The fires and waters of summer

This week brings the Summer Solstice, on June 21st, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, seen from the northern hemisphere. The sun's declination moves gradually through the year, reaching its most northerly point above the equator around now and its most southerly point around December 21st, the Winter Solstice. The word Solstice comes from the latin, Sol - sun, stice - still, as the sun appears to stand still in the sky for a few days this time. The days are long and the twilight late, and we celebrate this peak of the light season of the year. Many folk traditions for the Summer Solstice use sympathetic magic to ensure a good harvest. For example, in some places beacon fires are lit on the hill tops, and in others blazing wheels are rolled down hillsides, symbolising the strength of the sun. This is a traditional time to harvest magical and medicinal herbs, drying them for use throughout the year.

The point at the which the Sun reaches its seasonal halt is the Tropic of Cancer, at around 23 degrees of latitude. Astrologically, this is when the sun moves into the zodiac sign of Cancer. This sign is ruled by the moon, bringing a watery counterpoint to the fiery energy of the Solstice. Perhaps the many traditions of bathing in dew at this time bring these two energies together?



Cancer is the sign of cardinal water, so Cancerians tend to be strongly emotional, sensitive and imaginative. Their symbol is the crab, whose hard shell and soft interior describes them perfectly. They may also mimic the sideways walk of the crab, refusing to approach a problem head on until forced to do so. People with strong Cancer energy have a strong need for both physical and emotional security, and like to build that hard crab shel around then, to protect their sensitive interior. Home and family are important to them, anything which gives a sense of belonging, of tribe. Cancerians can be good at accumulating, but may not be so good at letting go of the old, be it possessions, relationships or feelings. Knowing when to hold on and when to let go of clutter is especially important for a Cancerian. Creativity is also important, and can be a good way for those with strong Cancer energy to express their emotions. Time near water can also be healing, and can help Cancerians to avoid the temptation to rely on food for emotional security. This is the sign of the mother, of nurturing female energy so its probably apt that I will be spending this weekend baking, and then hosting a half birthday party for my daughter!
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Animals and VPMs, or, more comparing of decks

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Turning circles