Welcome to the month of June! I am trying out a monthly forecast to see if this feels better than one-by-one transit articles. I hope you enjoy this layout and find it a helpful reference throughout the month. Let's take a look at the most important astrological events of June 2023:
Major Transits -
6.03 - Full Moon in Sagittarius
6.05 - Venus enters Leo
6.11 - Mercury enters Gemini
6.11 - Pluto retrograde re-enters Capricorn
6.17 - Saturn retrograde in Pisces begins
6.18 - New Moon in Gemini
6.21 - Sun enters Cancer
6.26 - Mercury enters Cancer
6.30 Neptune retrograde begins
Major Aspects - We won't discuss all of these aspects in this article, but I have highlighted the most important ones (in my opinion) of the month.
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6.04 - Mercury conjunct Uranus in Taurus
6.09 - Venus square North Node
6.11 - Venus square Jupiter
6.15 - Mercury square Saturn
6.17 - Mercury sextile Venus
6.18 - Sun square Neptune, Jupiter sextile Saturn
6.21 - Mercury sextile Mars
6.22 - Moon in Leo activates Venus and Mars in Leo
6.26 - Mars square Uranus
6.29 - Sun trine Saturn
6.30 - Mercury cazimi in Cancer
Discussing the Transits
If you haven't read my article on the Sun in Gemini and Mars in Leo, check that out here as these two transits are major players in the month of June!
Otherwise, we start out the month with a Full Moon in Sagittarius. I won't touch too much on the lunations (I'm thinking of launching something special for the lunar cycles soon, so look out!) Though, the general vibe for the Full Moon is about risk taking and faith. It's no secret that faith has been harder to grasp with Saturn in Pisces. We're having to be more realistic about our dreams and goals, but this Full Moon is a call back to faith– responsible faith. I have mini horoscopes for the rising signs up on my Instagram if you are wanting to understand the themes that could be showing up for you at this time.
Venus in Leo (pre-retrograde)
On the 5th, Venus enters Leo. Every 18 months, Venus has her own retrograde period. The last Venus retrograde began December 19th of 2021 and stationed direct on January 29th of 2022 in Capricorn. The retrograde cycles correlate with the Venus Star Point every year where she transforms into a Morning or an Evening Star. We'll talk more about the symbolism of the Star Point in the month of August.
What you need to know now? In June, Venus will walk the length that Mars has covered already. This is how these two have been operating this year and will continue to until 2024 when they finally meet in Aquarius. Mars has been coming in hot and heavy like a wrecking ball and Venus follows, tidying up and softening the areas where Mars has created tension. I imagine that May 20th-27th was especially tense for many of you (Mars as a nodal bender, a fixed T-Square, and a mutable T-Square featuring Sun-Saturn all in the same week), but now Venus is bringing up these same issues to the forefront to resolve them thoroughly.
From the 5th-19th, Venus may act more as a "softening" force like I mentioned above, but starting June 19th, she reaches 12º Leo (her station degree). This is where she will begin to reveal retrograde themes as her pre-shadow begins. I saw a tweet recently from @AstroCatherine who, hilariously, described Venus as having "PMS" during her retrograde period and I'm obsessed with this metaphor. It makes so much sense! Venus, the goddess of love and harmony actually has roots as a war goddess, her retrograde is truly like a long battle of discord reminiscent to the feelings that arise during the menstrual cycle.
Personally, I like the Persephone analogy as Venus is essentially visiting the underworld, shedding parts of her that cannot come with her when she rises. Venus is a representation of values, self esteem, standards, and yes, love and money– these are the themes that we are typically reassessing during this time. Last time in 2021-2022, with Venus in Capricorn, I saw many fundamentally changing the way that they approach their own value and self esteem, severing ties to people and circumstances that felt limiting, childish, or too shaky to ground in reality.
This year, in Leo, themes around self expression, confidence, and being "seen" will be prominent. I do expect to see some drama, the shadow of the ego, anger (a tool for the healthy ego), and inner child wounds arising. Don't run from these themes, it is easier to face them head on. Understand though, that the actual retrograde doesn't begin until July 22nd. This month is where we begin to notice what our retrograde story is about. Don't try to come up with solutions now, conclusions will come post retrograde beginning September 4th.
While I do not think you should allow the planets to control your actions, I do think caution should be exercised around new projects. It's a tricky thing, because you shouldn't let the fear of a retrograde rob you of an experience or a lesson. Plus, sometimes you need a new project or relationship to truly activate the retrograde and to ultimately, level up. On the other hand, Venus retrograde will expose the shadow parts of people and the structures we have in place. Maybe these are the experiences that will serve as the most effective lessons. You decide– but be mindful of what you are becoming attached to at this time and know that it will transform in some way. Venus is essentially dying and being reborn, we can't close our eyes and pretend that death is easy.
Venus does not have much support in Leo and is mostly peregrine except from 6º- 11º where Venus has her own bound. We will have that term support from June 12th to the 18th before the retrograde themes truly kick in.
Mercury in Gemini
On the 11th, Mercury enters Gemini and when I looked at my calendar I realized we only get Mercury in its domicile for... A MEASLY TWO WEEKS?
Mercury is at home in its own sign, but only for a short time so, soak it up! This is a wonderful time to lean into mercurial matters– writing, speaking, thinking, any kind of communication heavy matter or contractual agreement is more supported than usual. I noted in the significant aspects that Mercury will square Saturn on the 15th and the New Moon in Gemini features a Sun-Neptune square as well while Mercury is still in Gemini. With these aspects in mind, here are some things to consider:
Mercury-Saturn is really wanting us to be realistic about something. It can bring up disappointing information, but ultimately, it's better to know the truth than to be duped. We want to be sure that anything we are signing or agreeing to at this time is supportive of the long term. This is a bit challenging as Mercury is changeable and unpredictable at times. The weaker planet here is Saturn, so our brains will likely be top notch, but our ability to consider the consequences long term? This needs special attention around these days. My advice is to listen to your body, especially when making decisions. Just because something is clear or factual does not mean that it aligns with your personal truth. Clarity and truth are two different things– this is a theme for the New Moon coming up as well.
Mercury will be in Gemini for the New Moon where the Sun will square Neptune. I bring this up because we're still dealing with the Gemini-Pisces square like we did with Mercury-Saturn. Typically, Gemini transits are great for details and facts, but not this New Moon. It would be wiser to channel this energy into an elaborate fantasy as opposed to stone cold fact. Imagination can be put to good use. Gemini and Pisces agree on media consumption, but not on the logistics of it. Have fun, but don't expect a clear mind to make important decisions with. This aspect often feels like we can't see through the fog.
Pluto rx in Capricorn
The same day of Mercury's ingress, Pluto will retrograde back into Capricorn. From 2008 until March of 2023, Pluto transited Capricorn. On March 23rd, Pluto moved into Aquarius for the first time in 200 years. Pluto speaks more to society and its changes are often imperceptible at first due to how long its transits are. We've been seeing quite a few technological changes (thinking, of course, about A.I.) and you may have started to notice little desires to split off from certain structures. Over the next 20 years, we are becoming more focused on our individual needs, our own tight night groups and communities that we're apart of. Society will be less focused on the structures, institutions, and elitism that we look to and more focused on freedom and the common needs.
Additionally, we will be less focused on physical regulation (land, buildings, houses, legislation, branding, etc) and more focused on technological regulation (the internet, capitalizing attention, digital currency, outer space, etc.) A new world is beginning to emerge, but first! Pluto re-enters Capricorn to help us adjust to it. Our collective attention is back on the "old world" (and that physical regulation mentioned) for the rest of the year before Pluto re-enters Aquarius on January 21st 2024.
Saturn rx in Pisces
On the 17th, Saturn begins its annual retrograde cycle in Pisces for the first time since its ingression. We want to be careful here– boundaries become incredibly hard to maintain during Saturn retrograde and I imagine it will be more challenging in the sign of Pisces. "Backsliding" is a word that comes to mind, but just like any retrograde, this time is ultimately about reassessment.
Saturn is about discipline ultimately, and in Pisces, we naturally struggle with discipline in the houses ruled by this sign. Pisces over gives, it loses itself in others, and it often chooses to escape instead of confronting its issues. This is where we will be reassessing our first three months in this sign, noticing the difference between letting go vs. running away, taking care of others vs. self sacrifice, positivity vs. blindness.
The Sun in Cancer
The Sun enters Cancer on 6.21, marking the Summer Solstice. The 21st is the longest day and shortest night of the year, a time of harvest and fertility after a spring of new beginnings. The Spring and Fall equinox and the Summer and Winter Solstices coincide with the Sun moving into each of the four cardinal signs Aries, Libra, Cancer, and Capricorn. Cardinal signs are focused on initiation and extremes– just like how each of the solstice and equinox points initiate us into a changing temperature and the waxing and waning of the days.
In astrology, every 30 days, the Sun moves into a new sign acting as a spotlight to direct our focus to a new part of our charts. Cancer's main archetypes are that of home, family, and nurturing– how can we be more dynamic with this sign? I always think about the dynamicism of women, kinda like Barbie:
I love that the new Barbie movie is coming out during Cancer season (as the Sun reaches 28º– the Cancer degree) because to me, she truly encapsulates the Cancer archetype. Barbie is everything. She can do any job, play any role, and she does it all in pink. It makes me think of most women that I know, the ones who embrace their femininity and deep wealth of compassion, while still accomplishing anything and everything they put their minds to. I love the phrase "Barbie is everything, he's just Ken." because how many "everything" kind of women do you see with someone who's "just Ken"? It's a scary amount.
I don't mean this as a way to put down the entire male species– especially because many of them are beginning to redefine what it means to be a man, but with the way that our society has traditionally operated? Women have had to be everything, accepting less than they deserve because of social and financial limitations.
Regardless of gender, recognizing too, that astrology transcends gender labels in an interconnected universe, Cancer is like this. Cancer is everything. It's the home and the family, it's the career and the bag, it's still having the energy for creativity and excitement in between. Cancer season coincides with longer, brighter days because this is a sign that uses every hour of that day to nurture the things that are important to it. This is a sign that leaves room for people in and outside of the gender binary to be anything and everything that they want to be, listening to our bodies, the ultimate home that we carry around like a crab shell to house our souls.
Many Cancerians are told that they are "too emotional" or "too much" from a young age, but those must have been Kens talking. Of course... now that I've written that, I do realize that Ken worships that ground that Barbie walks on, but you get the point! Other people not having the capacity for the vastness of your experience does not take away from its importance. This would be good to remember this season and anytime we engage with this sign as Jupiter (that quality of vastness) exalts here.
Essential dignity
This won't be as difficult as the Mars in Cancer transit, but it is important to consider that the Sun is peregrine in Cancer and doesn't have access to much support in this sign– which is often why this season highlights emotional struggles in the first place. The Moon is going to be even more important for us to pay attention to as the Sun's ruler. If the Moon likes the sign its in, we can expect to have an easier time, but we may have more trouble accessing our emotions securely when the Moon is in fall or detriment. There are no solar decans or terms in Cancer either, so again, we find ourselves more reliant on the Moon for help.
The Sun is peregrine in Cancer because the Sun is the Sun and Cancer is a representation of the Moon. Walking around as a bright light in the land of the shadows and the unknown has got to feel alienating! This is typically a season where we see things that are supposed to private and hidden. Imagine if your skin glowed so bright that it exposed even the things that you didn't want people to see. Or neon pink underwear showing through even the darkest pants you have– we may not be able to control the emotions that come out.
Ultimately, this is a good thing in my eyes. This is a tool to know how we, and others, truly feel at our most authentic selves.
Mercury in Cancer
On the 26th, Mercury enters Cancer. You know, it's certainly not the same vibe as Mercury in its domicile, but this isn't a total downgrade!
Mercury has its own decan in Cancer (10º - 20º) correlating with the 3 of cups in Tarot. It also has its own term from 13º - 18º of Cancer. Mercury won't receive decanic or term support until July, but we will have a Mercury cazimi before the month of June comes to an end.
A cazimi is when a planet passes through the heart of the Sun. Astrologers tend to differ on what they consider a true cazimi, traditionally it's a 1º orb, but I've seen others widen it to a 3º orb. I think everyone should try it out for themselves, but personally, I jump the gun and get excited about 3 degrees out. The exact conjunction is on June 30th and what a way to end a month!
Mercury is the planet of communication and mental processes, when it's in the heart of the Sun, we gain access to a special little oasis of wisdom and understanding. The Sun is a body of light, our great luminary. It's like turning on a mental light bulb when these two come together. Personally, I often find myself writing, I have a weirdly intuitive habit of scheduling therapy sessions or astro courses on these days, too. This is prime time for epiphanies and awareness. Take note of the information coming to you in the last days of the month.
Mercury in Cancer often expresses itself as the tarot card pictured above. Celebrations, motherly advice, an abundance of conversation and fun, the sacred cycles of perception. The Moon (the ruling planet of Cancer) is a messenger too, this is why, much like the lunar cycles, our minds change. This is probably because our bodies are the original messengers, the original decision makers, they pick up the things that our minds can't process at the time. Mercury in Cancer is the "gut feelings" the intuitive guidance that is quiet, but it's an inner knowing that runs too deep to be anything but truth. These are the kinds of themes you may see in the final week of June moving into July.
Neptune rx in Pisces
On the 30th, Neptune enters its retrograde period. What a trouble maker this planet is and we hardly notice her! Neptune is the planet of projection, reflection, and truth. You have to float through the optical illusions to get to the truth, but awareness is the remedy.
Neptune retrogrades each year giving us time to sort through our own projections. Did you say that thing to that one person because it was true for them, or was it true for you? It takes a lot of self awareness to point out where you are dumping your own problems onto another situation. It's very humbling when you are randomly reminded that the faults you see in another are the faults you see in yourself. Or even the light that you see in others, people you may feel jealous of, is also a light that exists in you. How else do you think you're able to recognize the good and the bad? It's because you've seen it before.
Neptune retrograde may be a time where we are reenacting things that have happened before. Neptune is subtle though, so it may take something very specific before you can locate the root of your deja vu.
Jupiter sextile Saturn
Now that we've discussed all of the major transits, there is one last thing I'd like to touch on before getting to your rising sign horoscopes.
On June 19th, Jupiter and Saturn will sextile. The last time this happened was 6 years ago in 2017, so you can imagine how special this is! We have to consider that Jupiter and Saturn are two outer planets, so they rule over the big things. Personal planets like Mercury, Mars, Venus, the Moon– these often cover details, not that they can't make up bigger themes, but they are more likely to focus our attention for a month or two instead of creating a larger story that encompasses several years.
Big growth opportunities are available to us at this time. With the astrology of 2023, I've been thinking a lot about a client of mind who is in the process of building a house. They have this Jupiter-Saturn sextile perfecting in their 2nd and 4th house and this year has largely been about the financial discipline to create this new home. A house lasts for decades. My great grandfather built a house in the 50's and it's still standing today 70 years later– if something is well made it can house generation after generation. This is how I'm thinking of this transit. The only thing to consider is that element of discipline. Your actions now have the potential to snowball into the future, widening and deepening your life path in regard to the houses affected. Pay attention!
Think about August of 2017, too– what happened that summer? Check the houses of Sagittarius and Libra. It likely shaped something big for you in those areas of life.
Horoscopes for the rising signs:
Aries risings:
This month is largely about your environment. Not just one environment, but all of the ones you find yourself in. The city you walk in, the mind you think in, the home you sleep in, the environment created between you and your body, the liminal environment found in a conversation. You may find that you are having to be performative, feeling like you're having to put in effort to things that used to feel as easy as breathing. Not everything in life is effortless, but not everything in life is supposed to feel hard either. You've outgrown the people and places that used to feel safe. This is a call back to ease and beauty.
A huge shift in perception is likely this month– you may need to set some boundaries. Be sure to take note of the environments that aren't allowing you to be yourself and be prepared to expand past them.
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris
Taurus risings:
This month is challenging all that makes you feel comfortable. I see this as a final test before the North Node moves out of your 1st house of identity. You've already made so many adjustments and you're finally opening up to personal possibilities that had never existed for you before, but in order to ground these possibilities in reality? You are addressing any attachments that have become blockages. You may be separating from people and beliefs that make you feel separate or unworthy. There may be a lot of secrets that you're keeping, views you've changed your mind about, plans close to your chest. You know exactly where you're going despite any doubt placed in your head from past experiences.
Towards the end of the month, it's possible that you'll learn something new that really changes the game for you. You may be receiving a truer sense of security this month.
"A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer." - Bruce Lee
Gemini risings:
This month is about understanding how you relate to others... is there a gentler approach? Do you believe that just because things have been challenging in the past, that things will always be this way? You may be reinventing the ways in which you think about yourself. You're learning a lot this summer, but especially about the things you love and have always loved even as they take a different form. This is a moment of empowerment, a chance to leap forward into something new. I have come to learn that Gemini risings struggle with self esteem and are often unsure of themselves– maybe you don't have to be sure. Maybe you just have to try.
I want you to rant about something this month, but pay attention to the beliefs that are wrapped within each word. This will show you the spirits you unknowingly conjure– this simple shift changes everything.
"If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack." - Winston Churchill
Cancer risings:
This month has a lot to do with comparison. Comparing the past to the future, the words to the actions, yourself to others. Pacifism is something we take on when we don't know our own capability. Is there something you've been giving your power away to? You aren't guaranteed the future just like someone else's words are empty until they're supported with something real. The fear of missing out is something that we create when we're not doing something valuable with our time already. You're starting to see where your values and actions aren't completely aligned and how you can be more true to yourself this month. P.S. A perfect moment will never come, the moment is now (whatever that means to you).
This is a lovely time for a vacation filled with books– or a vacation from words altogether. Retreat, rest, let others take care of the work.
"Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often." - Mark Twain
Leo risings:
Generally, this summer is a massive time of reassessment with Venus in your sign, shedding parts of you that have latched on longer than they've needed to. You may be looking at certain choices as missed opportunities or personal failures, but it has all been leading to this moment in time. Is there a way you can show up more authentically this month? Vulnerability is required for this next step. Don't be so sure that your perspective is the only way to look at things. This is a great time to take a moment, step back from any drama in your life. We need collaboration in our lives, relationships create the most growth after all, but don't allow yourself to be swallowed up by them either.
Take some time away for self care, unburden yourself of anything that has become too heavy. Honor your inner knowing of the sacred cycles (and all sacred cycles include endings).
"Perfectionism becomes a badge of honor with you playing the part of the suffering hero." - David D. Burns
Virgo risings:
Perspective and boundaries are very important this month. Don't get caught up in someone else's drama, abandoning yourself in the pursuit of fixing. Perhaps it almost feels easier to help others to avoid your own goals. You do have some pretty lofty goals, but don't get so lost in results that you're forgetting about the process. Are you having fun? If there were no reward at all, would you still enjoy each and every moment of the process? Is your fun and enjoyment solely reliant on others involved? If you wouldn't do it by yourself, it's safe to say you probably shouldn't do it with others either, lest they leave you stranded.
Move slowly. Know that listening to your body is the only way that the next steps will be revealed. Don't rush, it's not a race.
"So, if you cannot understand... The struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won’t see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life." - George Mallory
Libra risings:
No matter how much you know, no matter how much you have experienced, there is always a wider perspective. You may be feeling a bit confused or foreign this month, but you may be too close to a situation to truly see how it will all unfold. If you find yourself becoming pushy and impatient, remind yourself that there is more to be revealed. On the other hand, if someone is trying to rush or force you to conform to a way of being or thinking, trust your own foreignness. It's always a delicate balance with you, Libra. Adjust until you're being true to yourself while also embodying patience and diplomacy with your situation.
You used to pray for the things you have right now– remind yourself of this while you wait gracefully for the next thing.
"We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever. - Carl Sagan"
Scorpio risings:
Surrender your obsessions this month. Something has likely been consuming you, whether it's the turbulence of a relationship or the intoxication of a new opportunity, these things are ultimately outside of your control. We know you like to have control, this roots from the pain of past instability but the tighter your grip, the more it hurts you in the end. Take some time for rest, release, purge. Non action is the most effective this month (or at least, taking your time to act). Don't disown any of your own failures and shortcomings, these moments haven't been wasted, they are ready to be transformed. Later in the month, you may be struggling with imposter syndrome– don't allow this to sabotage the beautiful gifts you have to share. The world needs you.
This month, give freely without expectation in return. What goes around comes around, there is enough love, abundance, and recognition for everyone.
"Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore." - Albert Einstein
Sagittarius risings:
It's important to take note of the little details, the hints, the gut feelings. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't (especially in your relationships or agreements). On the other hand, you may have dismissed something subtle, but important to your next steps in the game of happiness. You may not be allowing yourself enough room for expression– are you afraid to feel like an outcast if you listen to those gut feelings? Concerned that others won't understand your decisions? Or are you afraid of seeming crazy for your beliefs and interests? Whatever the case, you cannot expect to be aligned with the correct people and paths that do produce a sense of fulfillment if you betray the signals your body sends to you.
Anything that seems like a "loss" this month is actually a redirection to the most satisfying path. Trust.
"If you have good habits, time becomes your ally. All you need is patience." - James Clear
Capricorn risings
Something may be feeling off to you and it's been affecting your mental or even physical health. There is a strong desire to run away from something, but to do so would be self sabotage. You are used to things being hard, it's almost like the ease of something is setting off alarms in your head. You're anticipating the worst before the situation has even had a chance to unfold. Just because something falls into place fast does not mean that it's wrong, any obstacles that need to be removed, will be. This month is about purging your own tendency to blame or to defend (prematurely). Free yourself from past baggage. When you feel the freedom to be yourself, that is the day you are truly home– freedom is found in confronting the shadow.
Many of your past intentions have the ability to take form this month if you can get out of your own way. Creating obstacles to intimacy is keeping you trapped.
"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden
Aquarius risings:
In the moments where you are struggling with the unpredictability of your situation, don't forget to acknowledge how many resources, talents, skills, and knowledge you have available to you. You couldn't have gotten here without those things and now, here you are. Believe in your ability to make things happen. Watch the things you're saying to yourself to others– are these things truly what you believe? Collaboration is very important to reach your goals, so don't under estimate how much others can contribute to your creations. Look at the brilliant minds around you, maybe one of them can help. Soften up and release the notions of "right" and "wrong", it may be more complicated that you want to admit– embrace the gray area this month.
Prioritization is your best friend. It's okay to clear out things that aren't as important to you right now. Set a goal, complete, rinse and repeat.
"If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals." - Brian Tracy
Pisces risings:
This month is pulling out a few of your great life lessons: Trust, Faith, Patience, and Reciprocity. These are classic themes that you run into, Pisces and they're all coming out with the angles active. You may be feeling mistrustful, moving cautiously because of the ways you've been disappointed in the past. When you put your faith in the tangible, you will always find yourself disappointed– instead trust in the redirections, nothing is permanent and this can actually be a gift for you this month. You may be feeling a bit unappreciated (especially at home or at work), if this is the case move a little slower, but also know that there is enough for everyone and the things that you do give are inspiring and appreciated more than you know. Don't give from a place of expectance (the definition of this word is "anticipatory belief or desire" are you seeing the theme?), give from a place of genuine gratitude.
When you expect things this month, widen the possibilities. Your expectation is often what limits you and disappoints you. Open up and let life come to you– tend to the little joys this month.
"Every day of our lives, we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference." - Mignon McLaughlin