June 21 is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer and the summer solstice. Here’s how astrologers say you should celebrate it this year.
The summer solstice, which happens each year between June 20 and June 21, occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere, creating the longest, sunniest day of the year and one celebrated by countless cultures throughout history. In astrology, this day has its own significance. Here’s what experts say is the meaning of summer solstice and how to celebrate this powerful astronomical event.
What Summer Solstice Represents in Astrology
Summer solstice brings reflection and planning, says astrologer Lauren Ash of St. Louis. “The summer solstice offers the opportunity to reflect on the first half of the year and to look forward to what we can accomplish with the year ahead,” the expert tells DailyOM.
Melbourne, Australia–based Jordane Maree, astrologer and founder of Girl and Her Moon, whom DailyOM spoke with for this story, says that every seasonal shift represents the start, or “initiation,” of energetic shifts and new beginnings. The summer solstice marks the end of Gemini season and the beginning of Cancer season. As the Earth and the zodiac shift seasons, our internal energies shift as well. Aside from social or weather structures, there’s a reason we’re more inclined to visit home during the summer months of family-oriented Cancer and protective Leo.
“Cancer season takes us out of our minds and deeper into our bodies,” Maree explains. “Deep healing can be met under the energy of Cancer — healing that can only be experienced and felt through emotion.”
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2023 Transits and Astrological Occurrences
It’s important to recognize what kind of astrological occurrences are happening around this period of the summer solstice because they can forecast what you can expect in the months ahead. Here, Ash gives us the details.
New Moon in Gemini (June)
After a rough eclipse season, June’s new moon in Gemini is a dream come true. Since Gemini is the fluttering social butterfly, this moon can bring in very exciting new connections. According to Ash, you can expect it to breathe fresh life into your social circles and your life overall. “It’s a good time to embrace summer fun, take a spontaneous road trip, or even take on a new hobby,” she says.
Venus Retrograde in Leo (July 22)
Ash makes one thing very clear: This particular transit is a big, big deal. In fact, it’s one of the most important events of 2023, given that Venus turns retrograde just once a year.
Venus will enter Leo on June 5, prompting us to inhale Leo’s romantic and Disney-style attitude toward love. Think: grand gestures, big feels, and over-the-top commitments. “This transit is known to boost confidence, sex appeal, flirtation, and romance in general,” Ash says. “It’s a good time to flirt and have some fun.”
Sounds great, right? Yes, but when Venus in Leo turns retrograde on July 22, those “Leo themes” (like love, confidence, and passion) will shift into low gear. A planet in retrograde is like a planet in slow motion: It still works, but just not to its full capacity. The good news is that retrograde slowdown can actually encourage us to deeply evaluate our lives within those planetary themes.
“When Venus goes retrograde in a sign like Leo, you can expect to see a shift in how you approach your love life, personal values, creative endeavors, and passions,” Ash tells DailyOM.
She says to keep an eye out for two key dates while Venus is in retrograde in Leo:
- July 27: On this day, Venus retrograde and Mercury (the planet of communication) will come together in the sky, encouraging you to share your feelings and speak your truth.
- August 8: Today, Venus retrograde will collide with the planet of rebellion, Uranus, making for an intense, almost harsh time. You may be pushed to break free from what’s holding you back. Do it even if you’re scared!
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo (August 23)
Mercury will take its triannual backward turn starting in August. Typically, when Mercury, the planet of communication, is in retrograde, we experience communication, tech, and travel delays. (Again, the planet still works while in retrograde, just not to the best of its ability.)
It already sounds a bit rough, but in fact, this particular Mercury retrograde will likely be even more of a doozy. Why is this? Ash explains, “This Mercury retrograde is one of the most powerful of the year because it’s occurring in a Mercury-ruled sign.”
What that means is our classic Mercury retrograde mishaps — like accidentally clicking “Reply all” instead of “Reply” to an email or rescheduling a friend date for the fifth time — will be in acceleration mode.
So, when Mercury turns retrograde in Virgo, which is a particularly detail-oriented sign, it makes all a little more prone to missing important side notes or subtext.
Virgo is also a sign about health and detoxing, and with Mercury in retrograde, we will be provided with the energy we need to make intentional decisions about what’s right for us.
“Because Virgo is a sign associated with overall mental, spiritual, and physical health, you could take a look at your current health and wellness routines,” says Ash. “If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get back to the gym or start cooking from home more often, this is the time to do it.”
Remember: Because the energy is slow, retrogrades provide us time to reconsider and reevaluate the areas of these “Virgo themes” we’ve mentioned.
Rituals to Celebrate Summer Solstice
Below, our experts share five rituals to help you harness the power of the summer solstice, which will occur in 2023 on June 21 at 10:58 a.m. EDT. During such a potent and dynamic period of the zodiac, meeting this date with energy and intention can provide profound benefits and increased understanding of yourself — and set you up for a successful year!
1. Setting Summer Intentions
According to Maree, the summer solstice is one of the best times to set intentions, and all it takes is a journal.
Materials
- Pen
- Paper
Instructions
- First, allow your mind and imagination to wander. Imagine how good things can get in your life.
- Distill your greatest hopes, plans, and dreams into simple, one- or two-sentence intentions. Make them as personal and specific as you can.
- Write down each intention in your journal.
- Keep these written intentions in a special place where you can see, read, or say them aloud often as a way to focus on what you want to achieve in the coming months.
2. Fire Cleansing
Ash explains that in Scandinavian countries, the solstice is celebrated by honoring the Norse sun goddess with nightlong bonfires. This exercise is a unique take on this historic ritual and can be done simply at home.
Materials
- Pen
- Piece of paper
- Matches
- Fireproof bowl
- Any crystals or incense that you connect with or feel would enhance the ritual
Instructions
- Using pen and paper, write down all the things that make you feel stuck. Be honest and clear, even if that is difficult or painful.
- Reflect and meditate on your obstacles. Does your heart feel heavy? How much of what’s holding you back is actually within your control? As you reflect, imagine these obstacles becoming smaller and more powerless.
- Write down an intention to push back against these challenges, such as “I am ready to release the people who hold me back.”
- Light the paper on fire and consider chanting an affirming mantra that is meaningful to you as you do so.
- Drop the burning paper carefully into the fireproof bowl.
3. Visualizing
Visualization is a powerful way to create change in your life. As Ash says, “Our words hold power and oftentimes just using our own imagination is the first step toward creating our future.”
During this exercise, Ash recommends using a Pinterest board or old magazines to create a “vision board” of the things you’d like to see in your life. Every so often, meditate on the images you’ve placed in front of you. Feel how wonderful it would be to have them in your life and allow yourself permission to feel you deserve them.
Visualizing can be done privately or with friends or family. “If you’re the kind of person who gains energy from others,” says Ash, “invite your friends over for a potluck and vision-boarding” and to celebrate the summer solstice together.
4. Journaling
Both Ash and Maree consider journaling to be a wonderful tool of expression — especially during seasonal changes. Maree says, “These moments of change all bring a beautiful invitation to go inward and reflect on what is shifting within us.”
Here are a few journal prompts to meditate on during the energetic shift of the summer solstice:
- What do I want to invite more of into my life?
- How have my values changed in the last year?
- How can I celebrate who I’ve become?
- Is there a dream I’ve forgotten about or put on the shelf?
- How can I allow myself to celebrate my wins with the recognition they deserve?
- Write a thank-you letter to yourself.
5. Sun and Earth Meditation
“A beautiful way to make any ritual that little bit more special is by dedicating it to something,” says Maree. This ritual is a dedication to both the sun and the earth.
First, go outside. Maree insists the best way to honor the natural elements of sun and earth is to sit with them peacefully and joyfully. Allow the sun’s rays to soak through you. Sit down on the earth. Allow the ground to touch your skin. As you connect with the natural surroundings, sit with your intentions and use the silence and peace to find wholeness.
However you choose to harness the power of the summer solstice, you’ll find that greeting this day with intention and clarity prepares you to put your best self forward in the months ahead.
