THE SUMMER SOLSTICE
The word 'Solstice' derives from the Latin term meaning 'sun stood still', as in the winter and summer the sun appears to rise and set in practically the same place.
Summer Solstice Date
In the northern hemisphere, the Summer Solstice date tends to
be either June 21 or 22. These dates mark the Winter Solstice
in the
southern hemisphere. In that hemisphere, the Summer Solstice
date varies between December 21 and 22. The Summer Solstice date
marks
the time when the sun is at its northern-most position in relation
to the equator for the northern hemisphere and its southern-most
position for the southern hemisphere. This time, June 21, is
associated with the 'Honey' and 'Mead Moon', and is now often
referred to
as 'Midsummer'.
The Solstice Sky
The sky is naturally an important symbol for the Summer Solstice
because this solstice marks the time when the sun is highest
in the sky. In fact, the solstice sky is steeped in astrological
aspects,
ranging from the position of constellations to the brightness
of the stars. For astronomers, the Summer Solstice occurs when
the
sun enters the sign of Cancer, and the full moon is in the
sign of Capricorn.
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