June Solstice 2024

Solstice marks one of the high points of the year. If you chart the position of the Sun over time you will see that it creates a sine wave with the highest point at the summer solstice and the lowest point at the winter solstice. This is high summer. The day force is at its peak. Traditional cultures honored the victory of the Green Man and the Oak King over the forces of darkness. But just as we celebrate the fullness of the light, we do so with the knowledge that balance will come as the daylight begins to gradually shorten and we move inevitably towards the dark rest of long winter nights. If we were to correlate this yearly cycle with our daily one, Summer represents high noon, Winter would be midnight.

Astrologically, at solstice, the sun enters the sign of Cancer. Cancer is associated with family, tradition, patriotism, security, and home. The sun is as far to the north as it will appear to us and as the northern part of the globe tilts towards the sun, we experience the increasing warmth as well. Nature is in full glory as the trees show off their leafy crowns, berries are ripening, fruit is setting, and field crops are growing. This is the season of vegetable gardens, blooming flowers, and the return of fireflies at dusk. Enjoy the days of summer as we will soon head back to school, the time of harvest and the anticipation of autumn.

A chart for the time of the Solstice provides information about the quarter of the year from the Summer Solstice until the Autumn Equinox. The Sun will be 90 degrees from Neptune. This aspect can indicate scandal or confusion for leadership at all levels, misunderstandings, and stress. In a chart set for Washington, DC, the Sun is in the eighth house putting the focus squarely on finances, banking, and the possible loss of an important leader. Expect the unexpected in our relationships with other countries. The Full Moon, or Strawberry Moon will be June 21.

August 5 – 28, Mercury, planet of communication and contracts will be Retrograde. Remember to slow down and reconsider, repair, renew, reconnect, and relax. Use this time to pay extra attention to details and wait for more information to surface.

Our next Super Moon will be the Full Moon on August 19, when the Moon appears larger because it is at its closest approach to Earth. This is a remarkably busy time astrologically, so expect a lot of news.
Remember to acknowledge and express gratitude for our Sun. The sun in your own chart represents your heart manifest on this planet. The greatest gift you can give is to shine your own light and share your gifts with the world.

May the blessings of Solstice be with you and your loved ones,

Mary Keswani