Renowned Tarot Reader Ron Augustine to Share Celestial Insights During Key West’s ‘Summer Solstice Celebration’

Key West, Fla. — Transformation and the power of the sun are to take center stage June 1-20 in Key West, one of the sunniest spots in the continental United States, during the “Summer Solstice Celebration” at Mallory Square, the site of the island’s famed nightly sunset celebration.  

At the festival honoring the Summer Solstice or Midsummer, when the sun is at the peak of its power, attendees can enjoy sun-centered activities inspired by Midsummer’s mythology and symbolism, demonstrations of creative magic by artists and craftspeople, entertainment by performers ranging from illusionists to daredevils, and local vendors’ wares for body and spirit. 

“The solstice is the time when everything is most alive, you can see with clarity, and the sun is at its brightest,” said acclaimed intuitive Ron Augustine, who will offer mesmerizing tarot card readings throughout the festival. “To me that’s the most magical part of Key West, because you can’t hide anything from the sun here.”

Esteemed as both an astrologer and card reader, Augustine began developing his abilities as a child. His mentors included master astrologer Harriet Friedlander and world-renowned tarot expert Rachel Pollack, author of the definitive tarot resource “Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom.”

Also an expert metalsmith and jeweler who trained at the Gemological Institute of America, Augustine opened the store Ruby Slipper after moving to Key West in 2000.

“Fate drew me to Key West, because I didn’t even like it when I first came,” he admitted of his initial visit to the island. “Then the magic happened — the second day, something just came over me that said, ‘This is your new home.’”

Since 2007, Augustine has been giving astrology-based tarot readings at the Mallory Square sunset gathering. Widely recognized for his insight and intuitive wisdom, he has  been featured on television shows in several countries and in publications including “National Geographic Traveler.” He also provided the inspiration for the character of Lorenzo in the best-selling Key West Food Critic mystery series.

Born under the astrological sign of Leo, he feels a close connection to the solstice.

“It’s the illumination, being able to see very clearly — and that’s what I’m all about,” Augustine said.

“Summer Solstice Celebration” events culminate June 20, the night of the 2025 solstice itself. Attendees are encouraged to wear flower crowns and ethereal or nature-themed attire associated with solstice mythology.

During the festival finale, people can learn about the summer night sky, set intentions for the coming months and pin them on a “wish board,” and connect with the ocean realm through a sea turtle experience presented by the Florida Keys’ Turtle Hospital. Capping the evening’s enchantment will be a projection of large-scale mystical “dreamscapes” by noted artist Nicholas Bergery.

Produced by the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, organizer of the Mallory Square sunset gathering, festival events begin at 7 p.m. each evening. The “Summer Solstice Celebration” is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
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Visit sunsetcelebration.org for more information and a schedule of events.
 

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