Polarity is the fundamental principle underlying the practice of Astrology. At no time is this more apparent than during the June solstice. In June, the solstice marks the zenith of the Sun’s northward climb, resulting in the longest day of the year for the Northern hemisphere and the shortest day of the year for the Southern hemisphere. The day is defined by the Sun’s movement into the sign of Cancer, whose planetary ruler is the Moon. During this time, we celebrate the dynamic interplay of the two luminaries--one the essential engine of fire, and the other the magnetic maestra of the waters.
This year, another polarity reaches it climax on the same day as the solstice. Venus and Mars, the basic feminine and masculine expressions that each individual embodies. The two come into opposition as the Sun occupies the threshold of Cancer at zero degrees with the Moon in Libra, the sign of balance. The following week, Mars stations retrograde, his first backtrack in two years, the day before the Full Moon (June 26th/27th).
This solstice is highly energized by the dynamic tension between opposites. As the Sun moves into Cancer, we look to its sign’s ruler, the Moon, for guidance. The Moon in Libra asks that we honor cooperation and compromise. Mars stationing retrograde in Aquarius opposed Venus in Leo cautions us that as we cultivate our desire and drive (Mars) to fulfill our humanitarian mission (Aquarius), we must remember to act from the heart (Venus in Leo). Meanwhile, the Moon moves on into Capricorn to conjunct Saturn, the sign’s ruler, for the full moon.
Although this full moon occurs along the Cancer/Capricorn axis, it was seeded by the new moon in Gemini (See: https://www.celestialdawnastrology.com/writings/gemini-new-moon-mind-over-matter). Gemini is the master at seeing both sides of a situation. Attune with the energy of Mercury to stay neutral and encourage a conversation between opposing sides. Whatever conflicts may arise--internal or external--the celestial patterns show it is not the time to fight, but to mediate. As the Moon reaches her fullness and meets Saturn in Capricorn, we will be called to face our challenges with emotional maturity and heart-felt responsibility.
The solstice is a time of celebration. While not always comfortable, this tension is the pulse that drives the growth and evolution of life and consciousness. It is our catalyst to discover a deeper and greater dance of being--it takes two to tango afterall! This is an excellent time to attune directly with the planets. Four of the five visible planets are currently gracing the skies after sunset. Stay up after sunset on the solstice to see the opposition of Venus setting in the west as Mars rises in the east. Approaching his retrograde, Mars is currently brighter even than Jupiter! It will be a stunning sight to behold this classic pair, now the two brightest objects in the sky after the Sun and Moon, creating their symmetry in the sky.
Botticelli's Venus and Mars