Summer Solstice, the Moon Transitions

As I write, the Sun is leaving bright butterfly Gemini for the comforts of home, entering the Moon's sign of Cancer, cardinal Water, sign of our search for security, family, tribe, and tradition. As Auntie Moon writes, today's a day to slow way down, rest in the arms of Mother Ocean, and celebrate the Sun's Dance.

Meanwhile, the Moon rests. She entered a void-of-course phase at 5:45am EDT. At 8:14am EDT, she enters Scorpio, sign of deep understanding and transformation. Since the Sun has just entered Cancer, the Moon's first aspect will be a trine as she enters Scorpio ... an easy flow of Water to Water, connecting our urge to nurture with our need to understand and transform. If you have a sensitive point in your chart in early Pisces, this Sun-Moon trine creates a Grand Trine, inviting you to ride a big wave of feeling to a new place of understanding.

This Sun-Moon trine challenges the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in Aries, highlighting the intriguing paradox between desires and feelings: Aries is all about getting what Aries wants, going for the heart's desire in a single-pointed, direct way. Aries doesn't care much about feelings that come up along the way. This is what we want, right? So who cares about spilled milk?

Well, Cancer does. Cancer abhors spilled milk, wanting everyone cared for and nurtured, valuing security, and willing to forgo innovation to hold on to safety. And Scorpio, though always ready to transform, understands the need to count the cost. After all, deep change happens precisely when we understand exactly what we're giving up to get what we want.

Deep stuff for the Summer Solstice, time of mint juleps and barbecue, lemonade and strawberry pie. This time of Cancer Sun and Scorpio Moon highlights our ties to family, tribe and tradition. As Uranus and Jupiter bring new fiery energy, the Water signs remind us of what we already have. Celebrate the Solstice, celebrate summer, kick back and have a good time ... and as you do, feel the resonances in the depths.

Later today, the Scorpio Moon will flow bright energy to Pluto (3:41pm EDT) and Mars (10:21pm EDT) both in Earth signs, connecting the power of emotions to the pragmatic, practical drive to get things done. Venus, in dramatic Leo, will receive a square from the Moon just after midnight (12:43am EDT), an unsettling challenge to look at what's bubbling under the surface of our relationships and creativity, with a push to go deeper.

This year's Solstice brings a bright point of balance in the midst of great change. The Scorpio Moon brings an awareness of shadow, a poignant sense of what may be passing away, and an understanding of the transformative potential of this time.