We’ve seen the Summer Solstice, the longest day, come to its zenith over the past weekend. Solstice means ‘sun standing still’. In June, here in the northern hemisphere, we enjoy the longest days before tipping into the inevitability of declining light. Though we often conflate Solstice with Midsummer they are, in fact, different days and serve to ‘bookend’ the stillness between the tangible effects of the lengthening and the shortening of sunlight hours.
There are four days between the Solstice (0 degrees of Cancer) and Midsummer. Solstice is associated with the Alchemical Marriage or Hieros Gamos. At this time we are offered an invitation to be still, a kind of cosmic ‘Pause’ button. Shakespeare took full advantage of the languorous liminal time to enchant us with the story of lovers, magic and deception invariably resulting in union and re-union.
Today, Midsummer, is doubly interesting, as it not only marks the ‘end of the enchantment’ but (this year) also coincides with the ignition provided by the New Moon. A new moon marks the very beginning of a new cycle, occurs when the Sun and Moon occupy the same degree of the zodiac. We are awakened from our sleep into the emergence of a new dream, new possibilities…
With an astrological eye we examine the placement of all the planets at the new moon to glimpse the flavour of the upcoming weeks, a kind of snapshot of the energies at play in the world. As this new moon falls in the sign of Cancer, a focus on home, family, nurture, fun, security and protection is likely to occupy our thoughts.
Cancer, being the first of the water signs, means that our intuitive nature will never be far from our awareness, so finding a way to acknowledge our emotions without being swept away by them is going to be particularly important, as there is a great deal of tumult and change occurring in the world right now. This particular moon is an encouragement for us to turn within and to honour our feeling nature while taking care not to get caught up in external events. It is not a passive phase, on the contrary, Cancer heralds a time of active introspection and recharging.
If you are interested in learning more about astrology and how it can inform your world every month, please join me for Stardust – An Introduction to Astrology – an Online course.
Commencing Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Six sessions of two hours+ each, during which we will cover the History of Astrology, Planets, Signs, Houses and Aspects, the building blocks of an astrology chart.
Sessions are live and will be recorded to ensure an interactive experience.
Each participant will receive a copy of their birth chart to use as a platform for the course.
There is also an opportunity to join an ongoing group (online) as part of developing community that will extend beyond the course.
Cost is £250 (Early Bird Price £225 before August 23 – New Moon in Virgo!)
Contact me at info@marlowpurves.net to register!
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