New Moon Opens the Solstice Portal on June 18

How this powerful turning point will set the stage for the second half of the year

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.

June 18: New Moon in Gemini and Mrigashira Nakshatra - Searching for More Nectar

Get ready to experience a magical New Moon this Sunday, June 18! The New Moon will occur at 37 minutes after midnight Eastern Time (4:37 AM UTC). Its location will be 2 1/2 degrees of Gemini, in Mrigashira nakshatra and Libra navamsa. (If your time zone is different, I suggest that you use the World Time Buddy to convert the time.)

The theme of this New Moon will revolve around the search for fulfillment. Because Neptune will square the Moon, we may find ourselves releasing illusions, outworn ideas, and false expectations. We should try to come to terms with disappointment or hurt about past events. Healing practices focused on balancing the emotions of heart, mind, and spirit will be especially beneficial during this lunation and in the coming weeks.

For some, there could also be a sense of uncertainty or ennui at this time, and an impulse to seek meaning or satisfaction outside oneself. Yet, New Moon periods are meant for recharging and focusing inward through healing and contemplative practices. In other words, we must connect with the Divine Light within ourselves to find what we are seeking, especially during this particular New Moon season.

According to Vedic astrology, the day leading into this month’s New Moon is called Ashadha Amavasya, and it will occur on Saturday, June 17 this year. It is a day particularly suited to ancestral healing rituals. Check out the Drik Panchang for more information about it.

The Earth in the Galactic Center: Reaching for More Light

In the New Moon chart, the Sun and Moon will be transiting in early Gemini in the galactic anticenter (opposite the galactic center in Sagittarius). This means that the Earth will be transiting in early Sagittarius in the galactic center, known as Vishnunabhi, the navel of Lord Vishnu, the source of highest wisdom, power, and truth in our world.

We may be feeling keyed up as this New Moon motivates us to seek more wisdom, communication, information, inspiration, and deeper connection. Gaia (Mother Earth) and all of us are reaching up to seek the Light streaming from the Galactic Center now, just as the Sun is reaching up to its full height as it moves toward the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.

Grand Rosicrucian Alchemical Formula by John Augustus Knapp (1922)

As the Gemini-Sagittarius axis mediates between heaven and earth, we can benefit from earthing or grounding practices now and in the coming month. Spending time outside in nature will be extra-helpful for anchoring these cosmic energies.

The New Moon Opens the Solstice Portal: A Sensitive Time of Psychic Adjustment

Although the solstice will not occur until June 21, the electromagnetic shift that it activates will begin three days before on the New Moon, which will open a portal and set the stage for a psychic adjustment that occurs around the solstice. These days around the solstice in the northern half of the world tend to elicit a greater surge of vital energy than usual, since this is a period of maximum light.

At the same time, mental activity will be amplified; psychological imbalances may escalate; relationship conflicts could erupt; and physical health may be vulnerable, so be aware and remain mindful and vigilant.

Solstices and Sankrantis: Living In Harmony with the Seasons and Cycles of Time

The summer solstice, also known as Midsummer Night, signals the beginning of astronomical summer in the northern latitudes. In the southern latitudes, the solstice signals the beginning of astronomical winter. During the summer solstice, the Earth is tilted toward the Sun so that the vertical solar rays strike the Tropic of Cancer. At this moment, according to the geocentric (earth-centered) view, the Sun reaches its northernmost point at +23.5 declination, meaning that it is 23 and 1/2 degrees north of the celestial equator.

Solstices, equinoxes, and the passage of the Sun into a new sidereal sign every month are known as sankrantis in Vedic astrology. The term sankranti in Sanskrit means “course, passage, or entry into.” According to classical Muhurta (elective astrology), we should avoid sankrantis for any new undertaking, like beginning a job or new program of study, making a significant purchase, setting out on a journey, establishing a business venture, or getting engaged or married, and so on.

Therefore, it is best not to initiate these kinds of worldly endeavors during the solstice and for three days afterward. This is because the Sun symbolizes the soul of the world and the vitality of everything in life. If we want a new venture to have positive, valuable, and lasting results, the Sun needs to be strong when we set it in motion.

Sankrantis are turning points when the Sun's energy is transitional and "on the edge of change." Often what we set into motion on sankrantis will not have the expected outcome. At the same time, these days are priceless for inner reflection.

For everything there is a season. A time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Learning to live in harmony with the natural seasons and in alignment with the most appropriate astrological timing helps us to flow more purposefully with grace and ease in our lives.

Vedic Astrology’s Understanding of the Solstices: Entering Into Shiva Time!

According to Vedic astrology, the first waxing half of the solar year from winter to summer solstice in the northern hemisphere is known as uttarayana. This is the Vishnu half of the year that represents the expansive cycle of conscious energy projecting upward and outward into the material realm.

Uttarayana is the most auspicious half of the year in which to act and establish new enterprises. For those in the northern hemisphere, this part of the yearly cycle will end after the solstice on June 21, and will begin again at the winter solstice on December 21, 2023.

Dakshinayana is the second half of the solar year extending from summer to winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. This is the time of the year when Lord Vishnu takes his rest and Lord Shiva steps in. During this part of the year, the Sun’s power will gradually wane as it moves southward in its declination cycle.

In dakshinayana, we may reap what was sown during uttarayana. That is to say, dakshinayana is generally the time for winding down and finishing what was set into motion in the first half of the year. (And of course, all of this is reversed in the southern hemisphere).

As the natural flow slowly moves back to Source during dakshinayana, this is the hemicycle in which to focus more deeply on health, healing, and spiritual practices and rituals (known as vratas in the Vedic tradition, which are pious observances).

Intentions for the New Moon-Solstice: Focus on Reflection, Rebirth, and Renewal

The Gemini New Moon and the summer solstice represent a turning point when we should pause, enjoy, and appreciate what we have created in the past six months. In the process, it will be important to evaluate our progress, make any necessary changes, and set our intentions for the remaining half of the year.

These very special days are a time for reflection, rebirth, and renewal. Rejuvenate yourself by bathing in and drinking in the light of the early morning Sun, or by observing the rising and the setting Sun, spending time under the stars at night, or meditating on the inner Sun in your spiritual heart.

As we soak up the solar luster around the solstice and into the months of July and early August, some of us are apt to experience more vitality and buoyancy than usual. Once we move into mid-August, the waning Sun will slowly start to lead us back to darker and shorter days. (Again, all this will be the reverse in the southern hemisphere, where I wish all a blessed winter solstice).

May all my dear readers enjoy a very blessed New Moon and Midsummer season.

Summer gathered in the weather, the wind had the proper touch, the breathing of the world was long and warm and slow. (Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine)