Sexy Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice on June 21, 2009 heralds the start of that lazy season of fun in the sun, otherwise known as summertime. But don’t get too comfortable just yet. Just hours before the Solstice begins, as the Sun enters Cancer, a disruptive Sun-Pluto opposition will likely rattle you out of your comfort zone.

Some abrupt changes could take place during the week – and beyond. Actually, it’s a wake-up call to make the needed changes you’ve been avoiding, for whatever reason. What’s more, the Full Moon in Sagittarius on June 18 (just two days before the Solstice), energizes and amplifies the transformative Pluto energy.

The best way to handle these influences is to do some soul searching about what’s holding you back from your true path. Are you in a dead-end job? Are you putting off talking to your lover about something that’s been bothering you for a long time? Take some steps to eliminate things, people and attitudes in your life that are keeping you from growing. By the way, you’ll feel especially pushed by these energies if your Sun, Moon or ascendant is in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces (at 25-29 degrees).

Assisting in your self-discovery during this time is forward-thinking Uranus, the planet of change and enlightenment. It turns retrograde on June 26, which turns the planet’s energy inward to help illuminate those areas in your life that need a shift. So if you’re stuck in a rut, Uranus can shake loose old ties and habits so you can move forward.

After this subtle (or not-so-subtle!) upheaval, you can begin to enjoy what the Solstice is really about: Reveling in the abundance of the Earth and showing gratitude for the blessings in your life, however you choose to do that. It’s time to bask in your accomplishments (give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back), and energize creative projects you started in the Spring. It’s a time of healing yourself and the planet as well.

Ancient traditions all over the world have celebrated the Summer Solstice in rituals that acknowledged the Earth’s gifts. These rituals helped attune the participants to the Earth’s natural energies and cycles. In the Northern Hemisphere, outdoor celebrations honored the fertility of the Earth. Asian cultures celebrated the yin (feminine) forces in nature that produce fertility and growth. In Europe, ancient Pagan rituals included fertility rites.

At the, um, climax of these rites, men and women would find a quiet place in the lush fields to engage in lovemaking. Quite an appropriate activity, since the Summer Solstice is all about fertility and growth.

There are more modern ways to honor the Earth as well. Go outside and dance under the sun or moon. Meditate on your blessings while picturing your favorite outdoor place. Light a candle to represent the sun’s warmth during the long days of summer. Create your own nature ceremony to express gratitude to the Earth. Plant a tree. Volunteer for an environmental group or animal shelter.

Most of all, be sure to express your gratitude to those you love, either face-to-face or by sending a letter or email. Whatever you feel moved to do that honors the Earth and helps you get in touch with your soul, will have a ripple healing effect on the entire planet.