Summer in the Sierra is heaven, a glorious time of year that rewards us for being patient through winter and spring. On June 20, the longest day and the shortest night of the year, the Sun enters into Cancer, marking the solstice and the beginning of the summer season.
In ancient cultures, summer solstice was a time of celebration of life and the fire element of the Sun, which stimulates life. Music, dancing, eating, and drinking were part of the traditional solstice celebration. It is an appropriate time to tune into nature’s cycle and have some fun.
The Sun has moved back into the northern hemisphere and it now shines with its greatest intensity. Days can be filled with basking in the sun by a mountain stream, hiking through oceans of wildflowers, boating and swimming in the abundant lakes, and appreciating the beauty of our natural surroundings. Warm summer nights beckon us to camping under the stars, concerts in the park, barbeques, and outdoor dining.
Cancer is the sign of the zodiac that embodies the energy and consciousness of the Divine Mother or Goddess, creator, nurturer, and healer of all life. In her outer form she manifests as the kingdoms of nature. The mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms are part of her expression, as are our physical bodies.
Cancer and its planetary representative, the Moon, rule nature. Past civilizations knew her as the Goddess Natura. Nature is full of life. Contrary to what natural science may tell us, the infinite diversity of nature is ensouled by conscious spiritual beings. Just as in Shakespeare’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ the nature spirits are very active now.
The inner expression of Cancer is the principle of soul. We are beings of spirit, soul, and body manifesting as thinking, feeling, and action. Soul is the intermediary between spirit and body. The primary consciousness of soul is love, with many levels to the expression of love. The Moon and Cancer rule soulful love, an expression of love between soul mates and family.
It is the time of year to focus our energies on home improvements and family activities. Dig in the dirt and cultivate a garden. Redecorate and remodel. Do things together as a family. Enliven the love that is deep within your soul, and experience your connection with life and nature.
We tend to be in a hurry and live life superficially. Make a conscious effort to reconnect with the soul of life now. Allow yourself to sit and just be. Rather than putting a prepared dinner in the microwave, shop our local farmers’ markets and make some simple, wholesome meals from scratch. Read a good, stimulating book. Soak in a hot tub and listen to some of your favorite music. Have some friends over for a dinner party or go on a hike and take a picnic. These activities are supported now and you won’t regret it.
Aries (March 21-April 19): This is a high-energy time, with a strong drive for self-improvement. Organization and self-discipline are required to harness the available energy effectively. Think and plan before you act. Remember to be graceful and diplomatic and not be too pushy. Watch out for potential distractions that could dilute the intended results.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): Love and money are the focus this month. Your emotions are at a high tide, and the attractions of the opposite sex are strong. New levels of intimacy are possible in your relationship, and there is potential for transcendent experiences now. Intense conflicts can arise surrounding financial affairs. Sudden changes of a negative nature can upset your plans. Being businesslike and diplomatic will help successfully resolve any issues that might arise.
Gemini (May 21-June 21): The focus for this month is on relationship with fidelity and loyalty highlighted. Check your level of personal integrity in your relationships, and make sure your communication is effective. You have new, inspiring, and uplifting ideas that need to be shared with others. Opportunities for expansion of consciousness and inner spiritual experiences are available to you now, so go for it. It is a good month for you.
Cancer (June 22-July 22): The Sun is in your sign this month, so your life should be strongly energized and enlivened. There is a genuine feeling of well-being, and it is time to have some fun and enjoy the finer pleasures of life. If you can share these with your partner it will be even better. There is a sense of optimism and self-confidence about the future that is based in reality. Look at the big picture and make your plans. Very inspiring experiences are available, especially in the areas of home, family and nature.
Leo (July 23-August 22): This month there is a strong drive to improve yourself in the area of career and profession. Now is the time to implement plans to make more money. Watch for opportunities for promotion and increased power and authority. Be graceful and diplomatic in your rise to power. There could be some jealousy or sabotage, so be sure to watch your back. Someone you think is a friend may not be.
Virgo (August 23-September 22): Socializing with friends and involvement in group activities are highlighted this month. Get out and mix it up. Relationship is also emphasized, so if you can do these things with your partner, so much the better. Look for a humanitarian or community improvement project with which you can become involved. There are potentially fulfilling opportunities for public recognition now. Travel, especially with your partner, is supported this month.
Libra (September 23-October 23): A strong sense of vitality is available for you this month. There is motivation for personal growth and development. Meditation, yoga, prayer, etc. can be powerful tools now for some needed spiritual work. It is time to look inside and connect at a deeper level. You may feel somewhat withdrawn and reclusive. That’s all right, but make sure that you maintain your balance with your daily activity.
Scorpio (October 24-November 21): This month is a time for new beginnings and rebirth. You have a strong drive for self-improvement, especially in your career and profession. There is an opportunity for promotion and a raise in pay. Battles over money are a real possibility. Some sudden changes on the home front can also be upsetting. Try to be patient and in control of your emotions. Otherwise, you can experience some extreme highs and lows.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Explore new possibilities for increasing your wealth and abundance. You could hit the jackpot. It is time to implement those plans and ideas you have been mulling over. Your creative abilities are strong now, and there is an element of idealism that is part of this energetic equation. It wants you to stretch yourself and go for the best.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Travel and communication are highlighted this month. There is an overriding business tone to these themes, tinging them with a sense of professionalism and responsibility. Opportunities for promotion at work are supported. Personal growth can be achieved within the context of these activities. There is a need for an attitude adjustment in order to lighten up. You personal and domestic life have some exciting situations that can balance out the seriousness of work.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Home, family, and connecting with nature are strong themes for you this month. A new sense of exhilaration and freedom can lift your spirits. It is an excellent time to break habits and routines and do something different, so push the envelope and break some boundaries. Travel is supported, especially if your goal is to explore nature. Go where you have never gone before and do what you have never done before. Be careful that you do not overspend or there could be a monetary crisis.
Pisces (February 19-March 20): The pursuit of pleasure is your theme this month. Dancing, concerts, and theatre can be fun, especially with a partner. Recreation and travel are highlighted. Rivers, streams, lakes, the ocean – any form of water – can be energizing and healing. Hot springs and spas can also be what you are looking for. If you are going to travel, be sure to make plans and reservations in advance or you may experience disruptions and disappointments.
~ Robert Ayres is a Truckee resident and internationally known astrologer with 40 years of experience. This monthly horoscope is cast specifically for the Truckee/Tahoe area. Contact Robert at 530-550-1118 or astrologicalalchemy.com. 2008 All Rights Reserved, Robert Ayres.
