The Eyes of Heaven
~ Summer Solstice ~

by Eliza Bassett

Aloha kakou - greetings to all. 

All times referred to in this article are Hawai'ian Standard Time.
Pacific time add 3 hrs., Eastern add 6 hrs.

The major turning points of the astronomical/astrological year continues with the upcoming Summer Solstice, when the Sun moves into Cancer. It is the highest point that the sun appears above the ‘celestial equator’ (which is an imaginary line that the sun occupies as we orbit it). For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the highest the sun climbs in the sky. For those below the Equator, it signifies the lowest point, and the signal that the sun will return to its zenith in six months. It is the longest day of the year for those above the equator.

This year, June 20th, 3:48 pm Hawai`ian Standard Time, is the exact time and date of the Solstice. (For international readers: 1:48 am GMT on June 21st.) 

At the time of Summer Solstice, we are focusing more on the Water element -- the Emotions. Many people celebrate the shortest night of the year with drumming parties, singing, and dancing. That way they pass the hours, staying up all night so they can greet the dawn.

This current Solstice sees us with another ‘pile up’ of planetary energies escorting us through the coming three months. These are Sun at 0°, Venus 2°, Mars 3°, Mercury at 19° -- all in Cancer. The Moon’s placement is also significant. It will be in Aquarius, tucked between Neptune and Uranus at 15 degrees. Aquarius brings a universality, a humanitarian outlook -- the good of all -- where the one is important but is part of a whole. Therefore, the tone of this coming quarter (summer season) is focusing on the nurturing good of all. Being tenacious and driven to care for the masses who are less fortunate than the perception of self. Volunteering and donating resources to help others gain or regain their lives.

As we discovered with the Taurean pile up in May, when we have many planets gathered in the same sign, we get a "focusing" of our attention on that vibration, wherever we have it in our charts and lives. So look to Cancer’s placement in your natal charts -- it is two signs after the location where Taurus just placed its strong intentions in the earth and the physical plane of your life. 

There will be the opportunity this Summer to bring Spiritual insights (from Neptune) in new patterns (Uranus) to the emotional plane (Cancer) that will stimulate how we walk and work with our physical resources (Jupiter/Saturn in Taurus). Healing transformative messages from Chiron/Pluto will influence the Moon to be releasing old fears. Do remember, you can release the old emotional burdens through this Summer and be in a new place of bliss and freedom at the time of the Fall Equinox in September.

Also, take the information you have about the Jupiter/Saturn Conjunction on May 28th (see previous article) and see the upcoming Summer months as a way to incorporate those insights in your emotional nature for your own good -- as well as your community’s good -- during the next 20 years.

Ellias Lonsdale states for the first degree of Cancer -- "A potter at work. Carving out a sacred place for what you most care about to flourish. Giving your all to a task or project, a way of life or shared stream..." (‘Inside Degrees’, p. 141)

Create the emotional patterns of your new life in this new century based upon freedom and healing of the past. 

Go walk in beauty. 
Malama pono (take care). Namasté.

PREVIOUS COLUMNS by Eliza Bassett: (2000)