To Helios, Lord of Oaths
Reflections on the Summer Solstice
On the Summer Solstice, we enjoy the Sun for more hours than any other day of the year. It is also the day when He makes his highest arc across the sky (in the Northern Hemisphere). The Ancient Greeks knew him as Helios. He beheld all things from his golden chariot. Because of this, he was the most reliable of witnesses. It was Helios who informed Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest, that her beloved daughter Persephone had been abducted by Hades, God of the underworld, leading to the “deal” that returns her to Earth for half the year. Because of this, we have Helios, more than anyone else, to thank for all that grows upon the fruitful earth. In the most literal sense, all life on Earth runs on solar power. But that story is one more fit for the Spring and Autumn equinoxes. I mention it here only to honor our shining host on this great day of expansion and light.
Because Helios was the most reliable witness, he was also the God closely associated with the swearing of oaths. And it is this role that I wish to direct our attention to this evening. In Western or “Hellenistic” astrology, The Summer Solstice marks the cusp or dividing line between the signs of Gemini and Cancer. Gemini is, among other things, a sign of dispassionate analysis. As the sign of “The Twins”, Gemini can always see both sides of any situation. As The Sum travels through this sign, he gains an impartial perspective on all that happens on earth.
To bear true witness, we must, as much as possible, try to see all sides of things. But we must also remember that we are mortal, human, with our own cares, hopes and fears. Although we may, and even should, gain the widest possible perspective, to accomplish anything, we must “take a side”. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we must be “FOR” or “AGAINST” anything or anyone. But it DOES mean that whatever path we choose, there are paths we must forsake.
In the orphic hymns we find many references to the “deathless Gods”. Immortality allows perfect impartiality but removes significance. Death lends significance to things but at the cost of perfect impartiality. The fact that we have a limited time in which to accomplish ANYTHING means that we cannot accomplish EVERYTHING. We mortals must decide which, among the infinite things we MIGHT do, are important enough to ACTUALLY DO – to make actual. The impartial, 10,000-foot view of Gemini must ultimately give way to the tending and tender atmosphere of Cancer.
In Hellenistic Astrology, The Summer Solstice – the transition from analytic Gemini to nurturing Cancer - marked the point when the spirit world sought embodiment. In this moment we are invited to think about what we wish to embody and to carry toward the season of harvest to come. Cancer is the only sign ruled by The Moon. The Moon carries our memories, rules over familial and cultural heritage, she is the Goddess of our fortunes – the way they reflect the light of heaven (or do not). The Moon carries the light but a short time. From the dark of the New Moon through her waxing to fullness and her final surrender of light in her waning, we are reminded that we have but a limited time in which to carry as much of the light of the Gods as we can, but also that we can carry but a limited amount of this light.
On this longest and brightest day of the year we give thanks and praise to Helios for the life-giving light he sheds upon the Earth. The Moon will bid us to choose how and to where we will carry this light. Helios will witness this choice and view it as an oath. We may swear an oath to what we will but will be held to it once it is made. We will reap what we have sown but only to the extent that we commit ourselves to tending it.
Blessed Litha