Your special summer solstice 2023 horoscope is here

Happy summer solstice! On June 21 — the longest day of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere — the ego-ruling sun will enter nurturing Cancer, kicking off a restorative new season. When the sun inhabits this cardinal water sign, we're encouraged to reconnect with our emotions. Seize this moment to retreat to the comfort of home and take in the warmer weather with the people you love most. 

This summer season, five different planets are also set to station retrograde, each helping us to slow down and make essential adjustments in our lives. The first planetary retrograde will occur on June 30, when Neptune — the planet of dreams, spirituality and illusions — begins moving backward through intuitive Pisces. When the blue planet travels in reverse through this mutable water sign, he helps us identify the people, practices and ideas that may be holding us back from fulfilling our true potential. Harness this opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the world around you and shed anything that you feel you've outgrown. 

A joyful season of pageantry and drama will arrive on July 22, as the spirit-driving sun enters regal Leo. When the sun inhabits this fixed fire sign, he's able to share the best of his energy with us, empowering us to come into our own and appreciate our unique gifts. Just be warned: the shadow side of the sun in Leo is that we can become a bit selfish or vain. So try not to take yourself too seriously during this transit, and remember to celebrate your friends just as much as you celebrate yourself. 

Also on July 22, one of the most dramatic transits of the year begins as love-and-beauty-ruling Venus stations retrograde in proud Leo, where she'll remain until Sept. 3. When Venus moves in reverse through Leo, our emotions and imaginations heighten, and it's important that we don't let them get the better of us. Try not to let your internal monologue wreak havoc on your relationships in particular during this period. You'll also be wise to avoid making any big changes to your appearance under this influence — now is not the time for personal reinvention. 

Then, as the sun enters decisive Virgo on Aug. 23, the world may start to seem a little more black and white, making it easier for us to organize our lives. Just remember not to take on too much extra work during this time, as the shadow side of this transit can put us in a martyr mindset. Setting boundaries with others and delegating some of your responsibilities will help you manage stress and stay on top of your goals.

Also on Aug. 23, speedy Mercury will station retrograde in analytical Virgo. The planet of communication, reasoning and thought is dignified in this mutable earth sign, enabling us to navigate its notoriously turbulent backward journey with more grace. Still, do your best to accept the things you cannot change to protect your energy and avoid disappointment until Mercury stations direct again on Sept. 15. 

On Aug. 28 or 29, depending on your time zone, revolutionary Uranus will station retrograde in grounded Taurus. The planet of innovation craves a bit of chaos, so working with the steady energy of the bull can dampen his fire. Even so, Uranus's reverse motion through the fixed earth sign will remind us to create change in our worlds instead of just reacting to it. The message of this retrograde is that we are the only ones standing in our way; with focus and drive, we can make real progress. 

Finally, on Sept. 4, Jupiter will station retrograde in warmhearted Taurus. The so-called great benefic is always working in our best interest, whether he's moving forward or backward. And when the planet of luck and abundance moves backward through Taurus, we're called to seek out joy. It will be up to us to reconnect with our inner dreamer.

Here is your 2023 summer solstice horoscope:

Aries

A summer of deep introspection awaits, Aries. On June 30, Neptune — your spirituality-ruling planet — will station retrograde in your 12th house of dreams, secrets and emotions, encouraging you to embrace your shadow side and let go of self-imposed limitations. This new outlook will allow you to reconnect with your inner self so you can work to regain your sense of creative purpose.

On July 22, love-and-beauty-ruling Venus will turn retrograde in your fifth house of pleasure and romance, which could inspire you to put an end to some negative cycles in your relationships. Don't expect this to happen without communication, however — it's up to you to speak up about what you need. 

Then, starting Sept. 4, Jupiter — which oversees your education and travel — will station retrograde in your second house of money and values. This helpful retrograde period could open new doors for you financially, allowing you to better align your skills, experiences and beliefs with your ability to generate income. 

Taurus

It will soon be time to heal, Taurus. On July 22, your ruling planet, Venus, is set to station retrograde in your fourth house of home and private life. When Venus moves retrograde, she encourages us to stand still, observe the world around us and listen to our intuition. If you can focus on being present and appreciating what you have, you'll be able to clear your mind and start finding solutions from within. 

When Mercury, your financial-ruling planet, stations retrograde in your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Aug. 23, you may need to start reassessing your habits. Have you been plugging away at work and forgetting to nurture your imagination? Perhaps it's time to consider how you can channel your earnings into your artistic pursuits.

Then, on Aug. 28 or 29, your career-ruling planet, Uranus, will station retrograde in your first house of appearance and the self. Throughout his retrograde cycle, our solar system's innovator will challenge you to show up as your bravest self at work and focus on implementing changes that reflect your values. This will be your moment to claim what you desire in your professional sphere.

Gemini

You've got the chance to rewrite your future this summer, Gemini. When Neptune, which oversees your work life, stations retrograde in your 10th house of career and aspirations on June 30, it could feel like a veil has been lifted, allowing you to reflect on any patterns and habits that are keeping you from manifesting your professional goals. Seize this moment to step out of your comfort zone. 

Then, on Aug. 23, spending more time at home could begin to pull you into an ocean of nostalgia, as Mercury — your ruling planet — turns retrograde in your fourth house of family and private life. Cleaning out spaces could even bring up old memories with loved ones that will help you to appreciate them in new ways. Do your best to enjoy this emotional journey into your past, but don't forget to live in the moment with the people closest to you as well. 

Starting Sept. 4, you may feel inspired to open up your hidden self to others. When Jupiter, your love ruler, stations retrograde in your 12th house of dreams, secrets and emotions, revealing your innermost thoughts to the people around you will help deepen your connections, whether you're single or attached. Sure, laying your soul to bear might be uncomfortable at times, but know that under this influence, it will help to put you on the right path forward. 

Cancer

Are you ready to take a peek outside of your protective shell, Cancer? The spotlight will be waiting for you when the sun illuminates your first house of appearances and the self on June 21. This is your chance to emerge from the shadows and show up as the best version of you. Celebrate your season by spending time with your nearest and dearest, and don't hesitate to show off your hosting skills — you know how to throw a party that no one will forget. 

On July 22, Venus — which governs your domestic world — will station retrograde in your second house of money and values, which could give you the urge to totally reinvent your space. But first, consider how you can take advantage of what you already have. If you find yourself feeling antsy, activities like cooking or crafting could be great ways to distract yourself from messing with what's already working. 

Then, on Sept. 4, your health-and-work-ruling planet, Jupiter, will begin moving retrograde through your 11th house of friends, groups and ideals, inspiring you to add colour to your world by getting more involved with your social circle. It's a beautiful time to persuade your favourite people to join you in activities that support your well-being and ignite your spirit. 

Leo

Have you been looking to reclaim your confidence at work, Leo? If you've been struggling with certain colleagues or projects of late, you'll have a chance to build yourself back up beginning on July 22, when Venus, your career-ruling planet, stations retrograde in your first house of appearances and the self. This is not a time to rely on the opinions of others. Focus on reconnecting with your intuition so you can get back to commanding authority like only you know how. 

Also on July 22, your ruling sun will shine on your first house. It's the moment you've been waiting for: an entire month where everyone's focus is on you! Enjoy your birthday month by making the most of every day. By sticking to a schedule, you'll be able to attend to all your adoring friends and fans. 

Then, on Aug. 28 or 29, Uranus — your passion-ruler — will station retrograde in your 10th house of career and aspirations. If you've got a business idea you've been sitting on, now is the time to manifest it. Your unique perspective will be the key to your success during this period, but it may still take some effort for you to get comfortable standing alone as you pursue your vision. 

Virgo

Are you prepared to re-examine your relationships, Virgo? When Neptune — your romance-ruling planet — stations retrograde in your seventh house of partnerships and marriage on June 30, you could start to awaken to certain behaviours or patterns in how you engage with others. Once you become aware of those realities, it will be up to you to improve your bonds with open communication and love. 

Then, when the spirit-driving sun illuminates your first house of appearances and the self on Aug. 23, it's time to let others take care of you. People will be eager to show you appreciation during your birthday month, so allow them to take the lead and lighten your load. You can celebrate your season by connecting with friends and family over a great meal. 

Finally, as Uranus — your routine-ruling planet — turns retrograde in your ninth house of education and beliefs on Aug. 28 or 29, you'll be invited to embark on a new adventure. More specifically, the planet of innovation will inspire you to explore new ways of thinking and looking at the world. It's a beautiful time to travel solo or begin an academic journey that's outside of your comfort zone. 

Libra

Have you been yearning to switch up your schedule, Libra? You'll have a chance to make some major upgrades to your day-to-day when your routine-ruling planet, Neptune, stations retrograde in your sixth house of health and work, starting on June 30. When time-wasters and inconveniences pop up in your day, take notice — paying attention to minute details will help you find opportunities to streamline your life and make more time for enjoyment. 

On July 22, Venus, your ruling planet, will turn retrograde in your 11th house of friends and ideals. This transit will provide you the opportunity to enhance your relationships by confronting any negative influences in your life. Prioritizing integrity will help you to move forward with grace during this period. 

Then, on Sept. 4, Jupiter — your communication-ruler — will start moving retrograde through your eighth house of death and transformation, making it easier for you to discuss heavy subjects with others. Your ability to put people at ease will help you win their trust and manage any difficult situation that comes your way. 

Scorpio

Be careful not to get too hot-headed at work this summer, Scorpio. When Venus, your passion-ruling planet, stations retrograde in your 10th house of career and aspirations on July 22, you could risk rubbing someone the wrong way. This is an ideal moment for you to re-evaluate how your words and actions affect others in the workplace. Notice what hasn't been working for you and strive to make improvements. 

On Aug. 28 or 29, Uranus — your domestic ruler — will station retrograde in your seventh house of relationships, inspiring you to enrich your closest bonds and perhaps even make some changes to a shared space. When Uranus is retrograde, he calls us to manifest innovation and excitement in our world. Seize this opportunity to spice things up!

Then, as Jupiter, your money-ruling planet, stations retrograde in your seventh house of relationships and partnerships on Sept. 4, your focus could turn toward linking up with someone who can help you grow your wealth. Just remember that it's critical you find the right person to advise you if you want to make real improvements to your financial situation. 

Sagittarius

Have you fallen out of love with your space, neighbourhood or city, Sagittarius? When Neptune, your domestic ruler, stations retrograde in your fourth house of family and private life, beginning June 30, it could be a beautiful time to explore new options for your living situation. This transit will help you to assess all the facts, prices and people involved without getting distracted.

On July 22, Venus — which oversees your health and work — will start moving retrograde through your ninth house of travel and education, challenging you to get more comfortable with stillness. While you may feel tempted to bounce around the globe, consider staying close to home and turning your attention inward. Reconnecting with your physical being will help you to transport your mind wherever it wants to go. 

Then, when your ruling planet, Jupiter, stations retrograde in your sixth house of service to others on Sept. 4, you may start to find that investing time in mundane activities brings an unexpected richness to your world. Enjoy building and strengthening friendships with the people in your life during this period. Engaging conversations could arise unexpectedly, perhaps even paving the way for an exciting new connection. 

Capricorn

Are you ready to reinvent the way you communicate, Capricorn? On June 30, Neptune, which oversees your thoughts, will station retrograde in your third house of communication and community. This transit could reveal hidden subtext or information that forces you to re-evaluate how you present yourself to others. While it may feel like a rude awakening at first, try to take it as an opportunity to explore different modes of self-expression. 

Then, when Venus — your career-ruling planet — stations retrograde in your eighth house of death and transformation on July 22, you'll have a chance to restore your confidence in the professional sphere. Reflecting on how you've risen above challenges in the past will help you summon the strength you need to succeed during this period. 

Finally, on Aug. 28 or 29, your money-ruler, Uranus, will start moving retrograde through your fifth house of creativity and pleasure. Creating excitement is within your control when the planet of innovation and change moves in reverse. Brainstorm ways you can rearrange your budget to allocate some cash toward your hobbies, passion projects or travels. 

Aquarius

This summer, you could have some eye-opening realizations when it comes to your cash, Aquarius. On June 30, Neptune — your money-minded planet — will station retrograde in your second house of finances, making you more aware of your spending habits and earning potential. Use this helpful transit to rid yourself of bad habits so you can cash in. 

Finding the right way to approach conflict will be key starting July 22, when Venus, your domestic ruler, stations retrograde in your seventh house of relationships. If you can harness a solution-based mindset, you'll be able to handle just about anything that comes your way. Leading with compassion will also be key during this transit, since people often require some coddling when Venus is in Leo. 

Then, if you've been considering making changes to your space or looking for a new place to live, you'll have the perfect opportunity to explore your options when your ruling planet, Uranus, turns retrograde in your fourth house of domestic matters on Aug. 28 or 29. When Uranus moves in reverse, he encourages us to take the reins and embrace big shifts. Listen to your intuition to ensure that your choices reflect your innermost desires. 

Pisces

You're on the precipice of self-discovery, Pisces. On June 30, Neptune — your ruling planet — will station retrograde in your first house appearances and the self, calling you to look inward and make some adjustments. Imagine looking in the mirror after not seeing yourself for months — something is bound to surprise you. Perhaps there are elements of your personality that you no longer align with; consider how you can work to shed them.

On Aug. 23, Mercury — which rules your romantic life — will turn retrograde in your seventh house of relationships, challenging you to slow down and listen to your loved ones. Whether you're single or attached, this is an ideal moment to engage in conversations that highlight your shared interests and needs. 

Then, when career-conscious Jupiter starts to retrograde through your third house of communication and community on Sept. 4, seize the chance to promote yourself. It's time to put in the work instead of waiting for things to fall in your lap. Tap into your network to suss out deals, projects and promotions — you never know what could be waiting for you.