You may officially kick off summer on Memorial Day weekend or as soon as summer Fridays are officially a thing, but as far as the cosmos are concerned, the sultriest season of the year begins with the summer solstice in June. During this time, the North Pole is tilted as far toward the sun as possible, making way for what’s considered the longest day of the year. In addition to this, the summer solstice is also an astrological turning point that marks the start of Cancer season.
No need to worry if you aren’t a Cancer, though, as this spiritually charged moment affects every zodiac sign in different ways. Read ahead for what you need to know about the summer solstice in 2022 and what it will bring each zodiac sign.
When Is the Summer Solstice in 2022?
Because the sun’s movements change from year to year, the date of the summer solstice varies as well. In 2022, the summer solstice will occur on June 21 at precisely 5:14 a.m. ET. That’s the moment when the North Pole is tilted as far toward the sun as possible and when we’ll move from mutable air sign Gemini into cardinal water sign Cancer.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Summer Solstice?
The beginning of each season presents us with a whole new chapter to explore, and summer is certainly no different. The summer solstice is specifically a moment for self-reflection, given that the term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). In turn, the day is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come with half of the year behind us – and where we want to go, with half of the year ahead.
Astrologically speaking, the summer solstice marks a shift between buzzy Gemini season and the sun’s time in Cancer, which amplifies our emotions and desires to be with loved ones. It’s no wonder that during this transition, we often partake in backyard BBQs, going on family vacations, or walking along the nearest shore while the sun dips below the horizon.
What the Summer Solstice Means For the Zodiac Signs
On the day of the summer solstice, not only will the sun move into Cancer, but Venus, the planet of relationships and beauty, in Taurus will form a harmonizing trine to Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, in Capricorn. Whenever Venus syncs with Pluto, our bonds and desires are intensified. However, with both of these planets in earth signs, you’ll be motivated to pursue whatever it is you’re craving by taking slow, steady steps forward. Here’s what the summer solstice will bring every sign.
Aries (March 20-April 19)
The summer solstice will inspire you to get in touch with your roots and bond more with loved ones thanks to the sun moving through your fourth house of home life. In addition to this, you’ll also be fired up to get ahead professionally. Now’s the perfect opportunity to meditate on striking an even healthier balance between your personal and public lives.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
The sun’s shift from your second house of income into your third house of communication will get you out of nose-to-the-grindstone mode and amplify your social energy in a major way. On the day of the solstice, your ruler, sweet Venus, in your sign harmonizes with powerful Pluto in your ninth house of adventure. If you plan on getting out of your comfort zone – possibly with someone special – you’ll likely experience great joy.
Gallery: How To Make Sense Of Your Birth Chart (Refinery29)
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
As the sun moves from your sign into your second house of income, you’ll be figuring out how you can dive into passion projects you’ve been musing about over the past month to boost your cash flow. With relationship-oriented Venus in your 12th house of spirituality forming a sweet trine to transformative Pluto in your eighth house of emotional bonds, heartfelt conversations with loved ones could help you identify the most promising path forward.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The sun’s shift into your sign and kickoff of your season can bring you out of a bit of a hibernation period. Now’s your opportunity to shine and step into whatever spotlight feels right. With relationship-oriented Venus in your 11th house of networking, harmonizing with powerful Pluto in your seventh house of partnerships, your relationships – both casual and close – take center stage now. The solstice is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on how these bonds are supporting your greatest dreams.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
On the day the sun moves into Cancer, you may feel a shift pulling you from a focus on team projects to needing more solo time. Just remember that resting, recharging, and emphasizing self-care is perfectly productive in its own way. With relationship-oriented Venus in your 10th house of career, forming a harmonizing angle to powerful Pluto in your sixth house of daily routine, you could be inspired to incorporate more mindful activities like yoga, meditation, or short walks into your everyday schedule.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
As the sun shifts into Cancer and your 11th house of friendships, working as part of a team becomes a focus for you, Virgo. The solstice day also features Venus in your ninth house of adventure harmonizing with powerful Pluto in your fifth house of self-expression and romance, so this midyear reflection point urges you to tap into your heart’s greatest desire – then make it known.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)
With the sun moving into your 10th house of career, the summer solstice might motivate you to take more of a leadership position or finalize a game plan for achieving a long-term professional goal. Once you have that vision in mind, don’t hesitate to take a break with your SO or someone special! On the solstice day, your ruler, romantic Venus in your eighth house of sexual intimacy, forms a harmonizing angle to powerful Pluto in your fourth house of home life, and you’ll want to connect with your partner in a meaningful way.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
On the day the sun moves into Cancer and your ninth house of adventure, you’ll start to feel like exploring beyond your comfort zone might be good for your soul, Scorpio. To figure out what this looks like for you, consider talking it through with those closest to you. This is especially the case since romantic Venus in your seventh house of partnership will be syncing with one of your co-rulers, powerful Pluto, in your third house of communication, making way for intense heart-to-hearts.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
With your sun moving into your eighth house of sexual intimacy, you’ll be reflecting inward on your deepest bonds and how you can be more emotionally vulnerable on the summer solstice. And with sweet Venus in your sixth house of daily routine harmonizing with powerful Pluto in your second house of values, you could be simultaneously inspired to overhaul your everyday hustle to best reflect where your heart is.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
The summer solstice brings your focus to your one-on-one relationships – whether platonic, professional, or passionate – as a result of the sun moving into your seventh house of partnership. Don’t be surprised if you get a little bit more fired up than usual as you think about how these relationships are impacting your life – for better or worse. And with Venus, the planet of relationships, in your fifth house of self-expression harmonizing with Pluto, the planet of transformation, in your sign, you’ll be more than ready to go to bat for your needs.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
On the summer solstice, the sun moves into your sixth house of daily routine and wellness, bringing your attention to your everyday habits and to-dos. This midyear checkpoint serves as the impetus for taking care of yourself in a whole new, proactive way. And with sweet Venus in your fourth house of home life harmonizing with powerful Pluto in your 12th house of spirituality, you’ll be empowered to tend to your physical and mental health.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
With the sun moving into your fifth house of romance on the day of the summer solstice, the vibe is downright magical for you, Pisces. It might feel like you’re finally able to put aside heavy-duty emotional work and have more fun with your loved ones. With romantic Venus in your third house of communication harmonizing with transformative Pluto in your 11th house of friendship, casual hangs with friends or colleagues can bring a lot of bliss.
