The Magical Summer Solstice

What the solstice horoscope reveals about the second half of 2023

Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in both Vedic and Western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most Western and some Vedic astrologers. All the astrological charts below are calculated according to the sidereal zodiac and Lahiri Ayanamsa.

The summer solstice will occur in the northern hemisphere on June 21, and the winter solstice will occur at the same time in the southern hemisphere. Because I live in the northern hemisphere, I focus mostly on summer solstice in this article. Yet, both the summer and winter solstices are deeply profound occasions on which to celebrate and embrace the Light that is the highest expression of the Divinity in all of nature.

Understanding the Summer Solstice 

The term solstice is derived from “sol” (Sun) and “sistere,” to stand still. At the solstice, the Sun has no apparent motion. This is a turning point when we, like the Sun, are meant to pause, so that we may appreciate and enjoy the fruits of our past efforts.

The summer solstice marks the moment when the apparent path of the Sun reaches its zenith in the Tropic of Cancer, before it appears to turn and move south again. It is the longest day of the year (in the northern hemisphere) and the time of maximum light. On this day, the Sun touches the northernmost point along the horizon and rests for three days before embarking on its six-month southerly journey.

Diagram of the Earth's Seasons by Tauʻolunga - Own work, CC0

This astronomical still point has been celebrated throughout the world as an important time to celebrate and give thanks for the magic of life! It is a time for purifying ourselves, letting go of the past, renewing our life force, and affirming our highest purpose.

Sonnenuntergang an der see, by Max Pechstein, 1921

The Solstice Horoscope: Examining the Collective Karma of the World

It is important to consider a solstice horoscope in mundane astrology, as this chart is one of many used to examine the collective karma of the world. The June solstice chart will be active for the next six months.

A Potent Year of Ketu, the South Node of the Moon

For the United States, the chart is set for Washington DC on June 21, 2023 at 10:58 AM EDT. The chart for the world as a whole is calculated for the same day at 2:57 PM UTC in Greenwich, England (for this calculation, I don’t use Daylight Savings Time).

Both charts have a strong Ketu influence. The United States chart has Ketu-ruled Magha nakshatra ascending. The global chart has Ketu rising, meaning it is exactly conjoined the ascendant.

The same Ketu influence was also prominent in the December 2022 winter solstice horoscope which I discussed in a previous article. The winter solstice chart is used to understand some of the major themes in the new year ahead. This horoscope that is calculated for Greenwich for the whole world also revealed the same Ketu-ruled Magha nakshatra rising.

Furthermore, as I had explained in my winter solstice new year article, the powerful energy of Ketu was also reflected in numerology. The year 2023 is a seven year (2023 = 2 + 0 + 2 + 3 = 7), and seven is the number of Ketu according to Vedic numerology.

Seven is the numerological symbol of Ketu, the Moon’s South Node which carries a fierce transformational energy. Many areas of life may need to be reorganized and overhauled in a Ketu year.

The lower expression of Ketu is extremely tamasic, which can translate as angry, heavy, inert, depressed or moody, stuck in the past, lethargic, dull, confused, greedy, corrupt, materialistic, and unfaithful.

A Ketu year suggests the potential for amorality, ideological fury and extremism, rampant violence, disease (mental and physical imbalances), conflict, corruption, scandals, and significant personal losses and struggles.

The higher expression of Ketu manifests as occult power, spirituality, and transcendence. We can thrive in a seven (Ketu) year when we seek the highest truth and wisdom, focus on our inner life through introspection and meditation, align with uplifting spiritual values, and work to overcome our own negative tendencies.

As indicated above, Ketu is the planetary ruler of Magha nakshatra. This asterism (nakshatra, a sub-group of stars) occupies the zodiacal area from 0-13 degrees and 20 minutes of sidereal Leo. Ketu is the overseer of past karma, which may be intensely released under the influence of Magha nakshatra. This may be especially related to ancestral karma and also the karma of those in positions of authority.

Harnessing the Power of the Magha Nakshatra During the Next Six Months

The ruling deities of Magha are the Pitris, the fabled progenitors of the human race who oversee the evolution of the Earth. They also function as guardian angels who hold the creation together even in the event of great calamities. Their influence in 2023 reminds us that karmic events are manifesting as they must and according to a higher law.

That doesn’t mean we must sit back and idly watch events unfold. We must also try to contribute to creating a better world through our thoughts and actions. As to the latter, it is important to maintain a consistent spiritual practice and a healthful lifestyle. The two go hand-in-hand.

This leads to the discussion of another important symbol of Magha nakshatra, which is that of a house or a mansion. Vedic astrologer Bepin Behari discussed the meaning of this in Myths and Symbols of Vedic Astrology (p 201):

The house emphasizes the body as the vehicle of the Supreme…The physical sheath sustains and nourishes the individual as well as provides the necessary means of action for it. Even in the Bible there is mention of the tabernacle as the seat of the Supreme. The tabernacle was made so that “I may dwell among them”…In Magha nakshatra, the divine radiance produces the human being complete in his material sheaths so that he or she can fulfill his divine mission.

At this time in the world, more than ever, one thing has been made clear to me. This is the absolute importance of strengthening one’s physical vehicle in order to be a strong and clear host to the indwelling divine intelligence. This certainly fits with the predominant Ketu/Magha influence this year.

Retrograde Saturn Suggests Challenges in Foreign Affairs

In the United States summer solstice chart, retrograde Saturn occupies the seventh house, which is considered unfavorable for foreign affairs. Saturn here suggests ongoing international tensions and disputes, including the new Cold War and the U.S. involvement in the Ukraine War, global security threats including cyber threats to financial systems, as well as trade deficits, transnational organized crime, and the crisis at the southern border.

Emphasis on the Sign of Cancer and the Waters of the World

A rare conjunction of Mars, Venus, and the Moon occurs in the sign of Cancer in the solstice horoscope. This conjunction can represent a significant uptick in global travel in the second half of the year, as well as rampant fraud and criminality among the people and their leaders, and also issues with flooding, fires, and storms.

Cancer is also the primary signature for the United States solstice chart and for the global solstice chart. This is calculated according to the planets in the signs. The primary modality is in the Cardinal signs: Jupiter, Rahu, and Uranus in Aries; Ketu in Libra; Mars, Moon, and Venus in Cancer; and Pluto in Capricorn. The primary element is in the Water signs: Mars, Moon, and Venus in Cancer; and Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. The main signature is based on the fact that the Cardinal Water sign is Cancer.

The Cancer emphasis suggests another point of focus for the remainder of 2023, which is the importance of developing and maintaining inner steadiness. Cancer also represents the public and mass consciousness, but it is ruled by feeling, not reason. This can be a significant problem for those who are stuck in fear or lacking in common sense or discernment.

As the sustaining and nourishing quality of life, Cancer also relates to safety, security, and family (especially children and women). In mundane astrology, Cancer further symbolizes land and real estate; crops and food production; hospitality industry; water, waterways and the fishing industry; and mental health concerns. Any of these areas may be emphasized.

A Solstice Prayer

In summary, the second half of this year may be filled with all the usual kinds of challenges, great personal change, and the potential for spiritual growth. As we take in the energy of the solstice and prepare to begin the next six-month cycle, I would like to conclude with a powerful prayer:

As the Sun rises, Lord, Let your light shine on me. Destroy the darkness about me, Scatter the darkness before me, Disperse the darkness behind me, Dispel the darkness within me. Let your light shine on me.

As the Sun rises, Lord, Let your light shine on me. The warmth of your Presence, The brightness of your love, The radiance of your joy, The shining of your hope. Let your light shine on me.

As the Sun rises, Lord, Let your light shine on me. Your light to guide, Your light to lead, Your light to direct, Your light to brighten. Let your light shine on me.

Power Lines: Celtic Prayers About Work by David Adam, Morehouse Publishing, December 1, 1999.