THE GEMINI COLLECTION
- Stephanie Fay
- May 8
- 25 min read
May 21 - Jun 20
SYMBOL: The Twins
ELEMENT: air
RULER: Mercury
MANTRA: Taking action will create positive transformations in my life.
If you’re seeking a little excitement after Taurus season had you stubbornly committed to your spring plans (like starting that new garden and oh my, why so many chickens and where did these goats come from?! LOL!), well, fear not, because Gemini season is zipping in to stir up loads of fresh energy! During this season, expect your mind to be buzzing with ideas, planning adventures, or untangling intellectual puzzles!
GEMINI TRAITS
The social butterfly of the Zodiac arrives to bring their buzzy, infectious, chatty, spontaneous energy to the party. This optimism-infused sign is dynamic, quick-witted, and can shift the energy in a room in an instant with just a smile. Gemini can be considered a walking contradiction at times (a fundamental characteristic of their dual nature..they’re the Twins, after all!) - highly social but with the need to be alone, lofty and light but also serious and sensitive, and with a truly curious overactive mind. But their enthusiastic, mile-a-minute storytelling will keep you laughing, well entertained and puts everyone at ease. Their innate curiosity and extraordinary intellect allows them to see multiple perspectives and engage with a wide range of topics, from the latest tech to Shakespeare, keeping their friends and loved ones constantly intrigued. If you’ve ever mistaken a Gemini’s friendly conversation for flirting, you’re not alone - they are drawn to individuals who can challenge their thinking and spark interesting discussions.
Ruled by powerhouse communicator Mercury, the Gemini is all about communication and intellectual stimulation. Books, magazines, and records line the typical Gemini’s walls, looking like a dragon hoard - and they will not hesitate to defend their precious hoard with force! Their multitasking skills are unparalleled and their innate adaptability make them excellent partners in fast-paced environments, whether it’s the workforce or homefront. But don’t try to keep them in one place for long…these hyperactive Air signs are severely allergic to monotony, have short attention spans, and are most satisfied when they can move fluidly from one idea to the next.
Gemini’s need for constant stimulation can make it challenging for them to settle down or stick to routines, causing frustration for themselves and those around them. Chronically scattered and stretched wayyy too thin (albeit of their own doing!), Geminis may wish to consider developing habits that enhance their focus and follow-through. By setting clear priorities, boundaries, and expectations and learning to enjoy the process of seeing things through, they can harness their dynamic energy in more productive (ahem, consistent) ways. Grounding exercises like meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature will help to keep the flighty Gemini rooted in their goals. Consistency and predictability may be “boring”, but that doesn’t mean fleeing to the farthest reaches of the Universe to escape them. Maybe try switching things up just a little - like trying a new exercise routine, a different brand of coffee, or embracing a new book genre.
The Twins’ chatty social chameleon rep can sometimes earn Gemini a reputation as two-faced and truth be told, they have been known to stir up gossip just to keep things exciting. While not usually malicious, Gemini’s love for sharing interesting tidbits may lead them to share information without fully verifying it, sometimes even spilling secrets without thinking twice. Gossip for them isn’t so much about talking negatively about someone as it is about sharing what’s on their mind and sometimes, they do that without much of a filter. Sensitivity isn't their strong suit, so it's important for Gems to remember that some things are better left unsaid.
Even though Gemini is easily the life of the party without trying, the Twins also have a deep emotional side that needs care and feeding. Gemini like time by themselves to read, create, daydream, and come up with other ways of sharing their gifts with the world. When a Gemini can truly tap in and share their gifts, they're an unstoppable force of energy that can motivate, inspire, and enchant the rest of the Zodiac.
Our signature Gemini artisan botanical soap bars, stamped with the constellation, embrace the social butterfly of the Zodiac with a bright and playful palette and a stunning butterfly swirl design. We've topped these bars with dozens of lil soap butterflies for extra smiles. :)
Gemini is scented in a summery herbal concoction fit for fairies and butterflies!) Top notes of mandarin peel and mint lead to an herbaceous heart of lavender, geranium, and thyme, set in an earthy base of soothing cedarwood. A truly blissful buzz!
THE TWINS
Appropriately symbolized by the celestial twins, this air sign was interested in so many pursuits that it had to double itself. The symbol of the Twins reflects the dual nature of Gemini—two distinct yet interconnected personalities within one entity. This duality manifests as adaptability, versatility, and a keen ability to see multiple perspectives.
The constellation of Gemini is made up of two bright stars marking the heads of the twins, Castor and Pollux. The easiest way to spot Gemini is to locate Orion's Belt, then follow the line from Rigel (Orion's right foot and brightest star), through the belt, and up towards Betelgeuse (Orion's left shoulder). Continue that line, and you'll eventually spot Castor and Pollux. Pollux’s right foot is the star Alhena, a bright star right in line between the even brighter stars Pollux and red Betelgeuse in Orion. The Gemini constellation is also known for the awe-inspiring Medusa Nebula, with serpentine filaments of glowing gas suggesting its popular mythological roots. Gemini also gives rise to the lovely Geminids Meteor Shower occurring annually in mid-December. This shower is only one of two major meteor showers that originate from an asteroid and not a comet.
Gemini is characterized by the Twins, Castor and Pollux, and is known for having two different sides they can display to the world. Their mother was Leda, Queen of Sparta, whom Zeus visited one day in the form of a swan (now represented by the constellation Cygnus….keep reading for more about Cygnus!). That same night she also slept with her husband, King Tyndareus. Both unions were fruitful; Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndarus, while Pollux was the immortal son of Zeus. Both Castor and Pollux, being identical twins, were inseparable in their looks and actions. Castor was great horseman and Pollux was a great fighter. Together, they went with Jason on the Argo and saved the ship from a terrible storm. When Castor was later killed in battle, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to make him mortal so that the two could be reunited. Despite the danger, Pollux followed his brother into the underworld. Zeus was overwhelmed by his action and agreed to his request. But, it came with a condition – Zeus offered that the twins share immortality, thus they could only spend half of the year on Olympus and the other half was to be spent in the underworld. As a reward for their superhuman love, Pollux and his brother were placed among the stars as the constellation Gemini. Owing to their successful journey with the Argonauts, the twins became the patron saints of sailors, thus when sailors saw these two stars together, they knew their journey would be prosperous. However, seeing only one star foretold bad luck.
Our Twins perfume oil blend captures the ethereal promise of spring's aromatic bouquet with a flawless balance of fruit and floral notes for an utterly enchanting experience! Top notes of ripe peach and zesty mandarin offer up a joyous opening, leading to a floral heart of rose and sweet pea, backed by smooth musk and rich teakwood. Fairy approved!
AIR ELEMENT
The four elements - Earth, Air, Fire, Water - are key components associated with each astrological sign. Tuning in to the language of the elements throughout each season of the year can offer powerful guidance for self-growth and awareness, helping one cultivate a deeper connection to the Universe and the Divine. When we honor and accept the interconnectedness of our place within the natural world and its inherent energies and influences, we can be empowered to manifest the world we want to live in.
The elements speak to the core essence of each sign, and each element influences 3 signs. Elemental magick features prominently within each Zodiac product collection. The scent profiles for each product are intrinsically tied to the element for that sign, with a nod to seasonal appropriateness. And every collection features an element specific product. From body sprays to bath salts, we'll have exciting new offerings every month that we hope you will love.
Air represents the light and dynamic, sparkling essence of Gemini, characterized by their intellectual, communicative, and social nature. The air element endows them with a natural flair for conversation, an ability to see both sides of any situation and a desire for intellectual stimulation. This makes them excellent at connecting with a wide array of people and ideas, with an innate curiosity that endears them to a diverse circle of friends.
The downside to the air element is that it can sometimes have a tendency to get Gemini caught up in their headspace - often overthinking their next move instead of taking action and losing themselves in daydreaming. It can also lead them to be inconsistent or scattered and lacking in follow-through. They can also be prone to anxiousness or habits of keeping their past alive by talking or thinking about what has already come and gone.
PHEME: Air Element Ritual Bath & Body Oil
Our ritual Elemental body oils offer a unique and deeply personal method for attuning to each element and season. The oil may be utilized simply as a part of a nourishing skincare routine or as an intentional ritual to establish balance and rhythm in one's life path.
Pheme (fee-mee), the Greek Goddess of Fame and Rumor, is a perfect deity for chatty Gemini. The OG influencer and viral content creator with powers that make modern media look like child's play! Pheme is considered an Air Element deity and is generally depicted with wings that are each adorned with thousands of eyes and ears like confetti; she holds a trumpet for broadcasting the latest gossip, amplifying whispers to divine decibels. Pheme lived in a brass mansion atop a high mountain - sounds as subtle as whispers reverberated throughout her home so that she never missed any important news. Famous for her unrelenting capacity to spread both news and notoriety, Pheme would flutter about learning the affairs of both mortals and gods, and her tales and gossip could raise heroes to the skies or plummet them to the depths of despair. As with the chatty Gemini, her whispers that began truthfully at times, would often become embellished via the grapevine. Pheme's lesson for us in these troubling times of near constant shouts of "fake news" is to always check your sources and maybe don't share everything you hear at the divine water cooler. ;)
Our Pheme aromatic body and bath blend opens with an invigorating burst of zesty mandarin and bright bergamot rounded out by a heart of creamy coconut and heady jasmine, finishing with a lasting base of warm sandalwood and sensual musk. Radiant and rich! This one screams summer vibes!
Air Element Product Highlight: MELISSAE Aromatic Body Mist
If you’ve been following along, you know that each Zodiac collection includes an Element-specific product that perfectly captures the elemental magick of each sign. For our Gemini Collection, we're working with the Air Element. What body product implies air?? We think body mist!
Our Melissae Aromatic Body Mist honors the ancient Elusinian "bee priestesses" of the Goddess Demeter who served as messengers of divine revelation, prophesy, and wisdom. In ancient Greece, honey was considered a divine gift and bees held a sacred place in society. The Melissae (mel-ee-seh) were guardians of the Earth and the interconnectedness of all life, and these priestesses worked in communion with the bees, revered allies closely associated with the divine feminine essence (Melissa in Greek means honey bee). Bees were regarded as embodiments of fertility, abundance and nurturing love. Closely tied to the Element of Air, the Melissae guide those who express their truth in writing, song, or inspire others with their eloquence.
Our Melissae aromatic blend radiates summer's warmth with top notes of sparkling citrus, nectar-rich honey notes, and a floral bouquet of powdery sweet mimosa flower and intoxicating jasmine, grounded in rich amber and vanilla notes. A euphoric burst of laughter and light!
(psst....the mimosa tree is often called the "tree of happiness" and is a longstanding symbol of feminism.)
Want to connect more deeply with the Melissae? The Melissae can be called upon whenever you wish to express yourself creatively through words. You may even invite them to participate in your tarot and oracle card readings. Invoke their presence through communion with the bees - sit in your garden and listen to the hypnotic buzzing of bees visiting flowers, light a beeswax candle on your altar to center yourself before meditating, writing in your journal, or practicing oracular readings, and offer a spoonful of honey to the Melissae, Demeter, or any other deity of your choosing. The Melissae offer us a gentle reminder of the importance of harmony between humans and nature. Tread lightly. Save the bees.
PLANETARY INFLUENCE: MERCURY
Mercury, the Cosmic Messenger, governs communication, language, intellect, and the exchange of information. In Roman mythology, Mercury is associated with the winged messenger god, Mercury (or Hermes in Greek mythology), who was known for his swiftness and eloquence. According to myth, Mercury was the son of Jupiter (the Roman equivalent of Zeus) and Maia, one of the Pleiades. From his earliest days, Mercury exhibited remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness. Legend has it that he invented the lyre using a tortoise shell on the very day of his birth, demonstrating his extraordinary talents and cleverness. Inspired by Mercury the messenger, Gemini is an amazing communicator and master wordsmith, with an innate ability to articulate their thoughts with eloquence and precision. This planet may be small in stature, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its impact on our daily interactions with others. That’s why when Mercury is direct in its orbit, communication, mentality, and travel plans are mostly intact — but during the planet’s thrice-yearly retrograde periods, misunderstandings, brain fog, and travel mishaps run rampant. Heads up for that next Mercury retrograde coming mid-July! ;)
For Romans, Mercury was the God of Commerce, and thus Mercury is seen also as a planet of skill and trade and travel. Geminis have multifaceted hobbies, interests, and talents that make their lives full of life and color. They can be crafty, handy, and intuitively able to figure out how things work. Their playful curiosity leads them to fun and interesting places. The high energy of the winged messenger means Gemini doesn't stay in any place very long.
Our Mercury perfume oil blend opens with vibrant citrus and juicy fruit notes, blending seamlessly into a playful heart of florals and ozonic notes, while warm vanilla and soft musk provide the perfect grounding touch. Dreamy & enchanting! You'll be dancing in the clouds!
Psst...vibe check to see if you're still reading....do you think we should create a Mercury Retrograde roller? Something to keep you calm when the tech goes haywire and you need to think before you speak?? Lemme know your thoughts!
TAROT CARD: THE LOVERS
Each sign has a corresponding tarot card from the Major Arcana that symbolizes some of its characteristics. The art of the traditional Rider-Waite deck is what is used to make comparisons to the Zodiac signs. Gemini is ruled by The Lovers card of the Major Arcana. It’s not surprising to see that The Lovers card is associated with the effervescent Gemini. Often known as a card signifying love, relationships, and choices, this card too, reveals a dual message.
The Lovers card represents having two strong options, and the need to make a decision between them: two people, two choices, two sides, etc. The depiction of Adam and Eve in The Lovers card symbolizes duality -- they are two halves of a greater whole. Eve stands next to the Tree of Knowledge and around that tree is coiled the snake. Adam stands next to the Tree of LIfe with its twelve fruits, one for each sign of the zodiac. The two figures in the Lovers card are blessed and protected by the Archangel Raphael, the angel of Air, a messenger of love, who brings guidance from the heavens. One of the associations of Air is communication, necessary for a healthy relationship. Similarly, Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the messenger planet. The flames behind the man represent the flames of passion, indicating the primary concern of the man. There are twelve flames, representing the twelve zodiac signs, the symbol of time and eternity. Adam is gazing forward, because he represents physical presence. Eve, however, is looking upward, representing an intuitive presence. With the combined forces of body and mind, they create one whole, just like the Gemini Twins. The Lovers card signifies the art of harmonizing diverse elements, weaving connections, and embracing the dynamic interplay of ideas.
A key component of any healthy relationship is communication. Both Gemini and The Lovers emphasize the importance of this while calling to the power of choice in shaping our lives. They both resonate with energy to see both sides of a situation and weigh the pros and cons before taking action. The Lovers card is reflective of a Gemini’s decision-making process and showcases their inner duality and need for strong healthy connections.
When The Lovers card comes up in a reading, it suggests a time of harmony and balance in the realm of your personal relationship. Your inner and outer nature are functioning alongside each other. There is a blending of two energies into a third magical force. The trust and unity you have with each other will help in giving confidence and strength to both. Sometimes when this card comes up in a reading, you may need to make a careful choice between two possible options and take the best decision keeping the situation in mind.
Let The Lovers serve as a reminder to honor our relationships through open and honest communication. The celestial twins teach us to go about life exploring different perspectives, trying new things, and most importantly that life is a series of experiences meant to be enjoyed and shared with others.
Our Lovers smoothing body silk blend is a refreshing citrus twist! Bright bergamot lights up the opening act, while a sophisticated heart of neroli, eucalyptus and vetiver adds a dramatic arc. The finishing act concludes with a unique and glorious performance by citrusy, herbaceous hinoki cypress. Playful & indulgent!
AMULETS & ALLIES
If you've visited our retail boutique, you know we loooove our crystals! Some of the larger "statement" crystals in our shop are just there for the high vibes, but we always have an eclectic selection of pocket stones and fun shapes like fairies and mushies to accompany our product collections. This year, we'll be adding custom curated tumbled crystal sets for each Zodiac sign! These sets will be included in each of our gift boxes (see below!). Now, these crystals won't necessarily align with the traditional birthstones you may be familiar with, but they will offer positive and powerful benefits for each sign.
What crystals are appropriate for our social butterfly Geminis? This twinkling zodiac sign works well with crystals that capture that big bright, enthusiastic energy. Powerful stones that support their creative minds, their adept communication skills, and their easy breezy, flowy nature will all work a charm. Yet, they also may need stones that encourage decisive action and bring balance to their busy minds.
Our Custom Curated Gemini crystal collection:
Citrine
Sunny yellow-hued citrine, carrying within it the power of the Sun, represents joy and is a perfect choice for Gemini’s energetic spirit. The energizing power of citrine enhances Gemini's natural curiosity and communication skills. Known as the “Stone of Abundance” and the “Merchant’s Stone”, citrine carries a positive vibration for auspicious energy and prosperity! Citrine helps you to realize and step into your own power. It boosts self-worth and self-confidence and increases motivation. No bad vibes allowed!
Howlite
Geminis have a lot of brilliant energy in their heads and higher chakras. Howlite vibrates with a patient, soothing energy to offer a much-needed dose of balance. It is an incredibly soothing stone that absorbs stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. As an air stone, Howlite resonates with balancing and bringing out the best in the mental body. Howlite settles down a busy and racing mind while easing mental tension. It is also known as a study stone that enhances reason, objectivity, and retentive memory. It heightens Gemini’s natural thirst for knowledge, and it even directs them to seek higher spiritual understanding and awareness through its activation of the crown chakra. Howlite finesses communication skills, promoting the clear and calm expression of feelings in a way that honors all parties.
Chrysocolla
This Caribbean-hued treasure is attributed to Gemini and Mercury. Chrysocolla activates the throat chakra to assist with authentic, heartfelt communication. Chrysocolla also upgrades the throat chakra, awakening the ability to channel information, wisdom, and guidance from a higher spiritual perspective. It also heightens the power of chanting, spoken affirmations, and making sacred sounds for purposes such as healing and enlightenment. For Geminis who are lacking a filter, Chrysocolla can help them tell when it is appropriate to speak up and when to hold back. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.
Known as a stone of empowerment, Chrysocolla can assist flighty Geminis to settle down, focus, and get important things done. Known also as the “teaching stone” as it invites expression, creativity, owning your truth, and keeping a serene feeling through all of this. Chrysocolla calms the nerves, which is perfect for anxious Geminis who have bitten off more than they can chew.
Another interesting fact about this blue crystal is that it's also a hermit stone, so Chrysocolla can help social Gemini find comfort and peace in their own perfect company.
Celestite
Celestite is a very high vibrational stone with angelic energy, bringing peaceful energy to Gemini's active mind. This connection to the spiritual realm will stimulate clairvoyant communications with your ancestral and spirit guides, and also helps with dream work, particularly dream recall and lucid dreaming. While Gemini gets a lot of energy out of being sociable and staying busy as a bee, this stone can help usher in balance as it welcomes peace and serenity and makes space for spirituality. Use Celestite in prayer, meditation, and Reiki practices to enhance your connection to your higher self and ancestral guides, enhance angelic communication, and promote inner tranquility.
Celestite is considered a creative stone that resonates with Gemini’s use of language as an art form. This crystal’s tranquil vibrations calm your nerves before performances, public speaking, and other stressful situations. Celestite can bring clarity, particularly when a big decision is needed and can help bring about peaceful conflict resolution. Celestite can also help you to find that inner balance and quell the storms of overwhelm that can sometimes lead to burnout.
As an added bonus for our Celestial Sol 2025 Series, we now have handmade authentic crystal bracelets for each Zodiac sign. Our resident gemstone expert (kudos to Shara!) has thoughtfully crafted each bracelet with her extensive knowledge of gemstone energetics. The crystals included in each are meant to offer balancing energies to each specific sign. Check out our full collection of Zodiac bracelets!
MYTHS & MAGICK
Summer Solstice (cusp of Gemini/Cancer)
Although the Summer Solstice technically falls within the first days of Cancer season, it is, in my humble opinion, more in tune with Gemini season than with Moon-ruled Cancer season. The Solstice represents a significant energetic shift that brings renewal and change into our lives, reminds us to celebrate transitions, and inspires us to reflect on our relationship with both light and darkness - the ultimate expression of duality. Bright Solstice blessings, my friends! 💛
The Summer Solstice is celebrated on/about June 21, and recognizes the longest day of the year, after which the daylight hours slowly shrink until the Winter Solstice in mid-December. The Summer Solstice is also known as Midsummer, and on Midsummer's Eve, the fairies are said to dance freely under the moonlight. Folklore tells us that fairies and other spirits abound on this night, a belief so widely held that it inspired Shakespeare to write an entire play about it. Our ancestors regarded Midsummer’s Eve as a time of intense magick, and any herbs gathered at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve were believed to have unparalleled potency. This is the very reason we chose Solstice as our business name - herbs are the heart of our joie de vivre (joy of living!) and well...fae blood runs in our veins, too!
Our Summer Solstice bars feature a colorful, dancing fire sprite in golden hues to energize your day! A bright, sunny symphony of energizing citrus fruits - lemon, lime, mandarin, grapefruit, yuzu and bergamot - for a zingy blast of radiant splendor. A supporting cast of elegant jasmine and juicy summer fruits wrap this one in a ribbon of summer's most beloved aromatic finery. You NEED this one in your Solstice soap
collection!
FULL STRAWBERRY MOON - JUNE 11, 2025
June’s full Moon—typically the last full Moon of Spring or the first of Summer, depending on whether it falls before or after the Solstice —has traditionally been called the Strawberry Moon. It earns this name from the Native American Algonquian tribes that live in the northeastern United States as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries that are ready to be gathered.
The Strawberry Full Moon is the perfect time to align with your inner self and nature, as we now enter the brightest and warmest season of the year. Strawberries symbolize prosperity and love in many cultural traditions. By looking inward and getting in touch with your values, you can use the Full Strawberry Moon to jump-start your manifestation process. Get outside and align with this bountiful energy!
Our Strawberry Moon soap features a brightly glowing moon rising above a green field of "strawberries" and a sky streaked with pink hues. Have you heard the saying "red sky at night, sailor's delight"? Our pink sky means a beautiful day will be dawning come morning! (Does the moon look more like a sun? Eh, maybe so....art is subjective, yo!)
Strawberry Moon will transport you to idyllic summer days with its bright and bubbly aromatic palette. Zesty pink grapefruit, bergamot and juicy lemon dazzle the senses with bubbly effervescence, while an aromatic heart of summer herbs - lavender, mint and thyme - add a welcome touch of summery sophistication. Fresh and fun! (No strawberries to be found here, lol, as y'all have proven over and over that you aren't big fans of fruity and gourmand scents!)
Solar Return
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!
Our founder, owner, and proud maker of Solstice magick turns 55 this Gemini season! And Solstice
Herb Farm marks 11 years in business this June! Let's celebrate!!
Every year, something special happens in the sky around your birthday—it's called a solar return. This marks the time when the Sun comes back to the exact spot it was in when you were born. Your solar return is like your spiritual homecoming, a time to reflect on the milestones of the past year as you look forward with optimism. A solar return is like a cosmic reset button, signaling the start of a new chapter in your life. Rather than resist the growing pangs of another birthday, accept the flow of changes coming your way. It's a wonderful time to set clear personal intentions, focus on your personal development and spiritual evolution, and prioritize yourself to make way for a brand new era of YOU!
Our Solar Return bar resembles a layer cake in a fresh summery palette. Delicately scalloped layers of soft pastels are topped with an elegant, embossed floral filigree pattern. Our radiant aromatic palette is a celebration in itself! Zesty bergamot, vibrant petitgrain, dreamy neroli, and cheerful jasmine play a delightful symphony, while sensual sandalwood sets the base. Party on!
Cygnus the Swan
Cygnus, aka the Swan constellation, aka the Nothern Cross, is one of the most recognizable star patterns in the night sky. Many cultures believed that Cygnus was a gateway to the afterlife and that the souls of the departed would pass through it on their journey to the Otherworld. The swan being of three realms - land, sky, and water - has long associated it as a symbol of liminality. The "swan song" is a common phrase derived from the belief that swans sing beautifully just once in their lifetimes, right before their death, a prophecy of their own demise and a metaphor of their link to the Otherworld. The Milky Way is sometimes referred to as the "swan road" as one can use Cygnus to locate the Milky Way, which has long been revered as a celestial pathway between our world and the Divine realms.
In ancient Greece, the swan was associated with Aphrodite and was seen as a symbol of love and beauty, and the swan was sacred to Apollo as a symbol of poetry and philosophy and Apollo was often depicted riding a swan. Poets like Yeats and Hans Christian Andersen wrote about swans as shapeshifters, and the Celts variously referred to swans as either fairies under enchantment or akin to the selkies, able to cast off their disguise and turn human. The Romans associated Cygnus with the tragic story of Phaethon, the son of Helios the Sun God, who demanded to ride his father's sun chariot for a day. Unfortunately, he was unable to control the chariot and Zeus was forced to destroy him in the process. Phaethon's lover, Cygnus, grieved so bitterly that the gods turned him into a swan and placed him among the stars. In other cultures the swan is seen as a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and enlightenment...and even the soul itself.
Cygnus is a popular constellation for astronomers to view during the height of summer. Cygnus contains Deneb, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, as its "tail star". On summer nights, Deneb joins with two other bright stars, Vega (from the Lyra the Harp constellation) and Altair (from the Aquila the Eagle constellation) to create an asterism (a notable placement of stars) called the Summer Triangle. The Summer Triangle serves as a stellar calendar, marking the seasons. So when the stars of the Summer Triangle light up the eastern twilight dusk in middle to late June, it’s a sure sign of the change of seasons, of spring giving way to summer. However, when the Summer Triangle is high in the south to overhead at dusk and early evening, the Summer Triangle’s change of position indicates that summer has ebbed into fall.
Cygnus constellation and night sky orientation; soap bubble nebula (shown also with Crescent nebula)
But there's yet another distinctive reason to enjoy Cygnus. Embedded in the constellation is a recently discovered diffuse nebula aptly named the Soap Bubble Nebula. It appears as a symmetrical sphere on clear, moonless nights in August and September (with a bit of help from a telescope!). We simply couldn't overlook this soapy tidbit about Cygnus! Happy soaping!
Our Cygnus bar is a distinct design called the circling Taiwan swirl and requires a specialized cutting technique to reveal the design. A serene palette of soft yellow, white, and dove gray in a repeating wing-like pattern offers soothing vibes. Tropical botanicals and greenery crested by top notes of lime, agave, and honeydew offer a lush aromatic experience. Paradise awaits!
Pegasus and the Muses
Geminis are undoubtedly blessed with the gift of gab, and one of their proclivities is a strong connection to poetry. Their communicative nature and ability to express themselves through words make them natural poets, capable of crafting verses that are both playful and profound. As you just read above, the swan has a significant connection to poetry. But another creature is even more innately linked to poetry!
Pegasus is a majestic winged horse of Greek mythology, said to have been born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was killed by the hero Perseus. This magnificient creature, with its flowing mane and powerful wings, embodies freedom, divine inspiration, and the pursuit of the impossible. Even the gods marveled at Pegasus's beauty, power, and grace as he was a creature unlike any other - a symbol of untamed majesty and divine power. Zeus recognized Pegasus with honor, and tasked the creature with carrying his thunderbolts, the very symbols of Zeus's power and authority.
Pegasus is also intrinsically linked to the Muses - the nine Muses are ancient Greek personifications of the arts and knowledge. It is said that the Muses inspired art, literature, and all creative endeavors. According to myth, where ever Pegasus’s hooves touch the earth it would create a spring, and the Hippocrene Fountain on Mt. Helicon was the spring created to prevent the mountain swelling with the rapture of song from the muses. The Muses (aka the Pegasides) would live around the springs and often immersed themselves in the waters when in need of fresh inspiration. This spring became later known as the source of all poetic inspiration. Many poets traveled to the spring to drink its water and enjoy its inspiration.
Our Pegasus bar features a top of sparkling, fluffy white clouds amidst golden rays of sun hovering over a fresh green base accented by white "wings" outlined in shimmering gold. When two bars are placed side by side, the effect is magickal! Pegasus' outstretched wings shine in stunning fashion!
Pegasus is scented in a refreshing and bold aromatic palette of zesty lime and fresh cucumber, delicately sweetened by juicy melon. It's a classic combo that will evoke a sense of nostalgia and cheery summer vibes!
Purple Mountain Majesty
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
- first stanza of America The Beautiful, Katherine Lee Bates, 1893 (1911 version)
Bates' iconic lyrics vividly depict our country's greatest gems - the diverse and beautiful landscapes of our nation's natural grandeur that evoke a sense of pride and joy so strong and so widely held by the American people that their majestic beauty drove the creation of the National Park system. Today, the National Park Service system protects nearly 400 national parks, seashores, battlefields, national monuments, cultural treasures and more.
Despite what our current administration would have you believe, millions of Americans and tourists from all over the world visit our parks annually, generating over $55 billion in economic output for the U.S. economy, supporting more than 415k jobs and $19 billion in labor income. Regional economies rely heavily on the anticipated tourism from our parks.
But I digress....(although I will leave you with this NPR article about the origin of America the Beautiful and Bates’ aspirations for our country. It speaks volumes for our current times.)
Our precious, ancient Smoky Mountains are both sacred and magical. The mountains of East Tennessee and western North Carolina are blanketed by a smoky haze. The smoke gives the area a mystical and mysterious look. The Cherokee Indians, the original inhabitants of the area, called these dark, fog-streaked hills “Shaconage”—the “place of blue smoke.” This natural fog is what makes our mountains some of the most magnificent and breathtaking mountains in the world to see!
The “smoke” that you see in the Smoky Mountains is actually fog that comes from vegetation in the area. While plants take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, they also exhale something called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are harmless natural chemicals that cause various scents and odors, such as the distinct piney smell from a Christmas tree or the damp earth scent called "petrichor" that occurs after a spring rain. Since the millions of bushes, trees, and other plant life in the Smoky Mountains come together to give off vapor, it creates the fog that gives the Smokies their unique appearance!
While often seen as "blue" smoke, it's not uncommon for the smoky layer to exhibit jaw-dropping purple hues, evoking the "purple mountain majesties" refrain and an unfettered sense of peace and awe.
We hope that our Purple Mountain Majesty bar evokes a fraction of that wonder and awe, whilst helping you to remember that our National Parks are priceless just the way they are...unspoiled national treasures that need to be protected for ours and every generation to come. In fact, we're donating 50% of the proceeds from these bars to the National Park Foundation to help preserve our sacred park system and the majestic beauty they offer to all of us.
Our Purple Mountain Majesty bars illustrate the natural beauty of the Smokies with layers of rolling purple mountain peaks in an ombre design beneath a vibrant orange and yellow sunset. Purple Mountain Majesty is scented in a sumptuously sweet blend of sun-ripened apricot and nectarine, soft jasmine, soothing lavender, and comforting base of vanilla, patchouli and vetiver. Understated luxury!
Our Custom Curated Gemini gift box set!
The perfect birthday gift for the lively Gemini in your life! Our customizable Zodiac gift box sets offer a flexible range of price and product options so that you can tailor the gift for your Gemini personality. Our loyal long-standing Solstice fans know that our gift boxes are pure botanical magick! And these customizable Zodiac boxes offer up plentiful options - from the effortless to the extraordinary!
Each Gemini gift box will include our signature Gemini artisan botanical soap bar, The Lovers Smoothing Body Silk, our custom curated Gemini crystal pouch set with info cards, and your choice of perfume roller. Add-on options include an additional perfume roller, our Pheme ritual bath and body oil blend, and our Melissae aromatic body mist. (Of course you can always add more fun products to your order - we won't stop you!) :) We also include a printed resource guide of all the products in the set so that your Gemini bestie can delight in all the details!
And don't forget that we have tons of fun accessories in our retail boutique, inlcuding Zodiac greeting cards, stickers, cute little Zodiac books, and bath accesories galore.
A Bit of Cheeky Fun!
We hope you enjoy our silly Gemini meme dump!
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