On June 21, 2023, the Sun reaches its zenith in the sky and gives us the longest day and shortest night of the year. Also known as Litha or Midsummer, it symbolizes the light triumphing over darkness and honors the life-sustaining power and vitality of the Sun. 

This happens as the Sun moves into Cancer, the sign of the crab, and Saturn has stationed retrograde in Pisces. These placements are offering a unique opportunity for introspection and alignment, and offers a way to transmute any recent challenges or stagnancy into growth and abundance. 

Litha, or Midsummer, marks the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere and corresponds to the Summer Solstice in the ancient Germanic calendar.  During Litha, people engage in rituals and celebrations to connect them to solar energy. They would do this by spending time outside in the Sun, dancing, making bonfires, and setting intentions. It’s considered an auspicious time for divination, meditation and introspection- because truth and authenticity thrive in the full light of the Sun.  At the end of this article, check out our guided Summer Solstice ritual if you need a place to start.

Another way to connect to the Solstice is with plant magic. Plants are a great representation of the power and life-sustaining abundance the Sun provides, and working with them connects you directly to the source. You can do this by spending time in nature, gardening, making flower crowns, or preparing a fresh plant-based meal. 

June 21st also marks the first day of Cancer season. Cancer is ruled by the moon and governs over our inner world and emotions. This energy is unique because normally Cancer keeps things private, held within, and tucked away in its shell. But today and throughout this month, the Sun illuminates all that is hidden and touches it with its purifying light. Cancer is also a nostalgic sign- so don’t be surprised if you find yourself visiting the past in your memories and feeling them viscerally. When we think of solar celebrations, maybe we like to think it’s all love & light and positive vibes – but with the Sun in Cancer, what it’s really doing is exposing our deepest vulnerabilities, which can be uncomfortable if we aren’t prepared to take care of them. This brings up an emphasis on nurturing, security, and self care. 

Cancer is also a very intuitive and instinctive sign. One of the things that hinders a strong intuition is confusion and lack of clarity, which can be remedied by sunlight (literally and metaphorically). The Sun in Cancer can act like a cosmic tune-up if we take the initiative to check in. 

Another aspect in the Zodiac amplifying these themes is Saturn Rx in Pisces. When a planet goes retrograde, it prompts us to go inward and reflect. With Saturn in Pisces, it may have us reflecting on our spiritual beliefs or practices, and connection to the universe. This may also bring up karmic lessons and unresolved issues from the past. It calls for us to confront and heal any lingering old patterns that are holding us back. Although Saturn is the planet of boundaries and responsibility – there is a unique opportunity here to materialize your dreams and creativity. It encourages us to tap into our artistic abilities and explore our imaginations with a practical approach. With Pisces as a mutable water sign, perhaps the most important lesson is surrendering control and trusting in the divine flow of life.

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🕯️ Ritual and Intention: Transmuting Darkness to Light 

To embrace the transformative power of the Summer Solstice and transmute our darkness into the light of the sun, we can engage in ritual and set powerful intentions. Here’s a simple ritual to get you started:

-Find a quiet outdoor space or create an altar indoors.

-Light a candle, representing the sun’s radiant light.

-Take a few moments to connect with your breath and center yourself.

-Reflect on the aspects of your life that no longer serve your highest good or hinder your growth.

-Write them down on a piece of paper.

-One by one, hold each written aspect and visualize the sun’s light enveloping it, transforming it into positive energy and growth.

-As you release each aspect, burn the paper in the candle flame, symbolizing the transmutation of darkness into light.

-Affirm: “I release my shadows to the transformative power of the sun. I embrace the light within and radiate positivity and growth.”

Happy Summer Solstice!