As the Sun enters Cancer each year, it’s the mark of the first day of summer — also known as the Summer Solstice. What makes this day so important? For one thing, on the day of the Summer Solstice the Sun appears to stand still in the sky. The Sun will grace us with his presence and warmth for an extraordinary length of time on this day. As a matter of fact, it’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cancer ushers in the new season

The astronomical reason for this is because it is at this time each year that the Sun stops right over the Tropic of Cancer, which is located at the northernmost point of our planet. After a few days it will backtrack south towards the equator. The solstice occurs on June 21 and astrologically, it coincides with the start of the Cardinal Water sign Cancer.

Cancer is the sign associated with nurturing, mothering, and deep emotional connection as well as family. At the Summer Solstice, we’re reminded that Mother Earth sustains. The Sun’s rays allow Mother Earth to continue to do so. Everyone feels noticeably more vibrant in the summer months thanks to the extra rays of Sun beaming on us. Life is “in our face” at the Summer Solstice. It feels like nothing will ever die because there’s an endless supply of nourishment to our bodies and souls during this time.