The Internet has been abuzz with stories about a six-planet lineup that we’ll be able to see in the early morning sky of June 3 and 4.
Unfortunately, this is not accurate. Let’s discuss what’s really happening.
What Is a Planetary Alignment in Astronomy?
A planetary alignment occurs when several planets are visible in our sky at the same time. When we can see multiple planets at once, these cosmic bodies usually look like they are lined up in our sky.
Generally, the orbits of these planets are not actually lined up in space. Instead, they appear to be in alignment when seen from our perspective on Earth.
Some people call this a "planetary parade." This is an informal phrase that is used to describe the appearance of several planets visible in a line at the same time.
Will I Be Able to See a Planetary Alignment in Early June?
In early June, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn will be arranged in a line. The waning crescent Moon will also look like it is roughly in line as it crosses over these planets. You can read more about this event on EarthSky.
Unfortunately, you won't be able to observe many of the planets in this assembly. Of the six planets included, only Mars and Saturn will be visible. Mercury and Jupiter will be quite close to the Sun and therefore will not be seen in most locations. Uranus and Neptune always require optics (telescopes or other special equipment) since they are not detectable by the naked eye.
In this Stellarium sky map below, all the aligned planets are shown, but keep in mind that only Mars, the Moon, and Saturn will be visible to us:
Stellarium Sky Map: Forbes.com
This is what the astrological chart looks like for the June planetary alignment:
Will a Significant Astrological Alignment Occur in June?
The significant astrological alignment that will occur in June is different from the aforementioned planetary parade, and instead involves a conjunction of the Sun, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Uranus. They will all be transiting in Taurus during this time. The Moon will join these celestial bodies in Taurus from June 4-6. In astrology, the gathering of four or more planets and/or the luminaries (Sun and Moon) in one area of the zodiac is known as a stellium.
What Is the Astrological Meaning of a Stellium?
The planetary energy can become confused and difficult in a stellium. This type of gathering is somewhat like a "cosmic knot" that can indicate obstacles which prevent us from achieving our goals or moving forward.
Understanding the Astrology of the June 2024 Taurus Stellium
The June stellium has several unique features that make its energy especially complicated and difficult.
In this stellium, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury are combust. This phenomenon occurs when a planet approaches the Sun too closely, rendering it invisible. This will reduce its positive influence, and cause it to lose some of its natural positive energy. Combust planets tend to carry a tone of anger and frustration. One remedy for combust planets is to recite Shiva mantras.
The mantra Om Namah Shivaya in Devanagari script
Additionally, a Sula Yoga or “Spike Combination” will occur in the first twelve days of June during the Taurus conjunction. This is a combination in Vedic astrology that occurs when the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn all occupy only three signs/houses. This combination can have an unsettling effect.
The History of Similar Taurus Conjunctions
To understand the global impact of the upcoming Taurus stellium, I looked back to see if there had been a previous conjunction involving the same or a similar lineup of these particular planets in Taurus. I discovered one in 1941 and one in 1526. Both of these represented important military conflicts and historical turning points.
The first occurred in May 1941 in Liverpool, known as the May Blitz. It was the most concentrated series of air attacks on any British city area outside London during the war. Soon after this, Hitler pivoted as he realized he could not destroy the British war industry, and he removed his air forces from Western Europe to take part in the invasion of the Soviet Union.
Before that, there was another similar conjunction in 1526. This marked the first battle of Panipat in northern India, the capture of Delhi, and the beginning of the Mughul Empire which lasted until 1757.
Many astrologers also believe that when planets assemble in a planetary alignment and/or in a stellium, both of which we will see in June, that this is a trigger for seismic events. I have not researched this topic myself, though it is an area of interest for me, which I would like to explore sometime in the future.
Learning the Lessons of the June Stellium
The energy of a stellium can be quite intense. It brings a tremendous focus into one area of a natal or mundane astrological chart. The effect of the stellium will be impacted by the astrological house Taurus occupies and many other factors. This is obviously a complicated topic that depends on multiple factors in an individual or mundane horoscope.
Taurus is a sign that seeks true meaning, value, and enjoyment in life. Taurus also focuses on a basic need for material security and sustenance. The Taurus stellium may provide some opportunity to face and begin to unravel any karmic knots that are blocking us in this respect.
Although you won't be able to see a planetary lineup in early June, this can be a good time to reflect on these themes and think about what you would like to achieve and experience during the upcoming summer months!
And they're going to have to get up at O'Dark:30, i.e., before the Sun rises, to see any of them, at least where I live in New York State, since except for the pre-dawn hours, they're only above the horizon during the day, then set before the Sun.