In scientific terms, a solstice is one of two times a year when the Earth's axis is tilted most closely toward or away from the sun, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year for a given hemisphere. The Summer Solstice marks the cardinal axis - the moment the earth's tilt toward from the sun is at a maximum - 23.5˚ - and aligns with the Tropic of Cancer (which is a Cardinal sign).
Astrologically, the Summer Solstice marks the start of the zodiacal reign of Cancer, June 20/21 - July 20/21 - the sign of the Mother. Cancer is associated with birth and the life giving properties of water. The ancient Greeks called Cancer “the Gate of Men”. Souls were said to descend to Earth from heaven through the Cancer constellation, and then go back the other way and ascend to heaven through “the Gate of the Gods” in Capricorn.
A Magical Alignment
A powerful alignment happens during the Summer Solstice as the Sun, a symbol of masculine life-sustaining fire and energy, enters the Cardinal gate of Cancer, a symbol or the feminine and mother associated with the live-giving properties of waters. The climatic joining of these opposing forces creates a powerful manifestation portal.
Because of this alignment, the Summer Solstice is a perfect time to set your intent for the second half of the year. Setting an intent is very similar to saying an affirmation, and is done by speaking out loud that which you would like to manifest in your life. Intent can feel more powerful if done in a ritual (see below) or spiritual setting, or during/after a meditation when your mind is clear and focused.
The following are examples that can be used or adapted for setting an intent:
General Empowerment
1. I am aligned with my highest potential and call forth all that supports my growth.
2. I fully receive the abundance that flows effortlessly into my life.
3. I step boldly into [ … ] with clarity, confidence, and grace.
Spiritual Awakening
4. I open fully to the wisdom of my higher self and integrate it with ease.
5. I walk the path of grace and am a vessel of God’s will.
6. I embrace and embody sacred transformation in every cell of my being.
Wealth & Abundance
7. I am a magnet for wealth, prosperity and [ ... ] .
8. I allow money to serve my [purpose/project] and flow freely into my life.
9. My creative gifts generate sustainable abundance with joy.
Love & Relationships
10. I attract and nurture deep, conscious, and loving connections.
11. I radiate self-love and call in partnerships that honor my worth.
12. I am open to giving and receiving unconditional love.
Health & Vitality
13. My body is strong, my mind is clear, and my energy is vibrant.
14. I restore, regenerate, and realign with perfect balance and health.
15. Every breath nourishes me on a cellular and spiritual level.
Alchemical Focus
16. I dissolve from my essence all that no longer serves me.
17. I transmute fear into clarity, and limitation into infinite design.
18. I call forth the future-self that already knows, already is, already becomes.
A Summer-Solstice Intent-Setting Ritual
Ritual Instructions:
1. Create a Sacred Space
Find a suitable place where you can be alone and/or have privacy. If possible, sunlight should fill the room or space. Sanctify the space by doing one of the following:
• Light sage and direct the smoke in a circle, clockwise, around the room and around yourself
• Use a fan, feather or hand broom to “sweep away” negative energy from each direction in turn, starting with East and moving clockwise. (E, S, W, N)
• Do the Banishing Ritual of the Lesser Pentagram
2. Set up Your Sacred Space
• Arrange a small altar with:
South: Fire - Choose one: A wand, a yellow or gold candle (wax or electric), Censor with insence (Frankensense)
West: Water - Choose one: A chalise, a bowl or cup of water
North: Earth - Choose one: A pentagram, a small plate with Salt, foliage, flower or crystal
East: Air - Choose one: a small dagger or knife, a feather, a bell, or pictures of dragonflies, birds or butterflies
Center: A white candle and a simple drawing of the solar glyph ☉ or your own sun sigil or symbolic object, ex. The Sun Tarot Card. A yellow candle can be used if it not being used in the south/fire position.
3. Opening: Invocation of Light
• Light the candle. Say aloud:
“I call upon the energy of the Sun that shines within me and around me. May the golden light of the inner and outer Suns purify my heart, illuminate my path and open the gate of transformation.”
4. Breath & Visualization
• Close your eyes and imagine you are breathing in energetic sunlight -energy and releasing old, tired energy.
• As you are breathing, visualize a golden orb of light growing in your solar plexus.
• Feel this inner Sun expanding outward, burning away fear, doubt, or stagnation. Let it fill your body and expand to a comfortable size. Then, seal it with a firm edge, so that it remains with you as your personal energetic space. You are in control of what enters or leaves this space.
Note: if you have placed a Tarot Card on your altar, take this time to meditate on the Card and receive any impressions.
5. State Intent
• Face East. Speak your intention for the second half of the year. Use or modify one of the suggestions above, or create your own.
6. [Optional: Qabalistic recognition:
• Touch your chest (Tiphareth), and say:
“Beauty and perfect Balance dwell within me.”
• Dip your fingers in the water (Cancer) and anoint your heart (Tiphareth), anchoring spiritual light in your body.]
7. Closing
• Close by saying “I release my intent to God/the Universe/Great Spirit/etc., knowing it is already fulfilled in the right and perfect way for me and through me, with gratitude as brilliant as the celestial Sun.”
• Repeat santifying choice, this time moving counter-clockwise (or repeat LBRP)
• Extinguish candle (use a snuffer if possible) or turn off the candle if electric, with thanks
For this ritual, I have chosen items that are most similar to the Tarot Suits: a dagger (East, Air, Swords), a crystal wand (South, Fire, Wands), a Cup (West, Water, Cups) and a pentacle made of selenite (North, Earth, Disks or Pentacles). In the center, for this particular ritual, is a Pyrite Sun and The Sun card from the Rider-Waite deck.