© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter June 2016
by Sally Shotwell
June arrives as we enjoy the energies of the Sun(our consciousness) and Venus(love and money) as they hang out together in airy, curious Gemini. We can expect lots of swirling ideas and intriguing conversations to keep us engaged but there’s a lot more going on with this sign represented by the Twins. They’re Castor and Pollux and are famous throughout mythology for their dualistic heritage. One is mortal and one divine which leads to a painful separation, representing our own struggle to create unity within our own nature. The planet Mercury rules Gemini and he is known as both the Trickster and the Messenger of the Gods, further alluding to division within the signs’ orientation causing fluctuations in our goals and motivations when immersed in its influence.
June 4 is the New Moon(beginnings) in Gemini and the Sun and Moon are receiving a lot of attention from other members of the zodiac, some of it not particularly welcome. Fiery Jupiter(belief-systems) in precise, earthy Virgo challenges the Sun’s and Venus’ points of view and the Moon is busy fending for herself as five planets take an interest in her. This leads us to the message of the Sabian Symbol which stresses the import of communication (Mercury) to alleviate confusion caused by mixed signals. “Two Dutch children talking to each other, exchanging their knowledge; the need to clarify one’s experiences through actual contact with like-minded individuals.” Reaching out to others is helpful as we process the emotions and instincts which continue to be unearthed as fiery Mars retraces his footsteps in watery, investigative Scorpio. This is territory we covered earlier in the year and, hopefully, we’re able to just mop up the vestiges of what was revealed and dismissed at that time. The thing is that all this generates a lot of internal energy that needs a safe outlet. Mars turns direct June 30. Hurray!!!
Do we have a physical activity which brings us relaxation?
Do we have a confidant with whom we can unburden ourselves?
Do we have a confidant with whom we can unburden ourselves?
June 12 Mercury(our thought processes) moves into Gemini being welcomed home and encourages us to be open to our environment which should give us depth to our experience. Watery, dreamy Neptune turns retrograde in transcendant Pisces, so our attention is aimed inward to access our imagination. Taking a break from our mundane schedule for a while, and giving ourself permission to daydream, puts our logical mind on hold really helping our stress levels. Even more fulfilling is experiencing insights which are beyond the reach of rational thought.
Are we respecting our need for time to ourselves?
Are we respecting our need for time to ourselves?
When Venus(our self-worth) enters watery, assertive Cancer June 17, we’re introduced to archetypal mother’s love and urged to put nurturing ourselves and others as a top priority for us. Cardinal Cancer is notoriously sensitive, so we need to remain aware of our own and other’s sensibilities in our personal interactions. Here again, this is where open communication alleviates misunderstandings during this period in which our perceptions are going through restructuring.
June 20 is a big day because first there’s a Full Moon(culmination) in fiery, belief-oriented Sagittarius, followed later in the day(3:34 p.m. PDT) by the season changing Summer Solstice. The Full Moon’s message is “The Pope, blessing the faithful; the need to pay homage to traditional values upon which the Invisible Community of Spirits is built.” It’s helpful to keep in mind that practical taskmaster Saturn in Sagittarius is in an awkward relationship with transcendent Neptune in watery, limitless Pisces due to their very different approaches to spirituality. With the gradual co-mingling of traditional values with the Invisible Community of Spirits, together Saturn and Neptune may guide us to trust our intuition while embracing our common sense.
The Summer Solstice is a great act to follow the Full Moon, since it’s when the Sun reaches his apex, creating the longest day of the year. Since ancient times this has been considered a magical time for which ceremonies and astronomical monuments were created. Stonehenge and other archeological wonders draw individuals who which to honor the Great Mother(Cancer) and honor our place in the eternal cycle. If there’s a Mid-Summer festival in our area, let’s attend it and take a time-out from any frustrations facing us. What ever our belief system, we are all grateful for the Sun’s presence making our individual lives possible.
A harmonious connection expansive Jupiter in earthy Virgo makes with transformative Pluto in earthy Capricorn June 26 combines their energies to generate a feeling of being centered even if unexpected developments crop up around us. Mercury moving into nurturing, watery Cancer June 29 also mellows out the atmosphere after an exciting, airy period, as far as our thought processes go. This should help us in our re-directing all the pent-up energy we’ve been holding within us as Mars has been retrograde. As of June 29, the tide is turning and we now feel more capable of taking advantage of the vitality we wish to use in moving forward with our lives. Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief!
Blessings!
Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality with a super-natural curiosity and an undying thirst for knowledge. Her focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades, and have included studying with Mario C. Veo, John Joseph, Mark Husson and C. A. Brooks.
