By: Kalen Arcadia
Photo credit: @IgotJaxed
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer solstice kicks off the longest day of the year and a celebration of the summer season, marking a time of excitement, creative potential and energy! The solstice is caused by Earth’s tilt and the motion of orbit around the Sun. During this shift, the Sun posts up in the tropic of Cancer. What does that mean exactly? The Sun represents our sense of selves and our core personality. Thus, when this luminary travels through Cancer, there’s an emphasis on authentic expression and creativity.
Let’s explore how you can tap into this fundamental nature of our solstice kick off!
ARIES
March 21 to April 19
Although you would much rather explore the unknown, meet new friends and start projects, it’s important to explore the connections you’ve already established. Before embarking on new territory, let’s investigate the present sitch. During this period, you may undergo an awakening of outworn psychological patterns, Aries. These are likely triggered by the individuals closest to you. Rather than burning down connections, pay attention to what comes up. Once you are mindful, you can begin to shift unhealthy dynamics and start anew. If you feel triggered by certain situations, be transparent with those you love. Remember, vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
TAURUS
April 20 to May 20
Oftentimes, the way we believe we represent ourselves is not in alignment with the world’s perception of us. In order to communicate our goals to others, it’s important that we are acting in accordance with our intentions. This helps us gain the support we need when we need it. Check in with your reputation during this period, Taurus. Does it need tweaking? Assess what you’ve manifested and how you can go about making changes where necessary. If you are unsure of your standing, it might be beneficial to ask a trustworthy friend for their opinion.
GEMINI
May 21 to June 20
As you gain insight into your relationship with authority, rules and karma, masculine energy is likely to come up. During this period, it’s important that you do not neglect the potential shift in this relationship, Gemini. Take note of external events which may prompt you to assess your masculine/feminine balance. Maybe you’ll be required to meet a deadline for a creative project, or you’ll begin to shift your relationship with your father. Whatever the case, your new insights will give you an opportunity to develop yourself in a more fluid and powerful way.
CANCER
June 21 to July 22
Although you are a deeply feminine sign, Cancer, you may struggle to acknowledge this side of yourself. This is especially true if you’ve had to stifle emotional expression in the past. Although this might help you maintain working order, it can lead to potential instability. When this instability occurs, it can express itself as moodiness, resentment and fear. These drivers can muddy up the brain and cause you to act with unclear motives, which leads to instability. Utilize the energy of the solstice to connect with your emotional nature, express yourself authentically and nurture your needs. If you suppress your nature for too long, it can create an explosion of unresolved emotional baggage.
LEO
July 23 to August 22
People you love know they can rely on your steadfast nature, Leo. This trait is an inherent part of your personality and earns you a reputation as a reliable friend. If you’re not careful, however, this trait can also give lend towards a stubborn approach to life. Your stubborn tendency stems from a fear of losing control, which must be addressed if you’re to maintain positive connections with your friends and family. Otherwise, you may unknowingly spark arguments. To avoid discord, be sure to exercise objectivity in your relationships. If you feel overwhelmed by a specific situation, practice mindfulness and slow your roll. Remember, handling conflict with detachment brings you closer to a resolution.
VIRGO
August 23 to September 22
Virgo, my love, you possess an agile and quick-moving mind. This designates you as someone who can solve problems rather quickly. However, it can also render you quite the “scatterbrain” and potentially lead to anxiety. In order to ensure that you are focused, steady and calm, it’s important to assess your daily routine. How are you taking care of yourself in your day-to-day activities? Take an inventory of your current daily practices during this solstice period. If you find that you struggle with this process, then this is the first indication that change might be necessary. To investigate, make a list of allotted hours in a day, tasks you wish to accomplish and routines you’d like to begin. The sooner you get a handle on your daily routines, the sooner your mind will gain clarity on your goals moving forward.
LIBRA
September 23 to October 22
You enjoy the finer things and know how to spend money, Libra. I get it—you would rather live life freely than suffer the consequences of regret. I agree with you here, but remember that balance is a necessary part of creating this aspirational life you seek. Utilize the solstice energy to assess your current financial situation and devise a balanced plan. This could look like creating a new budget, nixing unnecessary monthly bills or eating out less frequently. Even if your financial situation is already balanced, it’s a good idea to assess, reassess and adjust.
SCORPIO
October 23 to November 21
Scorpio, your ability to focus on goals is admirable. You’re someone who puts your aspirations first, regardless of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. You’ve got power! Although this is a beneficial part of your character, it may get in the way of living a balanced life. Utilize this period to recover from the demands of your day by engaging in self-care. Take a bubble bath, treat yourself and rest. Listen to your needs and give yourself space to be still. Once you begin this process, you can engage a healthier approach to your goals.
SAGITTARIUS
November 22 to December 21
Sagittarius, during this period it’s necessary to reflect upon your current plans. I recognize your large visions, but these visions need to be rooted. The best way to do this is to lay your goals out step-by-step. It’s all about how you can get from A to B to C, not A to Z. When you neglect the small steps toward building a house you can miss building blocks in between. This creates an unstable structure, which is the opposite of what you desire—you want a sturdy house! Utilize this period to comb over your goals and plan the small steps it will take to achieve them. Once you recognize these steps, you can begin to move forward at a strong and steady momentum.
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 19
Capricorn, you’re known as one of the most frugal signs of the Zodiac and your ability to find a deal, cut a coupon and save every penny is uncanny. However, sometimes I worthy whether you are operating from a place of lack. When you make decisions from this place, you have a hard time enjoying the experience of this material plane. There is a necessity to save and plan, sure, but there’s also a necessity to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Utilize this period to release the idea that you can’t be both responsible and enjoy life at the same time. Developing a healthy relationship with the material world is the key to creating a balanced life for both you and the people you love.
AQUARIUS
January 20 to February 18
I recognize that you’re someone who places a great deal of emphasis on values, Aquarius. Sure, you may seem a bit erratic to others, but each action you take is in line with your overall belief system. As life shifts, however, it’s important to check in with your ideals from time to time. Take an inventory of your values and ensure they are aligned with your actions. This will help you remain focused and energized moving forward. Ensure that you remain flexible to any changes you need to make—know that in order to remain true to yourself, you need to match your values with your current day ideals.
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
The solstice will usher in a new wave of energy to help you reach your goals, Pisces, which makes this a great time to take the bull by the horns. Taking this initiative can help you manifest your desires fully. Before bulldozing forward, however, it’s important to reflect upon your goals. Do they line up with your actions? Are they authentic to you? Are your decisions fully conscious? Spend some time in consideration of these questions in order to ensure that you are expressing yourself fully. Otherwise, you will have difficulty creating the type of reality you desire.