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Use all that hot, sizzling energy to create a little personalized love magic!
By Deborah Roth — Written on Jun 15, 2019
Depending on your zodiac sign, there are a lot of different options for how to celebrate the magic of the summer solstice this year. If you know your astrological birth chart, then it can help you discover the best way to embrace the expansive, light-filled energy of summer.
In the summer, the sun is at its peak, nature's bursting with life, and you get to play outdoors in the brightest, warmest, longest days of the year. The longest day of the year is the first day of the summer solstice, which in the northern hemisphere, at least, officially starts on the summer solstice when the sun moves into the zodiac sign of Cancer.
When is the summer solstice? This year that occurs on June 21, but it can happen anytime between June 20-22.
Scientifically speaking, the summer solstice begins when the sun crosses the Tropic of Cancer at a latitude of 23°N and the Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum. So at noon, the sun will be at its highest point in the sky for the whole year, and sunset will be the latest it ever is, too.
“Solstice” originates from the Latin solstitium: Sol meaning "sun" and "stit" meaning "stopped, stationary." The word solstice literally means “sun stands still.”
Since ancient times, cultures all over the world have celebrated the summer solstice as a time of abundance, heightened magic, and renewal. Feasting and dancing around bonfires to celebrate summer solstice rituals were a common tradition — and still are today.
So, how can you harness some of that solar magic to bring more sizzle to your love life and relationships?
If you have access to your astrological birth chart, you can look to see what “house” the summer solstice falls in. Remember, it kicks in when the sun enters the sign of Cancer, so you’ll find where 0° Cancer is in your natal chart.
That will give you an idea of what area of your life you might want to shed a little extra light this month!
Or since this is a sun-based astrological event, another way to plan your own solstice celebration is to look at your, and/or your partner’s, “sun sign” — that’s the zodiac sign you were born under.
If you’re single, you might get some hints on how to ratchet up your relationship quest, and if you’re coupled, you and your sweetie can plan your own personal sun-infused date!
Here's how you can practice a summer solstice ritual and infuse your zodiac sun sign and heat up your love life with the sun's energy this summer:
1. Solstice magic for Cancer
The solstice is yours, Cancer-baby! Whether you’re born right on the day or sometime before July 22 when the sun moves into Leo (I’m June 28th!), this is your time of year.
Cancers are sensitive, emotional souls, so be sure to create some extra-nurturing Solstice rituals for yourself. Since you’re a water sign, that could just be a yummy bubble bath or better yet, a beautiful beach.
Pull a tarot card (or some other divination tool) to trigger your natural Cancerian intuition and ask for guidance on your love life.
If you’re coupled, find a secluded body of water somewhere with your sweetie and walk into the ocean, lake, or even a mountain stream together (preferably naked!) to wash away any old patterns or conflicts.
Then you can re-emerge, cleansed and ready for some nurturing intimacy under that hot summer sun!
2. Solstice magic for Leo
Leos love to play, and what better time for that than during the lazy, hazy, crazy days around the summer solstice! You’re naturally dramatic and creative, so find yourself a big outdoor solstice celebration, complete with dancing and feasting where you can really let loose.
As a fire sign, make sure your celebration includes a bonfire, preferably on a beach where you can also revel under that extra hot sun.
Whether you’re solo or with your partner, be sure that you’re active and with people you love so your warm-hearted, generous nature can shine.
A simple ritual that blends your inner fire with the sun’s heightened power might be to give little red tealight candles to your favorite people as you share what you appreciate about them.
3. Solstice magic for Virgo
OK, you discriminating Virgo, you … no hippy-dippy solstice rituals for you. You want a celebration that’s well thought-out with clear intention and purpose.
Do some research (Virgo loves that) and find out what colors, symbols, essential oils, crystals, and music resonate most with your nature, then create a beautiful environment using all you’ve learned.
Being the health-conscious soul that you are, you can then create a yummy, nutritious, Solstice meal for yourself and/or your partner.
While you’re at it, make some commitments to yourself or each other to upgrade your exercise and diet regiments, then jot them down to keep you on target.
4. Solstice magic for Libra
Libras thrive in partnership, so whatever you do to acknowledge the summer solstice, be sure to bring someone with you … a romantic partner is best, but a close work friend is good, too.
Your zodiac symbol is the scales, which means you value balance and fairness. You could take that literally and go to the nearest playground with a seesaw and try to bring yourselves into balance, while talking about what that means to you!
Or tap into your love of beauty and sociability; dress up in something fun and flowy and take yourself out to a classy solstice concert.
The Paul Winter Consort presents a fabulous one in New York City, but most other cities offer musical solstice celebrations as well.
5. Solstice magic for Scorpio
If you’re a Scorpio, your solstice ritual better be transformative! No light, on-the-surface party for you.
As a water sign, you’re inclined to go deep anyway, but with this maximum solar power to fuel your passion and intensity, it’s a perfect time to do some deep relationship work.
Create a safe, sacred space for the two of you and share with each other the dreams, fears, and desires you’ve kept in the dark. It can be a little scary to be that vulnerable, but that’s how you deepen intimacy.
Plus, baring your soul will only enhance your love-making and feelings of connection.
6. Solstice magic for Sagittarius
If there was ever a zodiac sign that’s perfectly in synch with the joyful energy of the summer solstice, it’s light-hearted Sagittarius. Sag’s ruler in astrology is Jupiter, the planet of good luck, optimism, and adventure.
Unlike some of the more reserved sun signs, you may want to actually plan a solstice celebration that’s a little over the top — how about a trip to Stonehenge to experience this ancient holy-day with thousands of other sun-worshippers from around the world?
Whether you’re single or coupled, you’ll have fun whatever you decide to do simply because Sag’s easy-going nature allows you to make friends wherever you go.
7. Solstice magic for Capricorn
Like your earth-y Virgo cousin, you’ll want to observe the solstice in a more structured, focused way. Never one to take life lightly, you could create your own private ritual to plot your intentions and goals for the second half of the year, or maybe invite some friends over for a quiet night of visioning as well.
It’s true that this solstice moment is also a little bittersweet since the sun’s light will slowly fade until the winter solstice, but be careful not to succumb to your sometimes glass-is-half-empty tendencies by focusing on that.
Instead, use it as a time to call on your organized, disciplined self to reflect on your life and relationships and where you want to take them.
8. Solstice magic for Aquarius
The rebellious, eccentric, “gotta-be-me” vibe of Aquarius demands you do something a little different to celebrate.
Maybe find a pagan gathering, or you could capture the quirkiness of Aquarius and skydive at 12:54 p.m. EDT, the exact moment the sun moves into Cancer!
Because of your freedom-loving nature, negotiating relationships can often be a little tricky, but think about using the bright solstice energy to share the unique gifts you and your partner bring to each other.
With a nod to your humanitarian instincts, you could also volunteer for a community service project on your own or with your partner.
9. Solstice magic for Pisces
Like the other water signs, you Neptune-ruled Pisceans are built for deep psyche-diving — remember, Neptune was the Roman god of the Sea.
Use your imagination to create an intimate ritual that honors your sensitivity, intuition, and compassion. With your natural artistic flair, conjure up sacred space with water colors, coral and aquamarine crystals, new age music, and some seafood!
Prepare yourself (and your partner if they’re ready to go deep with you) for a meditative exploration of your innermost dreams and desires.
Write them in your journal, then allow the bright light of the solstice sun to bring you back to the surface so you can begin to vision practical ways to make them a reality.
10. Solstice magic for Aries
In typical, Aries fashion, you may want to actually create and lead your own big celebration! You’re a natural leader and comfortable taking the initiative, so even if you’ve never done something like that before, go for it.
Check out ideas for summer solstice rituals online and come up with some of your own once you get the gist of it. With your high energy and knack for innovation, you’ll definitely have fun with it.
One classic tradition is to include a bonfire, which is also in alignment with Aries' energy. Create a little candle magic by inviting your guests to carve their summer-time wishes and intentions into candles, then light it from the bonfire!
11. Solstice magic for Taurus
Your earth-y, sensual Taurus energy urges you to get outside and revel in the super long, light-filled days around the summer solstice.
Connect directly with Mother Earth, go for a walk in the woods, make sand castles on the beach, work in your garden.
Whether you decide to celebrate the longest day of the year by yourself, with your partner, or with friends, be sure that you honor your body. You could treat yourself to a yummy massage or pedicure, host a dance party in a big, open field, or dance to your own rhythm in your backyard.
And for your own special solstice magic, imbue a beautiful rock or crystal with all of the self-care practices you want to commit to, and carry it with you as a constant reminder of your body-loving intentions.
12. Solstice magic for Gemini
Gemini loves to talk, so this is a great time to shed light on those areas in your relationship you might be nervous to explore. Create a little sacred space with your partner, maybe burn a little geranium or jasmine essential oil to open your throat chakras, and enter the conversation with a sense of curiosity.
If you’re single, you can create a similar experience for yourself, but examine what self-limiting beliefs may be preventing you from attracting the relationship you desire. And for both singles and couples, Gemini loves to learn, so take a course or read some relationship experts' advice!
You can create your summer solstice rituals perfectly in alignment with your sun sign, but you can also borrow from any of the other ideas that resonate with you since you have all of the zodiac signs somewhere in your birth chart!
Whatever you decide to do, remember that you can always carry that bright solstice sun within you, even as the days begin to get shorter. Be sure to be intentional with your summer solstice magic so you can tap into that light even into the dark of winter!
Life and relationship coach Deborah Roth, M.A., is also a counseling astrologer and interfaith minister. She leads women’s new moon circles and full moon tele-meditations every month and loves supporting individuals and couples to re-energize mind, body, and spirit, and enhance their relationships. You can visit her website or email her to schedule an introductory coaching session.
This article was originally published at Spirited Living. Reprinted with permission from the author.