The Sun arrives in Cancer on June 20, the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year.
From Celestial Navigation, June 2013: A recap of my favorite season can’t hurt. The celebration of the Summer Solstice (other names: Litha, Midsummer, Gathering Day, Alban Heffyn, Feill Sheathain) is an ancient tradition. In the Northern Hemisphere the Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice are the two most important festivals during the year, followed by the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and Autumn Equinox (Mabon), then the minor festivals Groundhog Day (Imbolc), May Day (Beltane), All Hallows Eve (Samhain), and Lammas, August 2.
Today, celebrations are held between June 21 and June 24 (In Christianity, the Feast of St. John the Baptist). Stonehenge in England is a popular convening place for neo-pagans (Druids, Celts and Wiccans) to watch the sun rise over the Heel Stone on June 21. Herbs for the Summer Solstice include sage, mint, sunflower, basil and lavender. Rituals, divinations and other observations are most effective held at noon when the sun is highest in the sky. I usually start early to celebrate my birthday which comes right after the Summer Solstice. I try to let go of all fears and worries. Every year is different but I usually go through a kind of healing process and renewal. You should all try this when your birthday approaches.
There are six planets in retrograde this month: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto. The Sun and Mars are traveling in a square to each other throughout the whole month so energies are high. There is more tension in the air. Gemini, Pisces, Virgo and Sag people will notice and after the Solstice, Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. It’s no wonder people are getting antsy and want to get out of the house. Everyone is frustrated and bored. Enough of this quarantine stuff. Because of the Sun square Mars, there is a lack of patience and common courtesy. People are getting into public confrontations. If you are going out, be nice. If someone pulls out in front of you, don’t get all bent out of shape. Have forbearance for others. Life is too short!
Since last week, May 25, after I wrote the above, and since the unfortunate demise of George Floyd, the country has turned into a tinderbox. The devil has the people by the throats. Mars in Pisces wouldn’t ordinarily incite people to violence. Jupiter Rx conjunct Pluto Rx in Capricorn might. Jupiter expands what’s going on. Revolt against authority. Saturn Rx in Aquarius square Uranus Rx in Taurus might. Aquarius is the sign of revolution. Mars has already been squaring the Sun for several days. (Wait until Mars gets into Aries. Aries likes to start fights.) I don’t know what to say. There is a serious boil under the surface that has finally burst. Stay tuned. Let’s see how this all plays out. Pray for peace.
In contrast, above the mayhem on earth, on May 31 we have the SpaceX Endeavor Dragon docking with the international space station, a return to space travel for America. Two Americans are joining with three Russian cosmonauts in a friendly partnership for research and exploration. Off the top of my head I don’t know what aspects correspond to this but it is a wonderful thing. Congratulations to the astronauts and God speed.
CELESTIAL ALMANAC: Sagittarius Full Moon June 5, Cancer New Moon June 21-22. The brief conjunction of Mars and Neptune around June 12-13 will affect the water signs. There may be fantasies, secret affairs, creative inspiration or psychic ability. On those days don’t plan on getting much work done.
And now, the forecast for June. Have a nice summer!
With the Sun in Cancer there is more activity in your home. When Mars arrives in your sign on June 28 you can expect an energy surge. You will feel it. You need to find a project to work on, or something that requires plenty of physical hard work. Do gardening or build things. This energy requires an outlet, or you will get into fights, get sick or have an accident. Of course, this won’t happen if you are taking care of yourself and drive carefully. Engage in outdoor activities if you can. Sports, hiking and swimming with social distancing, naturally.
With your ruling planet Venus retrograde, and five others as well, things are probably stuck in the mud. You just have to be patient and make the best of the situation. Finances are limited. Be frugal and buy only what you need. Travel, education and career activities are also affected by the retrogrades. This is not a time of progress, but like everyone else, you have to tough it out. Spend time with your family. Meditate. Read books. Keep a journal and plan for the future. After Venus stations on June 24, you can get a manicure or a haircut.
Your ruling planet Mercury stations Rx on June 18 in Cancer, your money house. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Pay your bills but don’t make any large purchases at this time. Research, organizing files, cleaning out closets are good activities for Mercury Rx, as you know. You might want to clean out the attic or the basement. Throw stuff out that you don’t need. You might find something you had lost! Communications might be confusing or crazy but be patient. Try to meet others halfway. When Venus goes direct on June 24, life will seem much rosier.
This is your special time of the year. If things aren’t going the way you hoped, try not to have any expectations. You may not see your grandchildren or have a birthday party, but every year is different. This year there are limitations. This too shall pass. Because of Mars you may be super sensitive. Don’t take things personally. Read about Gemini. The Mercury Rx suggestions are good for you. You can travel if you like but be flexible. Have plan B ready. On the Solstice, have a quiet celebration at home. A new cycle begins, especially with the New Moon around June 21-22. Make a wish and have a Tarot reading. Divination is powerful now.
The retrograde planets may have you flipping out a little. You may be impatient to get certain things done. But no worries. If there are delays, it’s usually for a good reason. Try to get along with people. They are probably as frustrated as you are. Use the Mercury Rx energies to clean up and organize. When Venus stations on June 24 you may have more contacts with friends and groups, such as Zoom meetings. When Mars moves into Aries, this is actually good for Leos. You will have more energy, whereas you may have been a little sluggish before.
While Mars is in your house of relationships you may still be working on issues with your partner. Because of the opposition between Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto, and the conjunction of Mars and Neptune (a brief transit), relationships may be confusing. Single folks may be attracted to someone out of reach. When Mars moves out of Pisces things get better. Wills, inheritance and finances will be on your mind. The retrograde planets, including your ruling planet Mercury will slow things down, but it’s for a good reason. When Venus goes direct, women may be helpful in your career. The arts will be prominent.
The Sun in Cancer favors your career and your position in the outer world. This all depends on your actual situation. Although a brief influence, it can put your good works in the spotlight. There is a new beginning. Make the most of your connections and associations. Use the Mercury Rx energy to do research and reorganize. Mars moving into your marriage house at the end of June will spark things up. When Venus goes direct on June 24, travel is favored but this depends on what is opening up in your area.
The Summer Solstice and New Moon favor travel, education and foreign influences. You may be doing work with clients at a distance. Make the most of technology. With Mercury Rx you should work on communications and people skills. Remember, it is a different energy. You can learn a lot at this time. This favors virtual classes, teachers and students at all levels. With or without the pandemic, the world is changing. We have been headed in this direction for some time already.
When Mars moves into Aries, children’s activities, romance and social events are favored. You want to get out of the house more, as Sagittarius hates to stay home anyway. You are the ones most likely to hit the beaches as soon as they are open. Go out and have fun but be safe, sensible, courteous, and follow guidelines. When Venus stations on June 24 romance is favored and relationships can move forward. The Full Moon on June 5 may bring some excitement. Romance or the culmination of a project. Final results. Conclusion.
Jupiter and Pluto continue in retrograde. The Summer Solstice and New Moon favor romance, marriage and partnerships of all kinds. This is a good transit for a wedding, even if it is set up in an unconventional way. Even if you can’t have guests, life must go on and nothing can stop people from tying the knot. When Mars moves into Aries on June 28, this is a high energy time for you, and you are super sensitive, like the Cancers. Remain calm. Find some hard work to do, especially around the house.
Saturn continues in retrograde. Your movements are limited. Saturn requires patience. Some people are dealing with injuries or recovering from surgery. Don’t make plans or push for anything just yet. Hang on a little while longer. With Mercury Rx you know it’s better to stay below the radar. Do research. Clean out closets, sort files and write letters. Re-organize your home office. You can have Zoom meetings but don’t sign contracts. Be patient with others. Your plans may change. When Venus goes direct this is favorable for romance and socializing.
Neptune stations around June 23 to go retrograde. Mars conjuncts Neptune on June 12-13 so some of you may feel sluggish, lazy or spaced-out. Physical energy is low at this time, especially for Pisces folks. This transit doesn’t usually present problems but don’t plan on accomplishing much. There is a time and place for everything. You should rest, relax and take a break. Some people may drink or take drugs. Be moderate in all things. The desire to escape from reality is present. Creative inspiration, vivid dreams and psychic experiences are also possible.