tropic of cancer

The Tropic of Cancer lies at 23d 26' 22" (23.4394 degrees) north of the Equator and marks the most northerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. 

This event occurs at the June solstice, when the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun to its maximum extent. 

1934 first edition of Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer illustrated by Maurice Kahane

The Earth's tropical zone ("the tropics") includes everything between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. 

Tropic of Cancer, a novel written by Henry Miller in 1934 was banned in the US until 1963, had a huge and indelible impact on both the American literary tradition and American society. Influencing many writers since - most notably those of the beat generation. 

Miller himself gave the following explanation for choosing this title - "It was because to me cancer symbolizes the disease of civilization, the endpoint of the wrong path, the necessity to change course radically, to start completely over from scratch."

world map points out the Tropics of Capricorn & Cancer Jennifer Thermes/GETTY IMAGES

The book, set in late 1920s and early 1930s France, focuses on Miller's life as a struggling writer. While his inspiration for the title is perfectly fitting, some readers are surprised to find the subject material completely unrelated to the other Tropic of Cancer. 

So, what is the Tropic of Cancer and why is it important?

While the North and South poles are familiar the other circles of latitude are not and do not have proper names for all of them. There are five major ones - the equator, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the Arctic and Antarctic circles. 

where the drift from 2005 to 2010 is precisely marked - Carretera 83, Vía Corta

The Tropic of Cancer is the line of latitude that's the northern boundary of the area referred to as the tropics. The tropics account for about 36 percent of Earth, and about a third of the world's population lives in this area which includes the equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

When the Tropic of Cancer was first named about 2,000 years ago, the sun was pointed in the direction of the constellation of Cancer during the June solstice. The name stuck, even though the location of the sun has shifted and now resides in the constellation of Taurus during that time of year. 

road sign in Bhopal-Sanchi Road - Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons

The Tropic of Cancer goes through sixteen countries, six water bodies and three continents. It cannot be seen because it’s an imaginary line. Some countries through which the Tropic of Cancer passes are Libya, Niger, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, the Bahamas and China.

The June solstice of 2024 falls within days of the Strawberry Full Moon which only occurs in eighteen years. Pay attention to our own energy and watch out for any collective energies encountered. Stay grounded while being open to midsummer mysteries to add to this weekend's fun and interest.

full Strawberry Moon 4 June 2023 - Gary Hershorn / Getty Images

When the sun arrives at the Tropic of Cancer it appears to stand still as it heads back south.  A time referred to as the Marriage of Heaven and Earth - when the earth is at her most fertile and the sun is at its most powerful.

These three days are a great time to work with and heal relationships between the masculine and feminine within - as well as outer physical manifestations we are involved with.

Take this time to enjoy life! Remember that during Mid-Summer the fair folk come through the veils between the worlds and can lend us a helping hand.