Starting June 20th, summertime is officially here! And after all the vibe-shifting, personal-growth-fueling energy of the spring eclipses, summer 2024 wants us to slow down, feel buried feelings, think deeply, and shift our perspectives. Yeah, that’s heavy, but who couldn’t use a little emotional inventory? Here’s what the stars are asking of us over the next few months.
For starters, we’ve got two full moons in Capricorn, encouraging us to focus on pursuing our passions and big life goals. The first one hits on June 21st and wants us to express our emotions around those themes. The second one comes in on July 21st, helping us get a little more realistic about what’s possible.
Then, we’ve got five planetary retrogrades happening this season (Pluto has been retrograde since May). As with any retrograde, the universe is gently (sometimes not so gently) nudging us to revisit, reassess, revise, and reconsider the way we’ve been doing or thinking about things. Though it’s annoying to slow down, the upcoming Saturn, Neptune, Mercury, and Uranus retrogrades can help us gain insight on our personal struggles and how we relate to the world.
On June 29th, Saturn starts moonwalking (see: retrograding) through dreamy Pisces until November 15th. With this transit, we’ll really benefit from setting boundaries and being more selective about how we invest our time.
Just a few days after the start of that Saturn retrograde, elusive and intuitive Neptune retrogrades in Pisces from July 2nd through December 7th. We shouldn’t be surprised if we’re suddenly hit by a major reality check. If we learn something we’re not ready to hear, this transit wants us to use our emotions as a guide to understand more about how this truth makes us feel.
Of course, it wouldn’t be summer without a travel-sabotaging Mercury retrograde. This one will be with us from August 5th to the 28th—and it’s extra spicy. As Mercury moves backward through pragmatic Virgo into dramatic Leo on the 14th, old wounds and frustrations are bound to resurface, so be nice to yourself and others.
During that Mercury retrograde, we’ll also have a blue moon (meaning the second full moon in a 30-day period) in Aquarius on August 19th. This will be a great time to reconnect with our neighbors, chosen family, and community.
Our final planetary retrograde of the season starts September 1st as Uranus, the planet of surprises and chaos, moves back through Taurus until January 30th, 2025. Yep, it’s a long one, and it will likely deliver some shake-ups in the form of a breakthrough or two. Still, we’ll have plenty of time to think more about what being our truest selves feels like and get a little closer to achieving unconditional self-love.
But wait, there’s more! On September 17th, a lunar eclipse in Pisces (so much Pisces action this month!) is shaking things up to bring our relationship to spirituality and emotions to the surface.
Woof, that’s a lot. I know. But doing this hard emotional work now will help us live our best lives moving forward. When we’re struggling, these transits want us to turn to friends and family for support, so use those resources when you need them.
Also worth noting, the ways these transits hit you will depend on your birth chart, or a map of the planets’ positions when you were born. Here, I’ll share more about what this all could mean for you according to your sun or rising sign. I’ll also give you a few tips on how to take care of your emotional and mental health in the thick of these transits. Here we go!
Aries
Thanks to Saturn and Neptune retrograding through your 12th house of shadows and the unconscious, you’ll likely be feeling anxious this summer. Plus, when action-loving Mars, the planet that rules your sun sign, and strict Saturn share a challenging aspect on August 16th, you might feel stuck or unable to get things done.
Yep, these uncomfy transits are not ideal, especially for an Aries who loves to be on the move. But sitting with those anxieties and giving them the attention they deserve can help. So can finding a sense of purpose through volunteering or taking care of others. It could even be as simple as taking your dog on extra walks.
Taurus
You’re not one to rush through life, but when chaotic Uranus transits through your sun this season you might be feeling lost or behind in life. You could get the sense that you’re not doing enough or meeting the same life milestones as your peers and stress out about checking those boxes. That’s definitely a crummy place to be. However, when Uranus starts retrograding on September 1st, your naturally chill self and the planet will move at the same pace, soothing that urge to play catch up.
As you wait for some sweet relief, you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through the summer. Instead, celebrate the small wins, do nice things for yourself, and take note of what comparing yourself to others brings up for you. Maybe it inspires you to think about other career options or makes you realize you just really want a boat. Self-compassion and self-discovery are always a win.
Gemini
You might be the life of the party, but when Mercury, your ruling planet that also governs communication, retrogrades on August 5th, some sneaky social anxiety could kick into high gear. When that happens, be sure to fact-check your anxious thoughts and take a moment to breathe when things feel overwhelming. You should feel a lot better after the 28th.
Still, don’t forget that it’s OK to sit out on the events that feel like too much. On August 19th, Jupiter, the planet of expansion, and limiting Saturn square off, which might put you in the mood to cancel plans and stay home with a book. Same goes for September 17th’s lunar eclipse. Your body, mind, and spirit will be grateful for some low-key alone time during those messy transits.
Cancer
The two full moons in Capricorn on June 21st and July 21st activate your seventh house of partnerships, giving you the opportunity to connect with close friends, business partners, or romantic ones in a deeply meaningful way. No easy feat for you, Cancer!
With extra help from the blue moon in Aquarius on August 19th, you’ll continue to open up within those close bonds. Your feelings for them, whatever they may be, could intensify. Of course, there’s no pressure to act on the situation.
Vulnerability and connection are the themes of your summer, Cancer! And while that can be intimidating for a cautious person like yourself, don’t be afraid to lean in with a “just checking in” text or by asking your long-term partner these first-date questions to get closer. It’s time to go deep.
Leo
The Mercury retrograde is coming for your sun this summer, Leo. While Mercury begins its backward journey in Virgo, the last two weeks are in your sign. While no one loves miscommunications, travel delays, and tech malfunctions, this one is going to feel extremely cathartic for you.
Listen, releasing repressed emotions is not exactly a party. But, once it’s over, it feels so good, right? This Mercury retrograde enables you to face your biggest fears by doing a little shadow work. While you’re undoubtedly bold and courageous, you’re also a human who can feel insecure like the rest of us. Take some time to embrace the parts of yourself that you normally hide from others. When you’re not doing that intense work, try to prioritize fun as a way to care for yourself through this important yet challenging process.
Virgo
This summer, your heart and mind will be at odds with each other as you assess your friendships. The Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune retrogrades are helping you rethink those platonic relationships and judge whether they’re adding value to your life. You may start to see people for who they really are.
That can be a lot to process, but by the lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th, you’ll have more clarity around who has your back and who you should keep at arm’s length. Sure, you might be disappointed by those who turn out to be frenemies, but that knowledge can help you have your own back. Chilling solo is always better than playing social charades with others.
To help you through this rocky time, try to limit your social media screen time and embrace the power of soft connections. Your “friend” at the dog park, the gym, or the library all add value to your life—even if they don’t know your last name.
Libra
This summer, expansive Jupiter aspects your ninth house of philosophy and wisdom, encouraging you to create a life that aligns with your needs. A big part of that will be rethinking some of your relationships, Libra.
While you’re all about balance and partnerships, you might realize—especially when Jupiter and rigid Saturn square off on August 19th—that you can’t let your people walk all over you. Boundaries are key to keeping a relationship healthy and protecting your peace.
Even though you hate confrontation, sharing what you’ll no longer tolerate is an important part of this process. And if you don’t speak up, the lunar eclipse on September 17th might do it for you.
So, why not use the next few months to brush up on your boundaries? Think about what’s working in your friendships and partnerships and what’s not. Then, decide what limits you can set to prevent issues like miscommunication, codependence, resentment, and frustration.
Scorpio
The end of your summer might feel annoyingly slow or uninspiring as action-oriented Mars, your planetary ruler, and expansive Jupiter square Saturn between August 16th and 19th.
But hang in there. On August 22nd, romantic Venus and Mars connect, activating your creativity. This could be a great time to express your feelings through art therapy. Whether it’s a new art project or just scribbling in an adult coloring book, do what feels good.
Whatever creative path you take, the lunar eclipse on September 17th will enable you to let go of your inhibitions and really go for it, utilizing that project as a therapeutic release.
Sagittarius
No one loves a trip away from the ordinary more than you, Sag. And when Jupiter, the planet of growth and abundance, squares Saturn, which governs routine and limitations, taking a break from the mundane can help you recover from the drama in the world or your personal life.
So plan a trip that feels extra restorative. Maybe it’s a local adventure, like camping out in the woods to connect with nature or renting a beach house to unwind. The goal is to have fun and relax, so you can come back to the real world in a better headspace than you left.
Capricorn
You're often harder on yourself than anybody else, Cap. So it’s time to dive into a little self-compassion during the upcoming full moons. The first one arrives on June 21st and aspects tender Venus, encouraging you to be sweeter to yourself. On July 21st, the full moon in Capricorn is conjunct with spiritual Neptune, reminding you that we’re all just trying our best.
Don’t know where to start? Take yourself out on a solo date to do all your favorite things. And don’t forget to remind yourself that you deserve it. If you make a habit of it, this self-care tool will come in handy when Saturn, the planetary ruler of Capricorn, starts to retrograde on June 29th. You got this!
Aquarius
With Mercury retrograding through your seventh house partnerships for most of August, you might be feeling pretty confused about your bonds with close friends, romantic partners, and business partners. Mixed messages abound!
You might also feel like it’s hard to relate to those closest to you. Whatever the struggle, confiding in an objective friend or therapist could help you understand those dynamics better and get some fresh insights. At the very least, they’ll make you feel seen and heard.
By the time the lunar eclipse shakes up your day-to-day or the way you normally think about things on September 17th, you’ll be ready to reach out to anyone you’ve had issues with and reconnect.
Pisces
There’s a lot happening in your neck of the woods this month! First, you’ve got routine-loving Saturn and spirituality-focused Neptune going retrograde in your sign. That can make doing life harder as you get lost in a kind of ~sentimental~ haze.
Since you’re already feeling nostalgic, lean on supportive old friends to help you get through whatever challenges arise during this foggy period. Spending time with them might make you realize how awesome they are or that your relationship has actually improved over the years.
Just one quick warning though, make sure you’re not sacrificing your boundaries for these friendships. Keep an eye on how you’re being treated, especially during the narrative-shifting eclipse in your sign on September 17th. Your feelings matter just as much as theirs, Pisces.
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
