The wheel of the year is comprised of eight sabbats comprising two groups of four holidays each. Solar festivals divide the year into quarters according to the sun's position: Spring and Fall Equinox, Summer and Winter Solstice. Falling in between are cross-quarter holidays: Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain.
This year in the Northern Hemisphere, Summer Solstice occurs at 4:51 pm EDT on June 20, 2024. This is the longest day of the year. It is also called Midsummer, or Litha. Solar energies are high, and so is the power of nature.
In Celtic traditions, June was the month of the oak, an important tree that was valued symbolically for strength and vitality. Summer solstice was often considered an auspicious day to commune with the Fae or faeries — always easier to do during "between" times and when fragrant flowers, to which the Fae are said to be draw, are available.
Cancer the crab is the zodiac sign ruling the home environment, family, end of life, and mother. It's instinctive this time of year. The crops are planted and Mother Earth provides. Growth abounds. Eat and grow. The solstice offers us a momentary breather. Life feels a bit easier and there is sunshine to raise our spirits. As children of Creator, we nestle peacefully knowing we are cared for. Even if you secretly do not believe it, we strive to make it true for those we love and nurture. Yet, crabs know they are vulnerable. Eventually they must leave their hard shell and grow another. Can you feel your hurts and needs authentically? Therein lies the dilemma for humanity to heal, regenerate, embracing all possibility for recovery.
I offer the following meditation for the New Moon in Cancer (July 5).
Become aware of your breath like a gentle ocean wave. With each breath, the wave gently moves through your body, cleansing and refreshing you. Feel your body relax. Allow your emotions to calm. Put your mind at ease…Imagine you are a crab, encased in your own shell., safely secluded under a rock… What do you feel? Recite the following:
I nourish myself in healthy ways .
I honor my gut feelings, as my intuition tells me all I need to know .
I know how to protect myself and others.
I can feel another’s pain without losing my boundaries.
My vulnerability softens my heart.
I create beautiful and sustaining spaces.
Like water, I flow easily with my changing moods.
Imagine that you , as the crab, feel safe enough to venture into the sunlit water. Become aware of everything that you experience now. Imagine what it would feel like if you knew that you were infinitely safe…
Contributed by Wendolyn Sky Otter
Images courtesy of Unsplash.
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