For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, today is the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year. It’s one of my favourite days, a day that holds so much magic. The Earth’s axial tilt brings us closest to the Sun, flooding us with its light and energy. But beyond the science, for me, it’s a day that feels ethereal, a quiet invitation to pause and marvel at the beauty of this world.
This is a day to slow down, to notice the small details that others might overlook, and to find peace in the impermanence of life, to trust and remember the cyclical nature of our world. It’s in this space of trust and awe that we begin to feel connected to everything around us, the invisible threads that weave us together.
The Solstice has always brought me joy, but this year, something shifted. I discovered a deeper connection between this magical day and my Human Design, and once again, I’m amazed by how this system continues to reveal new layers of insight. It’s another way of seeing, another perspective that helps me align with my purpose and the natural rhythms of the world.
The Summer Solstice and the Right Angle Cross of Eden: A Shared Dance of Light and Darkness
In Human Design, the Incarnation Cross represents your soul’s purpose in this lifetime, the overarching theme that will guide your journey. The Right Angle Cross of Eden, made up of Gates 36, 6, 11, and 12, is a rare and deeply transformative cross. The Summer Solstice represents the peak of sunlight, a moment when the world is fully illuminated by the Sun's energy. This symbolises the themes of growth, abundance, and enlightenment, qualities that deeply resonate with the energy of the Right Angle Cross of Eden.
Emotional Growth through Crisis (Gate 36)
Just as the Summer Solstice represents a moment of transition, the Right Angle Cross of Eden is all about navigating through emotional crises and finding wisdom in moments of darkness. The Gate of Crisis (36) is a reminder that growth often comes from emotional turbulence. The solstice, while celebrating light, also reminds us that without the contrast of darkness, we would not truly appreciate the fullness of light. Embracing emotional highs and lows and learning from them is a fundamental part of my journey.
Friction Leading to Peace (Gate 6)
Similar to the ebb and flow of day and night, Gate 6 within this Cross teaches how to navigate relationships and emotional conflict. Just as the sun’s descent after the solstice brings balance to the day, emotional conflict in life often leads to greater understanding and harmony. The Summer Solstice encourages us to reflect on how to bring peace into our relationships, much like how Gate 6 helps us find resolution after emotional friction.
Inspiration and Illumination (Gate 11)
The energy of Gate 11 is akin to the illumination that the solstice brings. When the Sun reaches its peak, the world is bathed in light, making everything clearer and more vibrant. Similarly, Gate 11 opens the mind to new ideas and insights, inviting individuals to explore deeper truths about life and the universe. The solstice serves as a reminder that moments of clarity often follow periods of reflection and questioning, just as the emotional processes of the Right Angle Cross of Eden reveal deeper understanding over time.
Cautious Expression of Light (Gate 12)
Finally, the energy of Gate 12 relates to careful and thoughtful expression. Just as the Sun must eventually set, there is wisdom in knowing when and how to share our light. The Summer Solstice, while at its peak, also teaches us the value of restraint and timing. Gate 12 calls us to be authentic in our expression but to be mindful of when the time is right to speak our truths, much like the Solstice teaches us to harness the energy of the moment.
In many ways, the Right Angle Cross of Eden and the Summer Solstice are both about growth through extremes, whether that’s emotional highs and lows or the contrasting energies of light and dark. There’s a deep connection between the two: the Solstice illuminates our path forward, much like how the Incarnation Cross guides us through life’s cycles to uncover deeper truths.
What can your incarnation cross tell you about your purpose?
Your Incarnation Cross is the map of your life’s purpose. It’s the energy you’re here to embody and the path you’re meant to walk.
If you’re wondering how your Incarnation Cross might reveal your purpose, here’s a simple framework:
It reveals your life’s theme: Your cross shows you the overarching theme of your life—the lens through which you’ll experience growth.
It guides your path of growth: Your Incarnation Cross invites you to align with your highest expression. It helps you see where you need to grow, what challenges you might face, and where you can shine the most brightly. The cross is a map of your journey, pointing you toward your most authentic self.
It shows you your gifts: Every Incarnation Cross comes with a unique set of gifts. These are the natural strengths you have to offer the world.
It helps you make decisions aligned with your purpose: Understanding your Incarnation Cross can also help you make decisions that align with your deeper purpose. When you know your soul’s path, it becomes easier to say yes to the things that align with your truth and to release the things that don't.
How to celebrate the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and realign with your purpose. Here are five ways you can celebrate the day and honour the energy of the Solstice while reflecting on your own journey:
Honour the sun with a morning ritual
This is the one day a year I am guaranteed to rise with the sun. Start your day with intention. Step outside and feel the warmth of the morning Sun on your skin. Take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to connect with the energy of the day. You could offer a simple prayer of gratitude, meditate, or do a few sun salutations. Feel the lightness and energy of the Sun as it rises and remember that today, the light is at its peak.
Journaling and reflection
Take time to sit quietly and reflect on the past six months. What have you learned? What have you let go of? What new paths are opening before you?
Set an intention for growth The Solstice is the perfect time to align with the energy of expansion. What do you want to nurture and grow in your life moving forward? Set a clear intention for the next six months, whether it’s personal growth, professional development, or embracing emotional resilience. Write your intention down and place it somewhere you can see it every day.
Light a Bonfire or Candle Ritual
Fire is the natural element associated with the Solstice. If you can, light a bonfire or simply light a candle as the Sun sets. As the fire burns, reflect on what you’re ready to release and what you want to welcome into your life. It’s a symbolic gesture of transformation, just as the light shifts on this day, so too can we shift our intentions and our lives.
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