How to make June Solstice magic

On June 20th, the Sun moves into Cancer — and no matter where you live in the world, this moment marks the Solstice.

In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year, when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the darkest day of the year, with the fewest hours of daylight. Wherever you are, the Solstice brings a shift of light and a change in season. It marks a turning point, and a time of growth and renewal.

In Cancer, the Sun re-centers us around our chosen family and the feelings that come with it: being connected. Being born of each other. The Cancerian Sun is nurturing. Life-giving. Protective. It expands our notion of family and rallies to make sure we are all cared for and considered interpersonally, and systemically. It’s no wonder that the first Gay Pride was born during Cancer season.

When this energy is combined with the power of the Solstice, we’re asked to honor what is ripening in our lives. To celebrate every fruit of our labor. And indulge in the relationships, projects, and pastimes that bring us joy.

To welcome this pivotal point in the year, here are a few ways to honor the Solstice.

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Rituals for the June Solstice:

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1. Build an altar to the Sun. Dress it with a yellow or gold cloth and flowers, or other items that call in solar qualities, such as lion figures or golden trinkets.
2. ‍Set your intentions for the season. Align with the seasonal shift and revitalize your energy by doing the Solstice intention-setting ritual in the CHANI app. (You can find it in the “This Week” section of the app during the week of June 16th.)
3. ‍Gather flowers, plants, fruits, leaves, or pine cones that are available in your area at this time of year. Forage what you can and place your finds on your altar.
4. ‍Welcome the Sun into your home. Open all of your blinds and windows and adorn your space with fresh flowers or foliage for an energizing reset.
5. Invite people over. Gather with the folks who light you up. Share food, pour libations (that’s witch-speak for “drinks”), play games, and share stories about what this time of year reminds you of.
6. ‍Nurture a project, relationship, or person in your life. Create a plan for how you’re going to show up for that part of your life. Make care your ongoing ritual this Cancer season.
7. ‍Review your Cancer placements. Pull up your birth chart in the CHANI app or with our online chart tool and check if you have any planets or points in Cancer. Then read your horoscope for the Sun in Cancer — here or in the app — and reflect on what the June Solstice is ripening or illuminating in your life.
8. ‍Meditate on the energies of the season. Not sure where to start? Check out our guided meditations on Connection, Spaciousness, and Wholeness in the Listen tab of the CHANI app.

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