The Summer Solstice is here, time to hit the beaches. 
(I just wish it would warm up!) It will be safer this year. Many more people are travelling now that the country is opening up. Continue to be careful. Get your shots. Sanitize and keep a safe distance. Practice patience, kindness, consideration and forbearance in public places. From last year: Everyone is frustrated and bored (and a little crazy.) 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! Today: unfortunately, this bad behavior is still going on. Shootings, unprovoked attacks, road rage, racial violence and police brutality. Top that off with political unrest and hypocrisy. It has been a crazy time.
Also from last year: 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 on June 21. 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.
This year, Mars is not in such a difficult configuration compared to last year. Mars in Cancer briefly opposes Pluto around June 5, which could bring some skirmishes. Good thing it is a brief transit. Uranus is still square Saturn. At the beginning of July, Mars in Leo will form a T-square. This is also a brief transit but just the same, be prepared for rocks and shoals for a few days.
Jupiter is in Pisces since May 13, slowing down. Jupiter is usually in one sign for about a year, although sometimes you have to figure in a retrograde period in the previous sign. He will retrograde beginning at the Summer Solstice, into Aquarius from August until the New Year, back in Pisces until next May, when he enters Aries.
Mercury is Rx until June 23 and you know the drill on that. Reorganize, throw stuff out, do research and don’t sign any papers yet. Venus is in Cancer, on June 2, for a few weeks, then moves into Leo on June 27. Mars arrives in Leo on June 11 for about the next six weeks.
The rest of the bunch are poking along in retrograde. Except Uranus. It may seem like things are sluggish right now because of the inward energies, but that will change.
Celestial Almanac: Gemini New Moon June 10, Capricorn Full Moon June 24-25. Summer Solstice June 21.
Read on for the June forecast. Enjoy the summer and think good thoughts.
Because of Mars in Cancer, you are still working on house projects, or dealing with problems at home. Around June 5, there may be a brief tussle at work because of Pluto. A power struggle. It will pass. Later, watch that Capricorn Full Moon June 24-25. Matters come to a head. Don’t let anyone push you around. Aries can be pretty tough when the occasion calls for it. The Summer Solstice is usually a good beginning for Aries. A change at home or with the career, a move or job offer.
There is upheaval or change in relationships as well as home life and career. It depends on your personal situation. A problem in a relationship may have to be dealt with. You’ll have to duke it out. Mars in Leo lights a fire under you, most likely in your career. It may be a bumpy ride but it’s something you just have to get through. Mars makes things happen. When Mars gets into a challenging position, things have to go through their intended course whether you like it or not.
While the Sun is still here, you are the center of attention. Self-promotion is important at this time. Interviews go well and you make a good impression. You can meet people at social gatherings and make new friends and professional connections. While your ruling planet Mercury is retrograde you can do background work and get your ducks in a row. You may find something you had lost, or figure out new solutions to old problems.
The Mars opposition to Pluto June 5 may be rough but is too short a transit to be of any consequence. (See Aries) Venus comes in June 2 and now you can ask for favors or apply for loans. All relationships are warm and congenial. You are attractive to the opposite sex and can meet new romantic partners as well as reconnect with old friends. Creativity and children’s activities are favored also. Later at the Summer Solstice, things will be even better. This is your time of year to shine. A new cycle may begin. Watch that Capricorn Full Moon on June 24-25.
Mars arrives on June 11. This empowers you. You are now in a high energy cycle and whatever project you have lined up gets moving. You are very busy this month. If you aren’t, then get going. Find something you can sink your teeth into, especially if it requires physical energy. This is a good time to start a new workout regimen, go hiking or swimming. Your health improves. At the beginning of July, watch the T-square of Mars, Uranus and Saturn (a brief transit). For some of you, necessary changes are coming. But it will all be for the best.
Jupiter in Pisces brings expansion in relationships. The grass is greener somewhere else. A relationship will flower, or a new partner may come along. Someone exciting and different. With the Sun and Mercury in the career house, you can promote yourself. Mercury Rx says, pull in the reins briefly and get organized. Take inventory and make plans but don’t sign papers yet. When Mercury goes direct June 23, schedule interviews or open up for business. This transit is good for retailers and small businesses.
The Summer Solstice favors all career activities, and your place in the sun. You might become famous overnight. Because of Venus, the arts, fashion and entertainment are favored. There may be a raise or bonus coming to you. Women, friends or older relatives may be helpful. You should get a make-over, go shopping for clothes and spruce up your image. Because of Mercury Rx travel plans may be a little mixed up, but after June 23 it will be a better time to go.
When Mars enters Leo, you will work up steam in your engine. Read about Leo. You will be more ambitious and determined to advance your career. Nothing wrong with that. There is a time and place for everything. Or you may be challenged in some way and have to defend your position. This will be an interesting period. No worries, though. Mars makes things happen that are supposed to happen. Travel is favored with Venus in Cancer most of June, and at the Summer Solstice.
Mercury Rx makes communications a little confused, affects relationships and business. But this too shall pass. The retrograde only lasts three weeks. The best policy is, to wait and see. Be patient, talk things over and don’t get riled. After June 23 everything returns to normal. Any legal agreements should be settled after this date. Mars in Leo will stir up the travel bug. Go for it, take a trip. Jupiter in Pisces brings positive changes at home. For some of you, it’s a good time to re-finance or go house-hunting.
On June 5 Mars briefly opposes Pluto which may mean a conflict with authority, or it may blow over unnoticed. The Summer Solstice is very good for relationships. You can make a fresh start with your present partner. Some of you may meet a new sweetheart, especially with Venus in Cancer. A very pleasant period lies ahead. You can make new friends or be successful in business. With Mars in Leo, there is financial or legal activity, such as settling a will or estate.
While the Sun is still in Gemini your social life is lively. Go out with friends and play with children. Relax and have fun. On June 11 Mars enters Leo which heats up partnerships. Sparks will fly. Mars stirs things up and make necessary changes happen. You could have a fight and clear the air. A relationship may end or a new one will begin, which could be exciting and passionate. Mars in a fire sign can do that. The Gemini New Moon on June 10 could be the start of a new romance or to say the least, a flirtation.
Jupiter is stationing here all month (retrogrades June 20-21) which means his influence is very strong. It is a benevolent, feel-good aspect, possibly with too much feeling good. You are in a party mood, just in time for summer. You want to relax, eat and drink, and who wouldn’t, now that restaurants and public venues are open for business again, after a dreary year of staying home. Enjoy it, I know I will. But don’t over-do it. Moderation is the best policy.