Astrology: Summer Solstice: Full Speed Ahead Towards Autumn

By Leah Mueller

Many people regard Summer Solstice, (or Midsummer, as pagans call it), as the first day of the season. However, pagans consider this date to be summer’s exact midpoint. After Midsummer, daylight hours slowly begin to grow shorter. The end of June often feels bittersweet, since the solar energy has already peaked.
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In 2022, Summer Solstice occurs on June 21 at 2:13 AM MST. This represents the annual shift from a Gemini solar cycle to a Cancerian one. The astrological chart for that moment is nothing short of extraordinary, with a large cluster of planets in Aries and Taurus. This pair represents the first two signs of the zodiac, and they don’t mess around. Their purpose is to launch important projects and then stabilize them according to plan.
Aries, the Ram, likes to charge ahead of the pack. Ruled by Mars, Aries is a cardinal fire sign. If you have Aries friends and/or family members, you know how inspiring and powerful they can be. However, Aries’ Achilles heel is heedlessness—a tendency to leap into situations without careful assessment. Make sure you know what you want before you decide to charge after it. This passionate Aries energy extends into June 22, when the moon will conjunct forceful Mars. You might see some fireworks!
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Aries moon will conjoin Jupiter mid-morning on the 21st. Jupiter seeks to expand and exaggerate, giving a shot of energy and enthusiasm wherever he goes. Having just entered Aries for the upcoming year, his mission is to inspire people to reach for larger objectives.

Jupiter sends the message that anything is possible. During this planet’s monthly conjunction with the moon, our emotions become expansive, and our desire for change often accelerates. Be sure to set realistic goals, as you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver. 

The enthusiasm is dampened somewhat by a lingering Venus/Saturn square in the signs of Taurus and Aquarius. This 90-degree angle brings tension between the planet of love and harmony and the planet of duty and restriction. Venus attracts, while Saturn separates. When the two planets square off, they must find new ways to resolve their often-conflicting needs. You might need to take a breather from a loved one for a short while to establish your own boundaries.

A helpful trine (120-degree angle) between Venus and retrograde Pluto (still in Capricorn for another year-and-a-half) helps you to dig deep into your psyche. Pluto represents death, regeneration, power, and the inevitability of change. Which aspects of your closest relationships are most in need of transformation? How can you eradicate longstanding toxic patterns that affect yourself and others? Pluto inspires you to let go of attitudes and habits that no longer serve you.

Uranus continues its long sojourn through Taurus. Uranus, the planet of rebellion, isn’t entirely comfortable in Taurus, a sign that craves stability. Taurus would choose to stay home with Netflix, rather than leading the charge in a demonstration. Uranus makes no major aspects to other planets at Summer Solstice—which might be a good thing, since those planets are already so busy!

Mercury emerges from its retrograde shadow and begins to move at a sprightly pace. Mercury rules Gemini, so the planet is now in its home sign. Communication should pick up noticeably, after a long backwards slog through both Gemini and Taurus. This may well offer a much-needed relief from other cosmic pressures. New projects have the green light now. We’re in Gemini’s waxing cycle, so write those emails and make some new, important contacts.

Those of you who have planets in Aries and Taurus will probably experience these energies with special intensity. However, all natives with significant cardinal sign placements (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and/or a fixed sign emphasis (Taurus, Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio) will likely be affected by the cosmic tapestry, as well. That’s pretty much everyone, right? At least you’ll be in good company! Make sure you communicate with your friends about what you’re feeling. Journaling and creating art/music might also be a great release. Find a new way to share your gifts with the world!

Enjoy the remainder of the summer and use your new opportunities to the fullest! If challenging emotions arise, don’t be afraid to give them a seat at the table. This is the best way to embrace life in all its complexity. You’ll emerge from the season transformed, refreshed, and ready to take on autumn’s challenges. Meanwhile, be sure to have fun!

Leah Mueller (she, her) is the author of ten prose and poetry books. Her work appears in Rattle, Midway Journal, Citron Review, The Spectacle, Miracle Monocle, Outlook Springs, Atticus Review, Your Impossible Voice, etc. It has also been featured in trees, shop windows in Scotland, poetry subscription boxes, and literary dispensers throughout the world. Her flash piece, "Land of Eternal Thirst" will appear in the 2022 edition of Sonder Press' "Best Small Fictions" anthology. She is also a professional astrologer and tarot consultant. Visit her website at www.leahmueller.org.​