As we approach a fresh week, we encounter new and dynamic astrological opportunities. The days ahead ask us to embrace Mercury retrograde in Cancer, a potent solar eclipse in Cancer, and the summer solstice.

Let’s begin with Mercury. The planet of communication stations retrograde on June 18th at 12:58 a.m., ET, (so depending on your time zone, this may happen on the 17th) from 14 degrees of Cancer to 5 degrees of Cancer, ending his retrograde on July 12th. Mercury rules Gemini, and since Venus, who is also retrograde, travels in Gemini, these two retrogrades align with a potent message: slow down and listen.

When Mercury appears to travel backward (in actuality, it’s an illusion), we often experience the effects as inconveniences. But there’s healing medicine in a retrograde, especially if we embrace its intended invitation to slow our speed.

Mercury retrograde is a time to revisit where we’ve been in preparation for where we are going. With the world changing dramatically and quickly, Mercury retrograde provides an opportunity to reconsider our actions and realign with our truth. Mercury asks us to “double-check” everything to safeguard us from making critical mistakes. If we refuse this, we will likely encounter the experience of life redirecting us. In our hustle and bustle, these redirections often feel like obstructions. But truthfully, they’re opportunities.

Given the concurrent pandemic and the most significant civil rights movement of our generation, it’s essential for all of us to let our nervous system recalibrate during Mercury retrograde in Cancer.

That said, it’s key to note that Mercury rules our brains and our nervous system, and this retrograde portion of Mercury’s celestial cycle allows for the mind to catch up with the current moment: Given the concurrent pandemic and the most significant civil rights movement of our generation, it’s essential for all of us, no matter where we live in the intersection of race and privilege, to let our nervous system recalibrate during Mercury retrograde in Cancer. Monumental and necessary shifts are upon us, and our nervous systems need to be supported as we embrace all of the changes ahead.

Mercury in Cancer—the sign of the divine feminine and ruler of the home, roots, ancestry, and cardinal water—wants us to feel our feelings. Cardinal energy initiates a season, and water relates to our emotions. This can feel emotional, but it can also feel nourished, grounded, and secure, so long as we continue to do the work.

Embracing the power of the moment

Even before the year began, not knowing what would happen, as an astrologer, I knew this: 2020 would transform us as an individual and as a collective. It is a turning point for humanity.

We are only halfway through the year. We still have a long way to go and so much more astrological, political, and interpersonal intensity to tend to, so we need to stay present, commit to ourselves, and commit to our communities to show up meaningfully in this time. In order to do this, we also need to tend to our bodies to assure our capacity to stay with the transformation.

It’s essential not to burn out, and resilience is key for being able to show up right now. So, eat a blood-sugar balanced diet, make space for movement, prioritize hydration, and rest. Your nervous system (hello, Mercury retrograde), requires this.

Immediately following Mercury stationing retrograde, the sun moves into Cancer on June 20th. The sun in Cancer heralds the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the commencement of a new season. This particular summer solstice doubles as a solar new moon eclipse, happening at zero degrees of Cancer.

This particular eclipse (happening on June 21st at 2:41 a.m.) and really the whole week ahead, provides for healing potency and beckons a new beginning. Mars in Pisces sextiles Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn—and a sextile is a gift. With Mars in an ideal angle to Jupiter and Pluto, the cosmos invite us to come into a deeper alignment with our sense of agency.

The last time we had this same eclipse was the summer solstice of 2001, so whatever we initiated then comes full circle now, as we step into a new 19-year trajectory. Collectively, we are ending that chapter, and entering into a new one. So be really mindful of what you initiate this new moon. Choose wisely. Be conscious. Get clear.

To that point, Saturn, the planet of discipline and structure, is also retrograde. He currently travels at 1 degree of Aquarius. Saturn in Aquarius suggests revolution and paradigm shifts. He asks us to clean up what’s not in service to the collective, and true to Saturn’s style, and he’s not soft in his asking. On July 1st, he’ll retrograde back into Capricorn and won’t return to Aquarius until the end of December.

So take time now to acquaint yourself with your Saturn in Aquarius lessons. On winter solstice 2020, he’ll join Jupiter in Aquarius, forming a Great Conjunction, and we’ll collectively, officially enter a new chapter of history. Ready or not, it’s here, and it’s unlike where we’ve been. So do the work now to prepare yourself for this new paradigm. The celestial cycles at hand require that.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.