Summer Solstice, Sun enters Cancer at 03.42 UTC + 1 on 21st June 2025

The Summer Solstice, the moment the Sun moves into the sign of Cancer, is one of the four Cardinal points of the year. In the northern hemisphere this is the longest day and the official beginning of summer. 

The astrological chart for the moment of this shift gives us an indication of the tone of next three months until the Autumn Equinox in September. 

This year the Solstice follows yet another intensification of planetary energy in the last, anaretic degrees of Aries, Taurus and Gemini. These intense connections in the final degrees of signs have been part of the 2025 story so far, highlighting this year’s big theme of endings and transition. What are the things we need to let go of as we move into the second half of the year?

The Sun’s shift on 21st June occurs just hours after the Moon, ruler of Cancer, has moved into Taurus. The tone of the story changes now; the focus is on nurturing and protection, on holding and keeping. There is patience and tenanciousness which brings a certain stability. The Taurus Moon is quite capable of waiting it out. As a sun sign, Taurus forms strong attachments and finds it difficult to let go. We may need to ask ourselves; ‘What are we clinging to here, and is it serving us?’

There is a stubbornness and a certain stoicism about the Solstice chart, together with a lack of objectivity. We are thinking defensively; how can we make this work in our best interests? How can we look after and protect what we care about?

The nurturing, family-oriented Sun is also confronted with a reality check from Saturn and the challenge of making dreams real through its conjunction with Neptune. Saturn and Neptune are both about to turn retrograde and rethink their positions, so there is always hope it might work out in the longer term.

The Sun is moving towards a connection with expansive Jupiter in Cancer emphasising the emotional, imaginative and protective energy of this sign. This perfects on 24th June and is a time to think about family, and to reflect on where you really belong and, as this is the most magical day of the year, to do something creative. 

The New Moon follows on 25th and with it the beginning of a new cycle of possibility.

Overall, this summer is about working through ‘stuff’ in a methodical way, paying attention to detail and focussing on those you love and the place you call home. A chart that suggests three months of engaging your emotions, protecting your loved ones and reworking your dreams.