The Summer Solstice and the Energy of Cancer

by Debbie Peluso

“HRAM-HRIM-HROOM-HRUM-HRAIM-HRAUM-HRAHA,” one of the many chants, rituals, dances and traditions we hear and see during the longest day of the year – the Summer Solstice. This is the Bija mantra for the Sun, the light of light, which is our awareness and our expression. It brings forth the life-giving power that comes from the Sun, and it is our life force.

The Summer Solstice is the time when Earth is at its most incline towards the Sun. The Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun reaching for its life-sustaining nourishment of warmth and light as all creation celebrates and bows in its honor. It is a reminder that without this star, all life as we know it would not exist. It is to be revered and honored for its power and magnificence.

From the days of our ancient ancestors to today, this day has been marked with great celebration throughout the world. There are numerous cultural rituals honoring the Sun. Thousands flock to Stonehenge every year on the Summer Solstice to watch its rise and set. In reality, it is neither rising nor setting, but just our illusion as the Earth rotates and completes its daily dance with the Sun. Others build bonfires and spend the day in prayer bowing to what many consider a god – Ra.

Ancient Egyptians worshipped Ra, the Sun god, creator of all things. They believed in the morning when Ra appeared in the East for the sunrise when he rode in a boat named Madjet, which means “becoming strong.” In the evening when he rode into the West for the sunset, the name changed to Semektet, which means “becoming weak,” thus dying and being replaced by the mystical light of the Moon to shine upon the world. Interesting since the Sun, astrologically speaking, represents our external expression, and the Moon represents the embodiment of our internal emotions.

It can be said that the Summer Solstice is a day that truly unifies us as humans living on this incredible planet that is the result of such an intelligent design. It is a day when we celebrate the life-giving energy and abundance of the Sun as we see the crops that were harvested multiply. We pay reverence to its vitality, light and warmth. We dance and sing. We feel alive. Mother Earth is producing and we rejoice!

The Sun is life for everything, including our bodies. Though we must take precautions when exposing ourselves for prolonged periods, it is good practice to spend at least 10 minutes a day basking in its rays to receive the benefits to the body as it provides us with Vitamin D and replenishes our energy. When we do not have sunlight for a length of time, we may become lazy, depressed and feel uninspired. We lack the energy and the motivation to initiate any kind of creative project. However, when the Sun shines we feel joyous, powerful and vital. We feel good in a special way.

The Summer Solstice marks the start of the Sun’s journey into Cancer, which is the energy of unconditional love, compassion and forgiveness. Its purpose is to provide security. It looks inward to our emotions. Cancer is the mother – the birthing of life. It loves, nurtures and heals. The Moon, ruler of Cancer, is associated with the harvest. Like the Sun, it cultivates our lives externally as the Moon ripens our internal self, our intuition and our emotions. When we look to the Dalai Lama, who is a Cancer, there is an understanding of just how deeply compassionate, forgiving and loving this energy is. It teaches us the importance of developing acceptance, forgiveness and compassion for ourselves, as this, in turn, translates in the same manner towards others. We learn to walk in their shoes without judgment in order to develop understanding and forgiveness.

Cancer is our home, and a time of abundant energy for celebrating love and family. We enjoy picnics, weddings and family reunions. During this energy, it is a good time to connect to family and childhood memories in order to enjoy summer activities with laughter and love. We look towards the Sun and reach for the promise of our highest aspirations. We turn to the Moon to go inward to feel the security of sharing love with others.

How can we honor the Sun? Take a few minutes every day, if possible, to sit outside. Close your eyes and feel its warmth, vitality and power as it energizes every cell in your body. Release any stagnant and negative energy as well as any pain in the body by breathing in slowly and deeply, inhaling its light, exhaling to clear the mind.

In yoga, during the Summer Solstice and the first week of Cancer, perform a practice of Surya Namaskara or Sun salutations focusing on Sun energy. Then, switch to a more lunar practice connecting to the inner emotions and intuition so that you can allow for a nurturing foundation for healing. And most importantly, bask in the warmth and vitality of the Sun and embrace the love and acceptance of self, family and the world.

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About the Author

Debbie Peluso obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Metaphysics in association with the University of Sedona in Arizona. A certified practitioner in meditation and metaphysical/spiritual counseling, she is a working astrologer and co-owner of Zion Yoga Studio in the Washington, D.C. area.