Summer Solstice in Western & Chinese Astrology

Summer solstice, the Sun's ingress into the sign Cancer, came on June 21 at 11:52 AM GMD. This brings the Sun into a grand cross with Mars, Pluto and Uranus in Libra, Capricorn, and Aries, respectively. The grand cross will register through later June and earlier July, but its effects will continue to be felt through the summer; it means increased tension in the world. It could bring violent weather and seismic activity as well as more political turmoil. The world is discontent.

In this chart we see the Moon at 21 degrees Aries, separating from conjunction with Uranus and applying to square with Jupiter. This says that changes coming up will be sudden, and wasteful.

The Sun's first aspect is a trine to Neptune. This is like sugar coating on the poison shown by the grand cross in formation. Considering the surprises shown by the Moon's conjunction with Uranus, this says that we may be in the dark, or unprepared for what may be coming.

Mercury is retrograde. This says that we can expect changes of mind and reversals of decisions that may work both favorably and unfavorably, depending on circumstances, and that may contribute to the trend of wastefulness shown by the Moon's square with Jupiter.

The solstice chart in the UK, and the EU has the Sun in the 10th house with Mars in the 2nd, Pluto in the 4th, and Uranus and the Moon in the 8th. This adversely affects economic conditions and, with Mercury retrograde in the 10th house, shows difficulties in the Government, and disgrace to public officials, with dangers of a coming defeat of the current Government. Mars afflicted in the 2nd house warns of trouble coming up. It shows possible losses in the stock market, great expenditures, and waste of public money.

The solstice chart in Washington DC has the Moon and Uranus in the 10th house showing sudden developments in the Government. Uranus rules the 8th house. It suggest an unexpected death in the Government, or upper circle. The Moon conjunct Uranus and square Jupiter show the Government unpopular. It also shows scandals in Government circles, and an eminent woman suffering some degree of disgrace.
Jupiter, whether afflicted or not, in the 1st house protects the people against whatever untoward conditions there may be. So, this is probably a fairly good time for the people in general in the sense of business, health, and work. Still, Mars in the 4th house opposite Uranus in the 10th shows sharp political fighting coming up.

In Chinese astrology, the signs for the year, month, day, and hour of the solstice are Wood Horse, Metal Horse, Water Pig, and Wood Rabbit, respectively. This is a fairly dynamic configuration. There are 4 Woods, 3 Fires, 2 Earths, 1 Metal, and 2 Waters. The predominance of Wood and Fire make it very active. The energy of this period up to Chinese fall season, beginning August 8, is very lively. The yin-yang count shows 7 yins to 4 yangs. The energy trends to yin, meaning it it is easier to finish what has been begun than start something new. The vital element of this chart is Earth, meaning it is best to bring everything into balance and harmony. Be practical.

Reduced to an I Ching hexagram the solstice gives us hexagram 56, line 3. Hexagram 56 is The Traveler. It is lucky for people born in the year, month, day, or hour of the Monkey. It is good for career development, and tells of riches coming. The Traveler, however, symbolizes flourishing followed by withering. It signifies impermanence.
Line 3 warns not to get into arguments unless you want to be rejected by the person, or the people you depend on. The advice is to adapt your self to your circumstances. If you are offensive and follow the wrong course you will suffer bad consequences. This holds true for individuals as well as for Governments.

Raphael Simons is an internationally known expert in western and Chinese astrology and feng shui currently living in New York. For information about Raphael’s work visit www.trs-fengshui.com.