Exploring Paths to Cosmic Wisdom

    Here on the edge of Gatineau Park in Quebec, mid June is the time of the Summer Solstice: the longest day of the year.
         In the village where I am located, the sun will rise at 5:15 Eastern time on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, and remain until a 20:55 sunset, offering 15 hours and 40 minutes of daylight.
    This will remain constant for a few days, and on the 26th the day will dawn just one minute later, beginning the inevitable shortening of the days that take us towards the longest night at the Winter Solstice in December.

[Picture shows sun behind a narrow band of cloud at the horizon above an ocean. The sky is deep orange, fading through shades of peach towards the top.]
Sunturn
    The word 'solstice' developed from the Latin 'solstitium', which means 'sun standing still'. In some writing, the Teutonic word 'sunturn' is used. In either case, the description is of that moment when sunrise, which moves along the horizon throughout the year, stops, and then retraces its steps.
    For farmers, Midsummer comes at a time when the planting is done, and there is time to relax and let nature take her course. Festivals and celebrations have marked the day with singing, dancing, picnics and bonfires to bring the community together. Some people have suggested that on Midsummer's Eve there is a thinning of the veil between this world and the next, and faeries are most powerful.
   
Shining Light
    As a metaphor, the Solstice offers useful timing for introspection and learning.
    Summer Solstice is a symbol of light, especially the life-giving light of the sun. It is a wonderful opportunity to pause and acknowledge the kind of light we are each bringing to the world.
    If we marked the Winter Solstice by turning our attention to reading and study during long cold evenings, Summer Solstice is a good time to pause and examine whether our learning has altered our way of being. Shining a light on our own behaviour is necessary if we are to continue to progress.
    Events like the major days of the sun's year are predictable and make a simple framework. We can measure our personal growth, using this important physical marker, as we navigate our Human Experience.

[Picture shows a stack of ten old wooden rulers lined up against each other, filling the space.]
Progress
    As I wrote last week life would be flat if we were not striving for something more than we have now.
    Whether we want more money, more ornamental cabbages, more compassion or more babies, wanting more is part of our journey, and we cannot connect to our success if we don't take the time to measure our progress.
    If I want more ornamental cacti in my life, I should surely be buying them, or finding them, or attending clubs where cactus fans exchange baby plants. Today is a good time to ask whether I am on track with my goals.
     If I had six plants last winter, and I still have six, I might want to reevaluate my genuine desire.
     If, on the other hand, my collection has grown from six to sixty, then perhaps I should reexamine what I am doing, and why.    
    Am I accepting and saving neglected plants?
    Have I potted fifty-four identical young plants?
    Do I have a variety that can be continue to expand as I educate people about the role of succulent plants in the environment? 
    My answers can lead to more targeted behaviour, to better serving my desires, and my community. If I don't pause to ask and measure and align myself with my simple goals, I may drift away from my intentions.   
Numerology
    In the event that I am not aware of my intentions, then possibly the Midsummer Sunturn is the ideal time to arrange for a Numerology Chart!   

    I have been practising Numerology and supporting clients through life changes since the 1980s. For a consultation, or to commission a chart of your name and birthdate, we can meet in person, by telephone, or by Skype Click Here