Preparing for the Summer Solstice this new moon, June 6th 2024
Over the past week, I have been feeling the rise of energy that signals the approaching Summer Solstice. The extended hours of light that bring spaciousness to our days and the sometimes burning heat of the sun which warms and ignites our bodies, helping us to feel energised.
It’s a time of abundance in nature and we can, perhaps, feel that within ourselves, within our animal bodies.
At this time of year our thoughts may turn to holidays and planning to escape the hamster-wheel of modern life. We are likely to spend more time outdoors, amongst the birds and animals we share the land with, getting to know the local trees and plants that are in full bloom.
In the land
In the land, the leaves on the trees are maturing, no longer the fresh light green of spring. The hedgerows, verges, wild gardens and wildflower meadows are full of long grasses and flowers, attended by bees and butterflies. Mammals are rearing young and sometimes their resting places can be seen on flattened grasses and flowers at the edges of fields.
Our migrant summer birds, such as Swift, Swallow and House Martin, can be seen dancing around our towns and villages, maybe nesting within the eaves of our homes. Our resident song bird chicks; the Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit and Sparrow are all growing and some by now may have taken their first flight, enabling their parents to nest again.
Overhead we may hear the haunting sounds of birds of prey, circling and hovering over the fields and hedgerows; the mewing of Buzzards, the high pitched call of the Red Kite and the kek-kek-kek of the Sparrowhawk. If we are lucky, we may witness one of these enigmatic birds up close, hovering in flight or stalking on a perch.
In the wider world
During the long summer days, people everywhere are beginning to relax as the sun inspires our inner child and passion for adventure.
Whilst in the wider world, there is much to grieve. The ongoing assault on the people of Palestine has reached new heights with the bombing of Rafah, the very place that was assured to be a place of safety.
The ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people is shocking the world and the increasing level of protest worldwide is beginning, finally, to have an impact. Hope for a ceasefire and a legal recognition for the State of Palestine are on the horizon.
There is a positive shift in energy, perhaps subtle, but gaining momentum as people power is becoming more recognised worldwide. People are rising up everywhere against the hatred and greed of those who are leading our world, bringing much hope.
Whilst the popularity of the far right is increasing in many parts of the world, fuelled by fear of the “other” in our many forms, in the UK there is hope that a change in political party may bring about the end of the austerity policies which are crippling many. The Green party are gaining increased support at a time when the current government plan to drill for more fossil fuels.
These are interesting times and there is a growing energy of hope and positivity.
New moon in Gemini
The new moon rising on Thursday June 6th is in the expansive air-sign of Gemini, aligned with the Summer Solstice, which occurs under this moon.
We have come to the end of the season of Beltane and the energy of the earth-sign Taurus, which was about tending the physical realm, grounding ideas and plans, being more aware of limitations and what is realistic to achieve. Putting in the groundwork to put projects into motion and getting things underway.
Yet plans (and seedlings) often need other beings to enable them to fully take root. We are not an island. To fully bring our plans to birth, we need to network with others. Through this process we may find things change completely and usually for the better. This is the energy of Gemini.
Usually playful and changeable, it can be a difficult energy to navigate at this time if you have already sown & tended seeds! But the invitation is to trust the process, having laid some foundations, and allow yourself to explore and expand.
Gemini is symbolised by twins and one of the tasks of this energy is to integrate the two sides of self: the feminine and masculine, the light and shadow.
The energy of Gemini is expansive, interested in people and community, travel and research, knowledge and experience. In fact, just about everything! It’s about busy-ness.
You may find yourself immersed in intellectual pursuits, networking, getting your ideas and interests out there, exploring options, doing the work… In nature all creatures are busy and, as we are nature, it’s the same for us.
Gemini is refreshing, a breath of fresh air. Those born under its energy can be quietly revolutionary whilst being immersed in the social world. They may have a viewpoint on most things and may have explored more than you thought was possible in a human life. Gemini people can explore edges and may enjoy taking risks. They have an intense curiosity about people and a lust for life.
Work with these energies to push your limitations a little bit, explore your edges, reach out to people and places that you want to be involved in, give things a go. The energy is mutable (fluid and changeable), so the message this month is to be open to something completely new.
Additionally, the energy of the planet Venus is very present at this new moon, which means that the energy of love and relationships, in particular, will be powerfully present, particularly the desire and appetite for creating peace.
Venus brings compassion and deeper understanding for others, perhaps leading to an end to conflict and the beginnings of resolution.
The energies of the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is a time of community, of celebrating life and abundance. As we approach it this month, with the radical energy of Gemini creating enough wind for our sails, we may feel more freedom than usual.
Work appointments could be cancelled in favour of social engagements, travel and exploring new things. This may feel unsettling in yourself or others around you but it’s an interesting ride, if you choose to go with it.
In ancient times, our ancestors celebrated the long days of sun with extended gatherings of feasting, dancing and ceremony. Its good to have times of play within the year and the energy of the solstice often makes it challenging to think or do anything else.
During these long days what is usually in shadow will be close to the surface, coming into the light. This is the time of the trickster and the rebellious one.
The task for us now is wholeness; to put aside “should do’s” and follow your heart and soul urge. Who sets the parameters for what is socially acceptable and how you live your life? Do you need to tear down the wall? This is a good time to find and birth your authentic self.
If you want to celebrate the Summer Solstice with others, the widespread revival of our ancient traditions means there are many community events to take part in, often held at ancient monuments such as Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is completely open to the public at dawn on the solstice, giving us the opportunity to get really close to the stones and connect with our prehistoric ancestors.
Or, to head away from the busy crowds, perhaps take the opportunity to go stone circle hunting; walking across the land with an OS map & compass, looking for the elusive circle. I’ve spent many happy days doing this over my life and the long days over the solstice makes rambling over hills much more practical.
If you choose to spend time at a monument, try to explore connecting with those who built it - what it was for and what people did there. Look at the surrounding landscape - what attracted people to venerate the place with a stone monument, at a time when stone structures of any sort were incredibly rare.
Can you connect with the land and nature beings in the place? Can you feel any energy within the monument itself? This is a good time to connect with, honour and give back to the land.
In the ancient past, the Summer Solstice was one of the most important celebrations, marking the lightest day and, thereafter, of the returning darkness to the land. The passage of the sun was vital for people, so they understood the growth cycle of the plants and, therefore, the migration of the animals.
At the Summer Solstice, the light seems to station for a few days, making a few exceptionally long days. This is the time when our ancestors would have gathered together in community, feasting and sharing their resources together.
How to work with the energy of this time
New moons are a powerful time of rebirth, where we have the possibility to set and renew intentions for our lives and make positive changes.
The energy of the new moon this month is about communication and networking - getting your ideas, dreams and visions out into the world, working with others, finding inspiration from people and diversity, and learning new ideas.
Whether you go to an ancient monument or gather at a Summer Solstice ceremony, now is a good time to connect with the ancestors and spirits of the land to find guidance and inspiration.
This is a time of reciprocity – of giving back to the Earth some of the abundance in your life.
Feel the suns energy rising alongside the energy of the moon this month. What can be created during this magical time, for you and for our planet?
How can you find and express your voice? This life is so precious and this current time on Earth so challenging. Whatever you are doing in your life generally, this month will invite you to take a break, to question and explore. It will push you to be with your tribe, find your authentic voice and soul urge and birth what comes from the investigation of your soul.
Love Samara, June 2024