As the Southern Hemisphere slips into winter and the nights grow longer, the heavens unveil some of their most breathtaking spectacles. In South African folklore, the stars have long held sacred meaning—Khoisan stories speak of !Gaunab, the spirit of darkness, and celestial hunters chasing antelopes across the sky. From the slopes of Table Mountain to the vast Karoo, winter invites us to pause, look up, and connect not only with the cosmos but with the rich cultural heritage written in the stars.
JUNE
June 1: Venus at Greatest Elongation West
Today, Venus appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the morning sky.
June 5: Venus Enters Taurus
Over the next few weeks, we’ll all feel the love, experiencing sensual pleasures, creativity, and delightful treats to keep us happy.
June 9: Pallas (The Asteroid of Wisdom) Retrograde in Aquarius
Focus on the greater good, harness emotional intelligence, and maintain personal power. Avoid getting swept away by your emotions, and stay attuned to the needs of others
June 11: Sagittarius Full Moon “Strawberry Moon”
Named due to the time of year to gather ripening fruit in the Northern Hemisphere. Being in Sagittarius, it ignites our quest for adventure as we break free from old routines.
June 17: Mars Enters Virgo
Perfectionism is top of mind, therefore, it is the ideal time to connect with the body and prioritise self-care through working out, scheduling doctor appointments, or consulting a wellness coach.
June 21: Winter Solstice
This is the first day of winter in the Southern Hemisphere and occurs at 4:42 am SAST.
June 25: Cancer New Moon
The Moon will be at its height by 12:31pm and will not be visible in the night sky.
June 26: Mercury Enters Leo
As Mercury (communication) moves into Leo (passion and loyalty), our words grow bolder, but be cautious with grand declarations – you might not be able to follow through just yet.
JULY
Jul 3: Earth at Aphelion
Earth is at the point in its orbit farthest from the Sun.
July 4: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation.
The best time to view Mercury, in the evening sky.
July 4: Neptune Retrograde in Aries
Coming back to reality, and asks us to think carefully before taking action.
July 7: Uranus Enters Gemini
Uranus (planet of freedom and originality) in an air sign creates sudden changes that could lead to revolutions and revelations.
July 10: Capricorn Full Moon “Buck Moon/ Hay Moon”
At its height by 22:36 SAST, the Moon will be fully illuminated.
July 10: Juno (asteroid of commitment) Direct in Scorpio
Now is the time to rebuild trust in your relationships by seeking the truth.
July 12: Saturn Retrograde in Aries
It’s time to mix things up, but be cautious not to go overboard.
July 17: Mercury Retrograde in Leo
Drama leads to getting swept up in the moment. With a fine line between bravery and attention-seeking.
July 22: Sun Enters Leo
The next four weeks will bring “main character” energy as the sun shines in its ruling sign, Leo. Accompanied by a boost of creative and vibrant energy in your life.
July 24: Leo New Moon
At its height by 21:10 SAST, the Moon will not be visible in the night sky.
July 28 & 29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquarids produce up to 20 meteors per hour at their peak, from the debris left behind by comets Marsden and Kracht, within the constellation Aquarius.
July 30: Chiron Retrograde in Aries
Focus on healing from within.
AUGUST
August 9: Aquarius Full Moon “Green Corn Moon/ Grain Moon”
The Moon will be at its peak by 9:54am SAST and will be fully illuminated.
August 11: Mercury Direct in Leo
Use your words to create beauty and uplift those around you.
August 12 and 13: Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids produce up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak, by comet Swift-Tuttle in the constellation Perseus.
August 22: Sun Enters Virgo
During Virgo season, our energy will become more focused, careful, and poised as we seek the best ways to help others.
August 23: Virgo New Moon
The Moon will be at its peak by 8:10 SAST and will not be visible in the night sky.
As winter wraps the world in its quiet stillness, the night sky comes alive with celestial wonders that remind us of the vast, mysterious universe we’re part of. Whether you’re watching the shimmering dance of the Milky Way, tracking the movements of distant planets, or catching the fleeting brilliance of a meteor shower, winter invites us to slow down, look up, and reconnect with the cosmos. So bundle up, step outside, and let the stars be your guide – there’s magic above us, waiting to be seen.
