm hearth for us all.

As an astrologer I see the benefit of attuning ourselves to the changing times and actively participating in welcoming this full moon-like phase of our cyclic year. To participate in Moon mysteries is to reflect on and respond to the cyclic, rhythmic rise and fall of life’s ebb and flow. It is a fertile time to cultivate and bring to fruition any creative process you have started in the spring. (Spring equinox being the time of initiating the creative process.)

It is also a good time to trust your intuition, and your moods. Moods are messengers from our inner emotional life that need expression without which they can become toxic. It is a time to pause and reflect, go for a walk, take a child to play soccer or baseball, go pick the wild fruits so generously given, welcome a state of being and not doing. Last but not least, it is time to celebrate and share our earth’s abundance with others, care for those who lack food or shelter and fiercely protect all forms of life.

As the longest day of the year, when the Sun's energies are the strongest and we move from Gemini (air, social, talkative) to Cancer (emotional, family, homey), the Summer Solstice is definitely worthy of celebration!

This is the official beginning of summer, when we focus on vacations, fun, parties, leisure, and celebrations. The Summer Solstice is a time of expanded will, celebration, blessings, spiritual renewal, festivals, and love. We want to look at what areas of our lives are not abundant and how we can change that. There are various rituals and fun ideas you can do at a party to bring everyone together for a purpose. Pick your favorites and be sure to send us an invite!

Activities

The element for the solstice is fire. So, you'll want to include fire in some form in your party. How about a bonfire? Many people choose to have a gathering where everyone writes on a piece of paper what they truly want and throw it into the bonfire. Or, on the flipside, you can write down what you want to get rid of! It's a very powerful technique. The bonfire encourages fertility, health, and love.

If you choose to go to the ocean at sunrise or sunset, the magical effects of that time of day can be used in your manifestation of fire. Since the Sun is at it's strongest peak, so you should use it to bring positive vibrations in, and the negative vibrations out. Make sure you clean your house before the solstice and purge outdated stuff, if necessary.

Décor

The colors for this day are red, orange, yellow, and gold. If you are decorating for a garden party, you may want to use these colors in the tableware and flowers. Some great flowers for this day are sunflowers, daisies, marigolds, honeysuckle, and yellow roses. You can take the petals after your party and throw them into moving water to further enhance your desires. Also look and see if you can add red to your outdoor furniture. Is there an old piece you can paint and revitalize?

One of the symbols for the solstice is the Sun. How are you radiating out into the world? Use the celestial Sun (in gold, perhaps) on an altar, out in your yard, or painted on your party glasses. In the Tarot, the Sun card represents celebration, ego, joy, happiness, creativity, and being childlike. You can also make copies of this card and place it around for inspiration.

Guest List

This is the time year for renewal, enhancement, and letting go of the old. The objective of the party can be a ritual, a festival, a wedding, or a backyard BBQ. What matters is whom you are inviting. This should be a group of people you love and feel really comfortable around. Many people choose to get married on this day when the light is the most powerful and our joy is exalted.

Since the Sun moves into Cancer on this day, our attention turns to family. Do you feel blessed or stressed by your family? Do you feel closer to your friends? Bring them together for a solar inspired party.

Set the Tone with Star Power

The astrological chart for this day is a powerful one! A grand trine brings opportunities, good fortune, and relaxation to your party. You will feel inspired and want to give lots of love to those around.

At the same time, there is a grand square involving the Sun in Cancer, Jupiter/Uranus in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn, and Saturn in Virgo. This grand square will particularly affect the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). It will prompt us to expand our lives, change, let go of the old, and make a breakthrough.

Also on this day the Moon will be going into Libra, the sign of balance, romance, art, harmony, peace, and beauty. What a great day to have a party and bring people together! Libra is also the matchmaker, so if finding a partner is one of your solstice wishes, say "yes" to invites and be open to letting your guests invite friends. Venus makes her appearance in Leo on this day, splashing drama, gold, and fun wherever she goes. Venus is the planet of love and Leo is the star of the party, making this an absolutely celebratory day!

You now have all the ingredients to plan a spectacular party filled with passion, purpose, joy, color, and fun! Take the solar energy to infuse your desires and let them come back ten-fold! May your day be a success on all levels!