Your special summer solstice 2022 horoscope is here

On June 21, the sun enters Cancer, marking the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere. When the sun moves through this emotional water sign, we tend to gravitate toward activities that help us foster a sense of security. Cancer season encourages us to nest, prioritize time with loved ones and get more involved in home improvement projects. Try reconnecting with what brings you joy during this happy transit, but watch out for changes in your temperament, too — our moods can be more easily affected by phases of the moon during this period. (Check out your weekly horoscope for more details on these lunations.)

A reality check comes our way on June 28, when Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions, stations retrograde in sensitive Pisces. Life can feel more serious under this influence, as we start tapping into new perspectives and gaining a better understanding of things as they truly are. So be prepared to open your eyes and mind as the magician's curtain pulls back to reveal what's happening behind the scenes. You'll have a new sense of awareness when Neptune resumes forward motion in December.

Then on July 22, the sun will make his way into fiery Leo, illuminating his favourite sign. The sun is dignified in Leo, helping to bring out the best characteristics of the lion within us so we can forge our own paths and explore what makes us unique. Use the energy of this sign to make headway on your goals and create things that you can take pride in. 

Turn your focus to planning large-scale projects when Jupiter stations retrograde in action-oriented Aries starting on July 28. As the planet of abundance travels in reverse, it can feel as though things in our lives aren't moving as quickly as they once were. But don't lose hope. If you can use this time to brainstorm and collect your thoughts, you'll be ready to start making real progress by the time Jupiter stations direct in intuitive Pisces on Nov. 28.

When the sun transits into practical Virgo on Aug. 22, we'll be challenged to reexamine our priorities. Virgo season can help us home in on essential responsibilities that may have been lost in the shuffle. It's an ideal time to reorganize your schedule and restructure your day with efficiency in mind. 

A beautiful opportunity for self-improvement awaits on Aug. 24, when innovative Uranus stations retrograde in security-loving Taurus. If the word "retrograde" typically strikes a bit of fear in you, know that when Uranus moves in reverse, it often allows us to create positive change with less resistance. Nurture your self-esteem during this transit and you'll be brimming with confidence by January 2023, when Uranus stations direct. 

You'll want to triple check your texts, emails and documents toward summer's end, since Mercury is set to station retrograde in social Libra starting on Sept. 9. Remember to hold yourself accountable for your actions during this time, rather than blaming everything on the speedy planet's path. Plan carefully and pad your schedule to make space for unexpected delays. Under this confusing transit, you'll be happy to have the extra time to ensure you haven't missed any important details.

Here is your summer solstice horoscope:

Aries

You've got a fresh start ahead of you, Aries. So take time to cancel out background noise and distractions this summer, particularly when Neptune stations retrograde in receptive Pisces on June 28. As the planet of inspiration moves in reverse, you'll be able to recognize what your soul really needs and work toward finding inner harmony. While the spring and early summer may have felt exciting and full of action, you could feel compelled to slow down come July, when intrepid Jupiter stations retrograde in Aries, asking us to stop and consider what we're happy with in the current moment. You'll be ready to quench your thirst for adventure again when Jupiter stations direct in November.

Taurus

It's time to reconnect with the parts of yourself that you typically keep hidden, Taurus. If you've been working on strengthening your faith, you may find support as spiritual-ruling Mars enters Taurus on July 5. It can take a little more effort to get the ball rolling under this transit, but with patience, you can work wonders. When Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus toward the end of August, you may start to mull a potential career makeover. The planet of change and innovation chills out in a big way when moving in reverse, which helps us to gather our thoughts and strategize. Enjoy a relatively drama-free schedule until January 2023, when Uranus stations direct and begins to shake things up again. 

Gemini

You're invited to restructure your professional path this summer, Gemini. As career-ruling Neptune stations retrograde in Pisces on June 28, new information could come to light that influences your trajectory. Neptune's reverse motion is known to be revealing, helping us gain new understanding of our circumstances. As you begin to process it all, be sure to make decisions that are right for you and pay close attention to the actions of your colleagues. Then, take a second to slow down and smell the roses at the end of July, as Jupiter stations retrograde in Aries. Whether you're in a relationship or happily unattached, it's an ideal time to refocus your energy on embracing imperfection and living in the moment. 

Cancer

Cash in, Cancer. As your financial-ruling sun enters your first house of self, appearance and first impressions on June 21, you may begin to feel like a bit of a money magnet. Enjoy Cancer season to its fullest by planning a beautiful escape at home for your nearest and dearest. You thrive when you feel secure, so don't be afraid to keep birthday celebrations intimate so you can reconnect with your favourite people. If you've been doing too much of late, you'll have the opportunity to cut back when Jupiter stations retrograde in Aries, opening our eyes to what really matters in our day-to-day schedules. Learning how to say no will help you reclaim your power, so you'll feel ready to reopen your world when Jupiter stations direct in November.

Leo

Are you ready to shine, Leo? When the sun illuminates your first house of self, appearance and first impressions on July 22, it's your time to soak up the spotlight. Kick off Leo season with friends, family and plenty of celebrations. If, after that, you're in the mood to settle down, you'll be supported by the calming vibe that begins when Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus on Aug. 24. This transit can also help us reshape our ideas about romance and how we go about accepting love into our lives. Whether you're single or attached, you may notice that your usual penchant for drama and intrigue is replaced with a desire for stability during this time. You'll be in the mood to shake things up again come January, when Uranus stations direct.

Virgo

Is it time to adjust your idea of what love is, Virgo? You could be awakened to imbalances in your relationships when love-ruling Neptune stations retrograde in sensitive Pisces on June 28. Take this chance to work on your communication with others, and rebuild your bonds in ways that help you feel safe and heard. When Virgo season begins on Aug. 22, you may find yourself commanding attention and inspiring others wherever you go. If you're used to a particular way of doing things, your methods could be forced to change drastically when routine-ruling Uranus stations retrograde on Aug. 24. Try to be flexible during this period — you just might discover new opportunities to save time and energy.

Libra

You're about to get some precious time back, Libra. As routine-ruling Neptune stations retrograde in Pisces, starting June 28, you'll be provided with a new perspective on your responsibilities. This opportunity to reprioritize could inspire you to switch up your schedule to spend more time with your loved ones, relaxing and enjoying life. When communication-ruling Jupiter begins to station retrograde in impatient Aries on July 28, you may feel less talkative — Jupiter encourages us to consider what we say before we say it when he moves in reverse. Remember to explain how you feel to loved ones to avoid appearing closed off. You'll be ready to re-engage with bravado in November, when Jupiter stations direct. 

Scorpio

Get ready to count your blessings, Scorpio. On July 28, money-ruling Jupiter will begin to station retrograde, helping you reassess your budget and plan for the future. When the planet of abundance travels in reverse, he motivates us to make the most of what we have. If you're able to harness this energy, you'll be in good standing to celebrate when Jupiter stations direct in November. If you've been thinking about changing up your space, you may be inclined to hit pause on your plans around Aug. 24, when domestic-ruling Uranus stations retrograde and his influence is weakened. Take this time to consider what you're thankful for in your home. The right moment to move forward will present itself once Uranus stations direct in January.

Sagittarius

Are you getting what you need from loved ones lately, Sagittarius? When domestic-ruling Neptune stations retrograde on June 28, your eyes may start to open to everything that needs mending at home — both the emotional and the physical. Work on breaking any cycles that feel harmful by focusing on self-healing and establishing better boundaries, and keep track of any repairs that need to be taken care of in your space. You may feel like you need some time to yourself as your ruling planet of Jupiter stations retrograde at the end of July. Use this transit to consider goals you've set and destinations you'd like to visit so you can plan an excursion that reconnects you with your most authentic self once Jupiter goes direct in November.  

Capricorn

Have you ever wanted a superpower, Capricorn? You may not be able to hear other people from miles away, but you will find a new capacity to listen toward the end of June, when communication-ruling Neptune stations retrograde in intuitive Pisces. Take advantage of this unique ability to understand others more clearly. After Aug. 24, keep an eye out for insights that could help you revamp your budget as money-ruling Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus. Look to friends and family for examples of how you can work smarter, not harder. If you use this time to make small strides toward a new financial goal, you'll gain the confidence to make bigger money moves once Uranus stations direct in the new year.

Aquarius

Is money burning a hole in your pocket lately, Aquarius? If so, you'll be encouraged to tighten your purse strings starting June 28, when money-ruling Neptune stations retrograde in Pisces. It's an ideal time to save up for something special, so be sure to spend wisely during this period. Meanwhile, prepare to undergo a metamorphosis as your ruling planet, Uranus, stations retrograde in Taurus on Aug. 24. When the planet of revolution moves in reverse, we're pushed to enact real change in our worlds. Consider the influence your public persona could have in your own social network and beyond — you have the ability to be an excellent source of wisdom for others.

Pisces

Get to know yourself a little better, Pisces. An opportunity to discover what really makes you tick arrives on June 28, when your ruling planet of Neptune stations retrograde in Pisces. Unplug with a digital detox or schedule time for mindfulness, journaling and solitude to help you reconnect with your inner self and build confidence as you navigate this transit. If you've been busy making waves in your professional life, you may be happy to hear that rest is within reach as career-ruling Jupiter stations retrograde in Aries on July 28. Everyone needs a little time to slow down and reflect, so use this period to fine-tune your strategies and focus on the tiny details that set you apart from the competition. 

Bryanna Collier is an astrology and fashion writer. Her work focuses on astrology, personal style, and how the two intersect. Follow her work at The Star Crossed.