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Summer solstice is a more dynamic time than most people realize, especially considering some of this year’s astrology. We are before a power portal for inner work that may not open again for quite some time. The truth about solstice symbolismSince ancient times, this change of season has been celebrated for its energizing potential. The Sun, symbol of light, bringer of warmth and photosynthesis, dominates the longest day of the year right before the solstice. Sun worship is the most common thread in most official histories of this celebration. Yet is the great luminary the main star of midsummer? Before the establishment of patriarchy, many ancient cultures took into account the equilibrium of opposites: light and dark, inner and outer, yin and yang. Winter solstice originally marked the end of the darkening months and the birth of a cycle of light. Wouldn’t its summer counterpart hale the opposite, the return of night’s magic? In fact, all seasonal crossings triggered cycles in the ongoing play between archetypal feminine and masculine; summer solstice certainly celebrates the sun, yet the solstice actually takes place as that sun moves into Cancer, under the influence of the moon with its powers of emotion, intuition and creative fertility. Anyone who researches this portal will note the solar emphasis of the official version, but now and then a more complete picture shines through. The oral tradition of the Mexica nation—which I am fortunate enough to have direct access to through Xolitl, a teacher in Mexico— includes teachings that are especially interesting and pertinent to accessing solstice magic today, as we will see a bit further on. First, let’s consider some interesting symbolism from pagan nations around the world, retrieved from amidst reams of material centering on the sunlit aspect of this portal: For the Chinese, now is the beginning of the yin half of the year. In Ancient Gaul, the solstice deity was Epona, a Goddess riding a mare. In Rome of old, Vesta ruled this season change and her festivities were called Vestalia. This was the only time of year when married women could enter the shrines otherwise reserved for the vestal priestesses. There were more Roman goddesses associated with summer’s entrance, including Venus and Juno. The latter was called “Juno-Luna” during this particular portal. (Nina has underscored the importance of Juno in this year’s solstice chart in her Daily Success Guide.) The Roman goddesses were derivations from Greek mythology, which considered Hera, “the Mother of all things”, as the regent of the summer solstice. The Mexica religion was solar-centric, but all beings were of dual nature, masculine and feminine, and each had a nahual, mysterious or magical side. The yearly cycles of seasons were part of their system of “cosmic mathematics”; the meaning of summer solstice seems particularly pertinent in connection to this year’s astrology. At Winter Solstice, the Sun was born as a “precious hummingbird”, whose force starts softly and then accumulates over the months, expressing itself as different animals. Six months later, it becomes the most powerful of all birds: huehuecuauhtli, Old Lady Eagle. She is the Sun’s nahual, his shadow and magical side. Bringing a time of plenty, her greatest blessing is strength of will to carry out the most arduous work of the year: tending and harvesting summer crops, as well as the even more intense labor of self discovery and improvement associated with solstice and developed through practices like fasting, meditation, mountain retreats and temazcalli (ceremonial steam baths).* Now Old Lady Eagle has arrived to fortify our will to bring to fruition those higher goals we established or dreamt of at the beginning of the year, as we will see a bit further on. Before we do, let’s take a moment to consider why the Mexicas might have related this time of abundance with the power of will. Were they familiar with the alchemical force comprised by this virtue? In my book, The Abundance Parchments, I’ve noted that “the simple act of committing the will along certain lines” can greatly intensify the creative power of intent, “coordinating helpful events from the invisible plane, attracting multiple opportunities, resources and advantages to facilitate its consolidation”. These alchemical benefits are not produced by isolated or sporadic efforts; the seemingly magical difference can be felt when our willingness is such that, if necessary, we commit ourselves time and again, ready from within to do whatever it takes to reach the goals we have set. That can include major, dramatic initiatives as well as those little, daily actions whose effects must be cumulative to make a difference. Now, six months later, Pluto is still conjunct the Galactic Center. Mercury has gone retrograde, facilitating review and clarification of goals, especially in relation to our mental and verbal powers. Inner work will be emphasized in the coming months with the help of two other important retrogrades, both of which can help us develop spiritual compassion and love: Uranus in Pisces on June 23 (in the solstice portal) and Venus in Virgo. Old Lady Eagle is flying high, filling the skies of our awareness with the will to optimize this opportunity and recover or consolidate the path of power promised by the New Year chart. Remember her mysterious force as you define and implement those inner and outer initiatives that you can still take to ground your path of power in what remains of this magical and quickly passing year. The following keys can multiply your will and its alchemy: Each night before sleeping make a list of crucial initiatives for the next day. Then spend a few minutes repeating thoughts like those that follow during several minutes. I have been given all the will power I need to consolidate my highest goals. I strengthen the alchemical power of my will by declaring myself ready to do whatever may be necessary to achieve these results. My decision now multiplies the creative power of my intent, and the Universe conspires to assist me. Refer to your list occasionally throughout the day; when obstacles or inertia seem to hold you back, remind yourself: I have great will power to do whatever I decide to. *Note: The powers attributed to Huehuecuauhtli synchronize with all three of summer’s signs in western astrology; as well as reiterating the sacred eagle, a motif that has been appearing for Daykeeper collaborators and readers since just before Maya’s passage last November, and seems to be connected with her essence in flight to another dimension. Bibliography:Baum, Laurie A., Astrological Secrets for the New Millennium Brueton, Diane, Many Moons Franklin, Ann, Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice Morrison, Dorothy, Everyday Moon Magic Morrison, Dorothy, The Craft: A Witch's Book of Shadows Pomeroy, Crystal, Los Pergaminos de la Abundancia (The Abundance Parchments), Mexico, Milenio Crystofer, 2005. Roderick, Timothy, A Year and A Day
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© Copyright
2001-2007 Maya del Mar, Daykeeper Journal,
Crystal Pomeroy. |
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, USA, Prima, 1997.
