Hail the Sun

solstice is at hand

In case you don’t know the science,

Summer Solstice occurs when the earth's tilt toward the sun is at a maximum. The date of solstice varies, but typically is June 20, 21, or 22. It’s not technically the ‘longest day of the year’, but it is the day with the most sunlight.

According to Space.com, in the U.S., at latitudes of approximately 40 degrees North, daylight during the summer solstice will last for about 15 hours. Here in San Diego, we’re only at 32 degrees North latitude, so we get a little over 14 hours of sunlight. This year, Summer Solstice occurs on June 20.

As I’m sure you know, solstice is a huge deal at Stonehenge, primarily because the stones align with the sun’s movements. (By the way, summer and winter solstice are the days you can go to Stonehenge without a ticket.) Search YouTube if you want to watch a live stream from there at solstice.

And if you want to know what’s dawning for you between solstice and the fall equinox, you may want my Solstice Reading. It’s only available from now through June 22.

When I wrote Ancestral Grimoire, I made June

the month of Solstice Magic. I encouraged readers to call in (using tarot’s Major Arcana) a magical ancestor who worked with solar energy. Since you are (hopefully) merging your own practice with the sun’s energies, you can focus on any magical skill you choose.

I’m going to use the solstice spread from the book (published by Red Wheel/Weiser), and would love it if you did this spread too. It uses six cards (below). But first, randomly pull a Major Arcana to represent the ancestral energy that’s with you now through solstice. Next, shuffle and draw the 6 cards for this spread.

My own draw was this (and please leave a comment about yours).

1. What is my potent magic at this solstice (2024)? 6 Pentacles

2. What is my biggest challenge to stepping into my power? 3 Swords

3. Exactly what magic did my ancestor practice? 5 Cups

4. How can my ancestor help in my practice? 6 Wands

5. What magic is the solstice bringing into my life? 5 Swords

6. How can I honor and thank this ancestor? 8 Pentacles

My ancestor was represented by Major Arcana VIII - Strength. Appropriate as the astrological energy associated with Strength is the Sun. I also drew a card from my Ancestral Magick kit and drew the Survivor.

So, as we roll around to solstice on Thursday,

what are your plans? I know there will be many altars built, prayers offered up, rituals performed, and spells written. May I suggest Breathing in the Sun, even if it’s cloudy where you live? Just as you can breathe into a place of physical pain to lessen the ache, you can breathe in the Sun to fill your cells with solar energy. Charge your batteries, if you will.

For me, I’ll be up with the Sun, although I’ll have to go ‘round the building to see eastward. That’s okay, because I’ll be watching her as she sets in the west.

Llewellyn suggests: “A simple ritual for the summer solstice requires a few candles and sparkles-silver and gold-and lots of white lights. Plus something sparkly to drink, like sparkling cider or grape juice or wine, and some sweet cookies.”

Sounds good, but I think my way is best for me, as is yours for you.

Happy Solstice,

Nancy