Solstice at the crossroads:
A witch at a fork in the road. Jupiter returning. Solstice resolutions.
Solstice pivots & magical pacts from my hedge to yours ~ Casey Z
For the past few months I have felt expansive. Exhibiting an uncharacteristic flexibility in the face of dramatic changes in my own life, I have been optimistic about the next chapter, welcoming the transformative twists and turns that may lay ahead. I chalked it up to my Jupiter return. But in concert with my Jupiterian optimism, my schedule started to overflow with calendar invites, bookings, and networking dates. “It’s all good things!” Truly an introvert, I simultaneously winced. Jupiter returns are lovely enlivening transits, but without the optimal boundaries in place to say “yes!” to the good, and “no” to the draining/taxing/out of orbit invitations, things can get out of hand very quickly.
Now, as Jupiter sits directly on top of my natal Jupiter, my hand has been forced. Childcare hiccups, overcommitting myself, and months without proper days off have truly caught up to me. Rather than brimming with opportunities that sparkle with the promise of fulfillment, I am stuck rescheduling appointments, cramming in moments of reflection and creation, and praying for a break in the action. The time has come for me to let go of the projects that once fueled me, in favor of the work and commitments that are right sized for my current life pace. (May it be so!)
The 8 of Cups describes this dilemma of the over-abundant crossroads well. We will be minding our business, meandering along on our soul’s path peacefully enough until a fork in the road presents itself. Hesitating at the decision point leads to sleepless nights, but there is something fruitful emerging from staying up and listening to the wisdom of the dark night, and contemplating the curvature of the Moon. The soul always makes itself known, if you get quiet enough to trace its shadow. Outcomes are uncertain, but your intuition is the best guide you have available to you. Will you choose the path that pulls on your heartstrings, or stay the comfortable course?
As we cross the threshold of Summer Solstice, we are invited into a radical honesty with ourselves and our growth since the Winter Solstice.
🕯️ What prayers did you weave into action six months ago, and how have they materialized in your world?
🕯️ What energetic state are you in now, and what has changed since Winter’s darkness?
🕯️ What is the Sun’s solar vision revealing to you about your progress, your purpose, your joy?
🕯️ What are you still seeking to achieve at this Solar peak in the year?
For some, Summer Solstice is a time of exuberant displays of generosity, community connection, celebration, and expression. For others, this time of year comes with an oppressive pressure to be extroverted, and a performative glee that is out of step with one’s true emotional state. Some will meet themselves at a crossroads, with new boundaries to delineate and communicate. Others will realize that it is time to actually attend to the burnout that has been plaguing their lives.
Wherever you find yourself on the witchy spectrum, Solstice is a time for tending to your spirit. We have made it halfway through the year, the Sun is at its peak potency, and our psychic antennae are poised to channel divine guidance that sparks healing, inspiration, and integration.
Carve out the sacred space to tune into your authentic presence at the Solstice:
🕯️ Reflect upon your current wishes; what are you craving or calling into being?
🕯️ Think about your patterns of behavior: what routines are nourishing for you, and what habits are holding you back?
🕯️ Get tender and honest about your emotional state of being, and acknowledge those feelings through embodied engagement with them…
At the Solstice, there may be some hard-to-face truths ready to be witnessed. Know you are not alone in this process of honest awareness. To be present to the raw reality of your nature, capacity, and desire, is an act of authentic devotion. From awareness, empowered action blossoms.
As I stew in the final moments of my Jupiter return, I’m acknowledging what I can sustain, what I genuinely enjoy, and what major shifts are authentically aligned. At the Solstice threshold I will be shedding old skins and asking for healing waters to provide clarity of purpose and capacity.
Solstice magical acts:
~ Spend time practicing or receiving a healing art; reiki, bodywork, channeling, making art, or divination of any kind.
~ Spend time with a body of water, and ritually cleanse yourself there.
~ Harvest herbs and pick flowers for a wild bouquet.
~ Watch the sunset in silence, and send your energy out into the setting Sun to be transformed.
~ Honor all that you have accomplished this year with a cheering circle of community and loved ones. Take turns sharing your accomplishments and cheering each other on.
~ Step into your authentic presence, even if no one is watching…
Sending you all solar healing and sacred blessings ~
* all photos on 35mm film by Casey Zabala