Hi all,
I am currently in bed with tonsillitis but my restless mind won’t let me relax so I decided to do a bit of digging with regards to the Summer Solstice which occurs next weekend as I wanted to know if it was known to the Ancient Egyptians and if so, what their understanding of it was.
What is the Summer Solstice?
I don’t want to “teach my granny to suck eggs” but thought I would include this just for clarity. In simple terms, it the Summer Solstice is the day of the year with the most daylight. It marks the beginning of Summer and occurs in the Northern Hemisphere around June 20th-21st.
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
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What does the Summer Solstice mean in Astronomy?
Scientifically, the Earth is tilted at approximately 23.5° on its axis. As our planet orbits the Sun, this tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. The Summer Solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted directly toward the Sun. On this day, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon. For a few days around the solstice, the Sun’s midday height appears to pause; it neither rises higher nor begins to fall. This is why the term solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, meaning Sun stands still. After this brief pause, the Sun’s noon position begins to decrease, marking the return of shorter days.
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What does the Summer Solstice mean in Astrology?
In Astrology, the Summer Solstice marks the beginning of Cancer Season, the 4th season in the astrological year. Cancer is a cardinal sign and is the first of the water signs. This season brings emotions, intuition and fut feelings to the fire. We may feel heightened emotions or an ability to read and feel the emotions of others. We may feel the need to nurture and protect our families as well as care for our homes e.g. Through clea jng and decorating. This is the season of home coforts, hearty meals and quality family time. It is also the time for reminiscing, connecting to be last and for honourng loved ones who are no longer with us.
Were the Ancient Egyptians Aware of the Summer Solstice?
In short…yes.
The Egyptians saw the Solstice as a sign that something else was coming soon afterwards - For 70 days, the star Sopdet (Sirius) would be hidden in the glare of the Sun. It’s reappearance in the Eastern dawn sky was called its heliacal rising. This happened soon after the solstice and marked the beginning of the Egyptian New Year, as well as the annual Nile Flood (which coincided with this rising each year). There is no evidence to show that the Egyptians had an understanding of why the Solstice occurred in terms of Earth’s rotation and axil tilt but they placed importance in it in terms of tracking the passage of the year and seasons.
Star Sopdet (Sirius)
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What Religious Significance was Placed on the Summer Solstice?
The events around the Solstice and the subsequent rising of Sopdet were celebrated as the birthday of the Sun God Ra. The Sun being high in the sky was a representation of the peak of Ra’s power and of his rebirth. It is the ultimate symbol of light overcoming darkness (Ra was reborn each day, as well as each year - he had to fight the dark entity Apep each night to ensure light would return) and of him providing the Nile floods in order to sustain life on his creation.
Egyptian Sun God Ra
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The temples of Karnak were designed in built in such a way that it captures the rising solstice Sun, which shines deep into the sanctuary of the Gods, representing it’s rebirth. (the Luxor temple captures the setting winter solstice sun, representing it’s journey to the afterlife). This demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of the solar cycle that the Egyptians had.
Summer Solstice Sunrise at Karnak Temple
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How Can I Honour the Summer Solstice in an Egyptian Way?
Here is a ritual that I will follow on the day of the Solstice:
Set up an altar or sacred space with the following items:
- Sun symbol (gold disc, mirror, candle),
- A blue bowl of water for the Nile (Hapi)
- A statue or image of Ra
- An image of Isis (the personification of Sopdet)
- Offerings such as bread, beer,water, incense or flowers
Stand facing the rising or midday sun. Light a candle (or incense) and say:
Hail Ra, shining one, who rides the solar barque across the sky.
I greet you at the height of your strength.
May your light renew the land as Sopdet rises and the waters swell.
I honour Isis, whose star heralds life and rebirth.
On this solstice day, may your blessings renew the earth and my spirit.
Pour water into the bowl and say:
As the Nile rises, so may blessings flow.
As Sopdet rises, so may hope return.
As Ra shines, so may strength and clarity grow.
You can also make a food offering or light incense.
Sit in the sun or visualise it. Breathe deeply. Imagine golden light entering your crown and filling your body with renewal and energy. Chant the ancient name of the sun:
Ra… Ra… Ra…
Write a short intention or renewal wish on a piece of papyrus-style paper (or parchment). Example:
Like the Nile, may my spirit be refreshed.
Like the Sun, may my purpose shine brightly.
Like Isis, may I rise with power and grace.
Place it on your altar or burn it safely as a release to the gods.
Thank the deities and close with a final blessing:
The sun sets, but its light endures.
May the blessings of Ra and Isis remain with me.
Dua Ra! Dua Isis.
I hope you feel better soon! 
