On June 21st, the Sun moves into Cancer. No matter where you live in the world, this moment marks the Solstice.
The Solstice brings a shift of light and a change in season. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is when the Sun crowns the top of the sky. When Sol is at its most radiant. In the Southern Hemisphere, the day signals the darkest time of year. From now until December, the days inch longer as the Sun climbs higher and higher above the horizon.
Wherever you are, the Solstice is a turning point. A ripening. Such is the cycle of Time and her seasons.
In Cancer, the Sun re-centers us around our chosen family and the feelings that come with it. Being connected. Being born of each other. The Cancerian Sun is nurturing. Life-giving. Protective. It shows us how we can light each other’s paths home. It is the embodiment of expanding our notion of family and rallying to make sure we are all cared for and considered interpersonally, and systemically. It’s no wonder that the first Gay Pride was born during Cancer season.
When this energy is combined with the power of the Solstice, it is both nourishing and celebratory. To welcome this pivotal point in the year, consider partaking in the following rituals.
Ways to honor the June Solstice:
1. BUILD
Build an altar to the Sun. Dress it with a yellow or gold cloth and flowers, or other items that invoke solar qualities, such as lion figures or golden trinkets.
2. GATHER
If possible, go foraging. Gather any flowers, plants, fruits, leaves, or pine cones that are available in your area at this time of year. Place your finds on your altar.
3. WELCOME
Open all of your blinds and windows to welcome the Sun into your home. Adorn your space with fresh flowers or foliage if possible.
4. INVITE
Gather with the people that light you up. Gather around a fire. Share food, pour libations, play games, and share stories about what this time of year reminds you of.
5. NURTURE
Consider a project, relationship, or person in your life that you want to nurture. Form a plan about how you are going to show up. Make care your ritual this Cancer season.
6. REVIEW
See if you have any planets or points in Cancer by pulling up your birth chart on the CHANI app or using our online chart tool. Then, read your horoscope for the Sun in Cancer — here or in the app — and reflect on what the June Solstice is ripening or illuminating in your life.
7. MEDITATE
Do a guided meditation to work with the energies of the season. (We recommend listening to our Connection, Spacious, and Wholeness meditations, which can be found in the Meditation Library of the CHANI app and are free for Premium subscribers.)
Above all, this Solstice asks you to honor what is ripening in your life. This is your time to celebrate every fruit of your labor. Indulge in the relationships, projects, and pastimes that center on joy.
