The Summer Solstice is here … the longest day of the year! Already! I cannot believe this year is going by so fast. Many blessings, many lessons learned, and, for the most part, life is moving along nicely. The Summer Solstice literally marks the beginning of summer … which we really haven’t seen too much of this year in the Pacific Northwest. We are still seeing a bit of rain, cooler weather, and a few days with strong winds.
This year is a special solstice, because on Sunday (6/23) we have a Full Moon in Capricorn that is also a super moon, meaning that the moon will be the closest to earth that it will be this year. Incredible energy there! It is entirely coincidental, but the energies do work together (IMHO, anyway).
We celebrate the potential of the harvest during the summer Solstice, as it is a turning point in the growing season … seeds have been sown, and nourished, now the young sprouts are full fledged plants.
What do we want to do at this time? Honor the season as a point on the wheel of life. It marks time for us, and allows us a handle on where we are in our year. Enjoy the outdoors, enjoy the fruits and vegetables, enjoy the beautiful flowers, enjoy the life that was born in the spring and is now maturing (as in both farm animals and wild life). In a nutshell – enjoy your life, and celebrate life! Invite neighbors over … have a bar-b-que, go on a picnic, connect with mother earth.
I wanted to do a spread for the Summer Solstice – the template for the one I am using here (Bodrun’s Summer Solstice Tarot Spread) can be found here – http://www.tarotforum.net/showpost.php?p=545852&postcount=2. The author is BodhiSeed on Aeclectic Tarot.
1
4 Sun 2
3
Note: Place the Sun from whatever deck you are using face up in the middle of the spread, then place the other cards around it.
1. During the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, more light is available to us. What in my life has been in shadow, that I need to shine a bright light on so I can see it clearly for what it is?
2. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin “sol” (meaning sun) and “sistere” (meaning to cause to stand still). What in my life am I trying to force into happening when instead I need to be still and patient?
3. The Summer Solstice is often called “Midsummer” because it is roughly in the middle of the growing season. What in my life is fertile and productive now? Where are my opportunities for growth?
4. After Summer Solstice, the days gradually become shorter, and the sun’s strength wanes as winter approaches. What is waning in my life? What do I need to release?
I drew the following cards from the “Touchstone Tarot:
1. Five of Coins
2. Four of Coins
3. The World
4.Knight of Cups
My shadow: Inability to get past my ego, to accept help. It is much easier for me to give than to receive.
What in my life am I trying to force into happening? Material success … financial stability. I am afraid of success.
What in my life is fertile and productive right now? Where are my opportunities for growth? Incredible! What is productive in my life right now is that I am productive … I have put in the work, and now it is paying off! My opportunities for growth are in my ability to accept my success.
What do I need to release from my life? Feedback on this one appreciated. The way I read this card is perhaps what I want to read into it. I need to release the fantasy of the Knight in shining armor, know that he is real, and actively pursue him. (LOL Okay – am I living in fantasy land here!)
Wishing you all a wonderful Summer Solstice!
“Touchstone Tarot” by Kat Black, 2009, Konati Press.
© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet
Reproduction in any venue prohibited withour written permission of the author,
Christine Payne-Towler
June 22, 2013 at 5:58 am
Knight of Cups is the Troubadour. He’s the one everybody falls in love with, but who is always moving on. He’s a circuit rider, never settles down. Like a movie idol, he’s always out of reach. But he stimulates a deep and spiritual longing with his music, and that leads his listeners to ponder on the Laws of Love. He’s also called “Homecoming”, as in “coming in off the road”. Perhaps the life of “just passing through” is over now? Maybe it’s asking “where do you want to end up when this present episode is over?”, or else “where is your heart’s home?”
Bonnie Cehovet
June 22, 2013 at 9:40 am
Christine –
Thank you for the thoughtful response. Lots to think about here!
Blessings,
Bonnie