Image via Complex Original
Last month was a terrible time for us astrologically in pretty much every way possible, including in our love lives. But we've made it through, and astrologers say we've got brighter and sexier skies ahead of us in June.
According to Deborah Graham, star of TLC's The Psychic Matchmaker and author of Get Your Head Out of Your App, this month is ripe for romance. Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are in line, which makes you feel like everything's going your way. And with Mercury out of retrograde, communication is a breeze. Elle UK resident astrologer and Surviving Saturn's Return author Stefanie Weiss told Complex that you'll also probably feel flirtatious this month, since we're under the strong influence of Gemini.
In fact, Graham says all of 2016 is great for your love life, because Venus—the planet of love—doesn't go retrograde at all. There's no wrong time to meet someone new, send that brave Tinder message, boldly ask someone on a date, or plan a romantic getaway. But there are a few particularly important dates to pay attention to this month.
On June 13, Neptune goes retrograde, sharpening our psychic abilities. And June 20, the summer solstice, is supposed to leave us all feeling more connected to one another—physically and emotionally. "This day is, to put it mildly, intense," said Weiss, especially since it coincides with a rare second full moon in Sagittarius within a month. "Long-standing issues can come to the surface within partnerships, and sparks can fly. But for single people, it’s likelier to just make you mega-horny, and since everyone is wearing far less clothing, hookups are likely to happen."
Since these favorable planetary motions are happening while you're probably looking for a summer fling, here's how to boost your chances of meeting someone, according to astrologers. (And not just anyone—the right person for you on a ~spiritual level~)
1. Get your flirt on during the first half of the month
Since Gemini is all about flirtation, June is a great time to engage in sexting and hookups, but Weiss advises keeping things casual for the first half of the month. After the solstice, the sun moves into Cancer, which is a better time to settle down. At this point, it's a great idea to propose some Netflix & chill, she said, because it's the best of both worlds (or, should we say, planets): "You’re at home with your lover but it can be totally casual."
2. Put everything on the table
With Mercury in retrograde last month, every conversation was ripe for misunderstandings. But right now, Graham says your words will come out exactly as you mean them. This is a great time to tell someone you have feelings for them or confront a partner about issues in your relationship, since the chances of talking past each other are lower than usual. "You might think 'I'm not saying the right things,' but it's going to come out the right way anyway," she said.
3. Go out as much as possible
The universe is working to help you find Mr. or Ms. Right, said Graham, so every little effort will go far. Even a trip to the grocery store or a ride on the train could lead to a date. Fight the urge to hang out in your pajamas and watch Netflix, and take your friends up on invitations for Friday night drinks; make sure to RSVP "yes" to as many parties as possible. Save those nights in for when there's less to miss out on. You won't get the chance to meet someone this easily for a while.
4. Experiment in the bedroom
With Mars in Scorpio from late May through August, you may find yourself feeling friskier than usual this month, Weiss said, whether you're single or coupled up. Don't run away from it. "You will feel primal, and you shouldn’t avoid those feelings—engage with them however you can, without actually hurting anyone," she said. "I have a feeling there is going to be a summer resurgence of Fifty Shades of Grey style experimentation. As long as all is consensual, this is all perfectly aligned with the stars."
5. Look out for weird coincidences
This month isn't all about flirting and sexual experimentation—it's also a good time to meet your soul mate, since your intuition is heightened. But how do you tell the difference between Gemini's flirtatious spirit and Neptune's spiritual pull?
Keep your eyes open for weird serendipitous moments, Graham suggested. If you find yourselves popping up on each other's dating apps again and again, bumping into each other on the street, calling each other at the same time, or finishing each other's sentences, that's a sign this might be a celestial match, not just a physical one.
6. Revisit the past
Last month was a time to be skeptical of exes coming back into your life, since this reconnection could be chalked up to the pull of Mercury retrograde rather than genuine feelings. But right now is one of those rare times when it may actually be a good idea to reconnect with an ex. "The idea here is to never say never," said Graham. "What you said you would once not do, well, you may find that now it is time to clear the air." Even if someone's wronged you in the past, this could be a time to give them another chance. They might surprise you.
7. Tear up your checklist
The thing about letting the planets help you find love is that they don't always share your plans. Your best match may not look like the person you had in mind. But if someone doesn't fit your criteria, don't discount them, said Graham. Opening yourself up to what fate has in store means letting go of your expectations—and trusting that sometimes, the universe is a better matchmaker than you are.