The Summer Solstice symbolizes the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun provides us with over the long summer nights, both in terms of our crops and in terms of our ongoing journey from darkness to light. Summer tells us that there is hope in the world, and that the light within us has the power to extend to the ends of the earth and inspire others. We may nurture others in the same way that the Sun does for ourselves. Summer transforms into a time to focus on ourselves and our ability to be the light and find significance in our journey, even when it appears to be uncertain. This is how nature works; new beginnings give way to a moment of uncertainty. It's easy to succumb to tension and concern during this period. Old energies resurface as a result of large transformations, and darkness can easily take over our minds. Summer is a great season to cultivate faith in our lives, to replace darkness with light, and to trust that, like the Sun, we shall rise each day, no matter what life throws at us.
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How does the Solstice affect us spiritually?
The deep silence before the Sun's brightness builds and days grow longer is the Winter Solstice. The sun being stationary is a powerful metaphor for the energy available to us at the Winter Solstice to change the course of our life with intention and to build on that energy as we enter the new year.
What does the summer solstice mean in astrology?
In astrology, the summer solstice marks the beginning of Cancer season. The Sun appears to pass directly over the Tropic of Cancer at the solstice. This is the time when astrologers claim the Sun has crossed the ecliptic “It has “into” Cancer, which means it is now traveling through the portion of the zodiac band that Cancer represents. Each individual “The “season” lasts around 30 days, but the solstice always falls on the Crab's sign.
What do you do for summer solstice witchcraft?
The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer, is on Sunday, June 21. Since the Winter Solstice, the days have gradually grown longer, and the sun shines at its brightest on Sunday, the longest day of the year. They will gradually become shorter after Sunday. The Summer Solstice is celebrated in a variety of ways by witches, including adorning your altar with summer fruits and flowers and leaving a candle burning all day to honor the sun and the element of fire.
Why is the summer solstice special?
They're the first days of winter and summer, respectively. They're also known as the year's shortest and longest days. So, what distinguishes these days the solstices from others? You'll need some knowledge about the Sun and the Earth to comprehend this.
The sun rises earlier in the morning and sets later at night in the summer, making the days feel longer. We in the northern hemisphere receive more sunshine when the Earth's North Pole is inclined toward the Sun, and it is summer. The tilt of the North Pole fluctuates as the Earth goes through its orbit (see diagram). In the northern hemisphere, it is winter when the Earth is tilted away from the Sun. Autumn and spring are the seasons in between.
The summer solstice is the day when the Earth's North Pole is tilted closest to the sun. For those in the northern hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year (with the most daylight hours). The Sun also reaches its highest point in the sky on this day.
When the Earth's North Pole is tilted farthest from the Sun, the winter solstice, or the shortest day of the year, occurs.
In the middle, there are two moments when the Earth's tilt is zero, which means it is neither away from nor toward the Sun. The vernal equinox, or the first day of spring, and the autumnal equinox, or the first day of fall, are these dates. Equinox is a Latin word that means “equal.” The hours of daylight and darkness are equal at these periods. They're both 12 hours long. See how the solstice works in the diagram below.
Does summer solstice affect mood?
Because the sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice is also known as the Northern Solstice. The sun does not rise exactly in the east on this solstice, but rather rises to the north of east and sets to the north of west, allowing it to be visible in the sky for a longer length of time.
The summer solstice marks the start of summer in many parts of the world, which may have various health benefits, including greater sleep and a more cheerful mood.
People tend to feel better and have a modest uplift in their attitude throughout this season. This could be because the extra sunshine aids in the regulation of our internal clock, known as circadian rhythm, by allowing our eyes' light receptors to recognize when it's time to wake up and fall asleep more easily.
On the other hand, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the shortest days and longest nights on the Winter Solstice (which occurs between December 21 and 22), which is the formal start of the winter season at least on our side of the earth. The tilt of the Earth causes the seasons to shift, and the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth is the furthest away from the sun during the winter solstice.
This can impact your circadian rhythm, which controls your sleep cycles, as well as your capacity to create melatonin, the body's sleep hormone. Simply put, the lack of sunlight may have a negative impact on your slumber time.
Everyone has heard of the winter blues, but there's science behind why you're feeling down so much this time of year. The quantity of daylight exposure we get during this time of year has a big impact on our brain's serotonin levels (“feel-good” neurotransmitter that our bodies produce).
As the days become shorter and the amount of sunlight diminishes, your serotonin levels may decline, making you feel grumpy and melancholy.
Now that the summer solstice is approaching, it's a good time to take a breath and ponder. Your Yang energy is at its height during this season, which is crucial because as summer transitions into fall, Yang energy will diminish. Because you are busy and growing throughout this season, this huge amount of yang energy will spread throughout your body.
Check out our Seasonal courses to learn more about how seasons can impact your body's rhythm.
What zodiac is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice the longest day of the year will fall on June 20 in the United States and June 21 in the rest of the northern hemisphere this year. It's a moment when we honor the sun, the ultimate life force in the universe, and appreciate the energy it provides us. It's been observed by many cultures throughout history. The beginning of a new season and the sun's shift into the zodiac sign of Cancer coincide with the solstice. It's also a great time to connect to Earth and be at ease with your thoughts, connecting your head and heart.
According to your zodiac sign, here's how to make the most of the summer solstice.
Why is the summer solstice on June 20th this year?
A: Of course! The daily intervals of sunshine lengthen to their longest on the solstice when spring closes and summer begins, then begin to shorten again.
The Sun is at its highest point in the sky on the solstice, and it takes longer for it to rise and set. (Note: Near the summer solstice, when the Sun is at its highest in the sky, the full Moon opposite the Sun is at its lowest in the sky!)
On the winter solstice, however, the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky. Its rays impact part of the Earth at an oblique angle during this time, resulting in the feeble winter sunshine.
Calculate how many hours of sunlight you'll get in your location on the solstice using our easy dawn and sunset calculator!
Q: Why Doesn't the Summer Solstice Fall on the Same Date Each Year?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs between June 20 and 22. This is due to the gap between the Gregorian calendar system, which has 365 days, and the tropical year (the time it takes for Earth to orbit the Sun once), which has 365.242199 days. The Gregorian calendar adds a leap day every four years to compensate for the missing fraction of days, which causes the summer date to jump backward. However, additional factors such as the gravitational pull of the Moon and planets, as well as the minor wobble in Earth's rotation, affect the date.
Q: Why isn't the Summer Solsticethe longest day of the yearalso the hottest day of the year?
A: The Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans take some of the Sun's incoming energy and store it before releasing it as heat at different rates. Water heats (or cools) more slowly than air or land. Due to the angle of sunlight and the length of the day, the Northern Hemisphere receives the most energy (maximum intensity) from the Sun at the summer solstice. Due to the cold temperatures of spring, the land and oceans are still relatively cool, thus the maximum warming effect on air temperature has not yet been felt. The land, particularly the oceans, will eventually release stored heat from the summer solstice back into the atmosphere. Depending on latitude and other circumstances, the warmest temperatures of the year usually arrive in late July, August, or later. Seasonal temperature lag is the term for this phenomenon.
Q: What is Midsummer Day (June 24)?
A: This day represents the half-way point between planting and harvesting in the growing season. In some traditions, it is referred to as one of four “quarter days.” Feasts, dancing, singing, and preparation for the hot summer days ahead were all part of the festivities. Find out more about the historic Quarter Days!
What do Pagans call the Summer Solstice?
Litha is a pagan celebration and one of the year's eight sabbats. Litha (also known as Midsummer) falls on the summer solstice and marks the start of the summer season. Litha's customs appear to be influenced by a variety of cultures. The summer solstice was commemorated in some fashion by most ancient nations. Litha was commemorated by hilltop bonfires and dance. For good luck, many people attempted to jump over or through the bonfires.
Setting big wheels on fire and rolling them down a hill into a body of water was another European tradition. The longest day of the year is the summer solstice, and in some traditions, Litha marks the beginning of a war between light and darkness. The Oak King and the Holly King fight for control in this conflict. They fight for supremacy at each solstice, and the equilibrium shifts. From the winter solstice (Yule) to Litha, the Oak King, who represents daylight, reigns. The days gradually lengthen throughout this period. However, the Holly King triumphs during Litha, and the days become gradually darker until Yule.
Litha is a day of inner force and brilliance for modern-day pagans. Some people seek out a peaceful place to contemplate on the light and dark forces that exist in their environment. Others, particularly those with children, observe the holiday from the outside. Finally, some people want to celebrate Litha in a more traditional way, with a fire rite. A massive bonfire or a little fire in a fire-safe pot in one's home are examples of this. Litha is also thought to be an auspicious period for practicing love magic or getting married. Handfasting is the pagan equivalent of this ritual, and it involves many of the same practices as a wedding.
What did pagans do on the summer solstice?
Throughout history, the Summer Solstice has been celebrated. Slavic, Germanic, and Celtic tribes used to celebrate the midsummer solstice with bonfires, believing that they would increase the sun's energy and ensure a healthy crop. Bonfires were also thought to aid in the exorcism of demons and evil spirits.