It's solstice time! This Wednesday, June 21, the sun enjoys its longest day to shine. Each year, this solar event coincides with the beginning of Cancer Season as el Sol tucks into the cosmic crab shell for four weeks. Group hug! This sentimental cycle increases the warm-fuzzy feelings, especially with family and inner circle friends. From Wednesday to July 5, expressive Mercury and courageous Mars will also be in Cancer, giving us more courage to cop to our feelings. But mood management is a must, since Cancer time can make us s-s-s-sensitive to every perceived eye roll. (She was only adjusting her lash extensions, okay?!)
On Friday, the annual new moon in Cancer brings another wave of this family — and female — friendly energy. Unleash your inner Wonder Woman, as Cancer powers up the feminist spirit in us all. Claim your space: These moonbeams could spur a decor update both at work and home. Make your apartment feel like a sacred oasis and a place where you love to entertain. Connect to other women who are doing big things in your area. They'll inspire you to keep the spirit of progress alive.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Live it up on Monday and Tuesday — heck, extend your stay at the beach. These are the final two days of your birthday season. On Wednesday, the sun leaves Gemini and hunkers down in Cancer and your sensible second house for a month. All those practical matters you put off like household errands, work projects, and paying your bills will have to be tended to. Truthfully, you're ready for a little less excitement. You'll be highly productive during this grounded groove and you may do your best work from home. See about doing some remote office days and who knows? Your kitchen table might even turn into the de facto workspace for a side hustle.
Your ruler, messenger Mercury, also heads into Cancer from Wednesday until July 5, nudging you to network. Plant yourself among industry influencers and people who could turn into potential clients and collaborators. The new moon in Cancer on Friday might even reveal a promising job lead. Polish up your CV, LinkedIn, and social media profiles this week. An employer could go googling for someone with your very skill set — and you want to represent like a pro. As the saying goes, luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
As the Zodiac's Most Nurturing, you've been known to default into the caretaker role. Well, Cancer, are you exhausted yet? After a month of making sacrifices, you are commanded by the cosmos to put yourself first! This Wednesday, the sun makes its annual monthlong move into your sign. As the official birthday girl, you have permission to spoil yourself. But also, how would you like to stretch and grow in the year ahead? Invest in your own expansion. Treat yourself to an experience, like travel or a self-development workshop, that will make you an even better version of yourself. And don't freak out about how this will impact relationships. Absence makes the heart grow fonder as long as you don't go MIA on bae.
Friday is like a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cancers' 2017. The year's only new moon in your sign brings major momentum for personal projects and initiatives. Make a wish list, then a task list: What first steps would you have to take to pull this off, Cancer? Don't try to figure out the entire plan, just your initial moves. The point is to get your dreams in motion. Not sure where to focus? Try making a vision board, collaging together photos that appeal to your eye. A picture says a thousand words and you could crack your own code by letting your subconscious be your guide.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
More cold brew, please. Waking up is hard to do for the next four weeks as the sun nestles into Cancer and your sleepy, rejuvenating 12th house. This is the final month of your annual astrological cycle. On July 22, Leo Season begins and your fierce roar will be restored. But before then, you could honestly use a rest. Scale back social obligations and get some mileage on that pool pass. An escape to the beach for a week — with only your Kindle or a companion who understands the concept of comfortable silence — would do you a world of good. Once you're rested, scan your space. Decluttering and detoxing can lighten your psychic load. Take a haul to Buffalo Exchange and then prune the dead weight from your social media friend lists. Don't race to replace what you release. The point here is to start your next year of life with a fresh, clean slate.
Speaking of goodbyes, you might be saying a big one near Friday when the new moon in Cancer gives you the courage to gracefully exit a situation you've outgrown. Hanging on out of habit (or clinging in fear) is just not something the brave lioness should be doing. Change can be scary — we get it, Leo. But something brilliant awaits you on the other side and you'll never see it if you keep looking backwards. Use the next month to process the emotions that may arise from this farewell. Have a few ugly cries, emote in your journal, and lean on friends for support. But trust us, when Leo Season begins on the 22nd, you'll be ready to make a leap.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Ready to reinvent yourself, Virgo? Catch 'em off guard, like your eternally-surprising-in-the-best-of-ways star sister Nicole Richie. As the sun heads into Cancer and your experimental 11th house until July 22, your inner unicorn wants to roam free. Unleash! Go explore new scenes where unexpressed sides of yourself can emerge. Don't let anyone confine you to a clique. You might even leave a group where the conditions for entry are too elitist.
On Friday, 2017's only new moon in Cancer also brings a boost to your social life. A collaboration could get off the ground — one that could be successful enough to lead you to pop the champagne during the corresponding full moon in Cancer on January 1, 2018. How are you representing on social media? The 11th house is the teamwork and tech sector of the zodiac wheel and these moonbeams could inspire you to polish up your online presence. Develop a signature style for your Instagram grid and up your Snapchat followers significantly by simply sharing your discoveries as you go. Ready to be a Silicon Valley sister? You could make bank from a blog or by developing an app. Explore!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Level up, Libra! This Wednesday, the sun ascends into Cancer and your 10th house of ambition and success. While everyone else is ordering bottomless margs, you'll capture the lead with your nonstop hustle. And by all means, join them for a roof deck cocktail (sip, don't slam). As your social sign knows, business success is all about building solid relationships — and under the influence of intimate Cancer, you could connect to your dream client at a poolside barbecue or white party. Business and pleasure might mix well for coupled Libras. You could start a business together or invest in a big purchase. Just make sure your roles are clearly defined to avoid mojo-killing power struggles.
Another lucky strike for success comes on Friday when the year's only new moon in Cancer brings a boost for your professional life. You could meet a powerful woman who wants to take you under her wing — or get wind of a dream project that you could work on. Put in a bid, Libra, and make sure people know how passionate you feel about being part of the team. Have you hit a career crossroads? Invest in a session (or a package) with a coach who can tease out your interests and help you create an action plan for making your next big move.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Come on out of hiding, Scorpio. This Wednesday, the sun sails into Cancer and your worldly, adventurous ninth house until July 22. Cancer is a fellow water sign, so you'll feel "in your element" during this solar cycle. Go explore a new corner of the world with one to three of your favourite people. Since you prefer intimate groups, you might make this a family holiday or a romantic getaway — or even a solo sojourn, since you'll be in quite the independent groove. Just pick a destination with lots to discover. As the Zodiac's detective, you love scouring hidden gems like villas built into a cliff-side, underground clubs, and markets that sell bespoke wares and crafts. No matter your Google Earth coordinates, multi-cultural mingling will be your thing, so pay attention to the tourists travelling through your own hometown.
Friday brings an important moment of truth! The new moon in Cancer will activate your desire for authenticity. With your finely honed BS detector, you always know when someone's trying to pull a fast one on you. But sometimes you're too gracious to call them out. Maybe you just sense that something's not being said — but that it needs to be discussed. Down the truth serum and have The Talk. That cup of courage will get you the answers you need...finally! Whether or not you love what you hear, you'll be glad that you can stop wondering and start making the moves that are best for you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Beach reads? Check. GOOP-approved Yoni egg? Er, maybe. This Wednesday, the sun decamps to Cancer and your ultra-personal eighth house. The only thing you'll crave more than alone time is mind-blowing sex with someone who understands you on that mind-body-soul level. Add more movement to your days to rev up your mojo. Being deeply in tune with your body will make skin-on-skin contact with someone else a lot more satisfying. Warning: You could become so attracted by a "mystery" that you step right into a player's trap. Privacy is one thing, but secrecy? Your live-out-loud sign just can't work with that.
An existing relationship could deepen in powerful ways now — especially on Friday, under the beams of the new moon in Cancer. Your urge to merge could lead to an exclusivity clause with someone you're dating. If you've been together awhile, you might even get engaged or pool finances for a big purchase, like your first home. Have you been trying, unsuccessfully, to split everything 50/50? New ways of sharing could emerge that play to each person's strengths. No matter your romantic status, this new moon wants you to up your financial IQ. Learn about investing and how to make your hard-earned "extra" money work equally hard for you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Partnerships percolate with promise this week — for business, pleasure, or a world-changing cause. From Wednesday until July 22, the sun sails through Cancer and your house of committed relationships. Your future-focused sign likes to play the long game in love (though you can be more daring than most when embracing your single status). Someone with keeper potential could pop up this week, especially near Friday's new moon. Or you may decide to upgrade an existing union to a more serious status. Could there be an Instagram announcement to flash? Quite possibly. If you've been feeling unsatisfied with bae, bring back the balance with some real talk. Don't play the blame game, though. It takes two to tango, so when you shift your actions you'll find that your other half will respond in kind.
With mobile Mercury also moving through Cancer from Wednesday until July 5, tap those apps! You could find true love on Tinder or a legit business partner on LinkedIn. Your friend network can also help you locate exactly what, or who, you need. Don't be so formal or mysterious, Capricorn. It's okay to admit that you feel like something is missing from your life. Remember this rule, however: Like attracts like. If you want to find someone culturally-edified or adventurous, make a point of developing those qualities within yourself!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Smile for that gym selfie! Aquarius fitness buffs — and Water Bearers who just want to feel more energised — are going to love the next four weeks, even if you do feel the burn. With the sun sailing into Cancer and your wellness zone from Wednesday until July 22, you'll be back in your body-loving groove. Find a workout that is both challenging and fun, maybe even one you can inspire your girls to join you for. Bonus if you can do this outside, like yoga in the park, runs on the beach, or a pool-based cardio class. Your work life will be busier, which is another good reason to break a stress-reducing sweat on a regular basis.
Are you working as efficiently as you possibly can? Systematic Mercury joins the sun in Cancer from Wednesday until July 5, helping you up set up savvier ways of getting the job done. Research apps and think about finding an intern or hiring an assistant. You could find the perfect support staff near Friday's new moon or even while you're out socialising this weekend. The desire to give back will also be strong. Scout out volunteer and activist opportunities in your area. Rally your coworkers into a charity 5K or get friends back on the ball with calling state reps and showing up at important protests.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Twirl! The world is your talent showcase starting Wednesday as the sun sashays into Cancer and your fame zone until July 22. You can be modest about promoting yourself, Pisces, preferring to shine the light on other people instead of posing as selfie subject matter. Turnabout is fair play! Ask some of those friends to help you start a buzz for your latest projects and plans. But don't duck the cameras! This flamboyant cycle will inspire more style dares, whether you're decorating your Vans or dying your hair a wild colour not necessarily found in nature. You might even try an acting workshop to boost your confidence — or, if you're already a shameless camera hog, set up a photo shoot or even audition for an independent film. Why not?!
Romantically, Cancer time is always high season for your love life, so keep your heart wide open. You could meet your dream date through the introduction of mutual friends, especially with social Mercury sailing alongside the sun until July 5. And this Friday, the new moon in Cancer (the only one of 2017) could call in a potential soulmate. That's good reason to dress up and plant yourself among interesting people on Friday night. Already attached? Put more playtime on the calendar, like festival road trips and overseas summer holidays. The new moon could bring a milestone moment. Who knows? You could wake up Saturday morning to go flat hunting or ring shopping — all while discussing baby names for your future children. It's that kind of vibe!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
You've made your appearances and Instagram Story'd your life. Now, how about enacting a stronger privacy policy? You can take a break from being Queen of the Scene as the sun drifts into Cancer, your domestic quarters, from Wednesday until July 22. (Don't worry, no one will steal your tiara while you're on sabbatical.) Give your inner circle top priority on your social calendar. Escaping to your parent's lake house or a seaside Airbnb with your girls would be blissful. Chateau Ram could become the gathering place for your squad or you could find a more suitable place to hang your fedora. If it's time to leave a roommate situation and move into your first solo apartment, let the hunt begin!
Some amazing new GFs are heading your way, too, thanks to Friday's new moon in Cancer. This is the sign of the Alpha female (a role you often play) and you could step into a leadership role among a group of women. Find an experienced "womentor" to guide you on your path. This could be a more experienced colleague who lets you pick her brain over coffee or an actual coach who can support you with putting savvy structures in place for your ascent.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Flap those butterfly wings! Your social sector lights up starting Wednesday, when the sun sails into Cancer and your outgoing third house for a month. Cancer time is meant for cocooning, but that doesn't mean sitting still. Enjoy the best of both vibes by entertaining on the regular. Host a barbecue on your balcony or rally friends for a long weekend getaway to an Airbnb before July 22. You might even make it a staycation, since the local scene will be popping with activity. Sample the offerings in your neighbourhood, from live music venues to craft fairs — and if nothing's happening, collaborate with an area bar or café and put on a fun event like trivia or karaoke night.
Partnerships will also percolate with promise now. And on Friday, the new moon in Cancer could reveal a keeper, like a BFF-grade kindred spirit, your summer festival travel buddy, or the missing keyboardist for your band. If you have no clue where to find the friends you desire, this is your cue to go network, mingle, and even travel a few miles beyond home to find your tribe. Take a train ride out of the city to volunteer as a beekeeper on a nearby farm or join a yoga studio in an up-and-coming area where the edgy-cool people hang out. Time for a new mode of transportation? This new moon is a good one for test driving cars, scooters, and bikes.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?