MONTHLY SINCE
1999
ISSUE # 204
June 2016
We have
been dealing with a seriously difficult aspect all year. Jupiter is in opposition to Neptune and squared by Saturn. This is a
T-Square, which I consider in some ways the most troublesome of the
aspects. While a grand cross is an exceptional amount of energy, it resolves
through each of the oppositions and squares. (Many of my readers are aware of
the Cardinal Grand Cross we experienced in 2014, the results of which we are
still experiencing.) A T-Square is like a three-legged table. ItÕs unbalanced
and requires constant attention or it will greatly upset the status quo. Those
born with this configuration must stay vigilant throughout their lives and pay
attention to their surroundings and try to rebalance situations. Our present
political predicament shows that imbalance. It also shows a strong possibility
of a third candidate entering the race. In any case, I still predict that
Hillary will win.
On June 17th Saturn will square Neptune
for the 2nd of three passes. This has been an underlying force that has
pushed our world to the brink. Saturn rules stability, reality and the
foundation upon which we build. It is responsible for the structure and
solidity that we usually take for granted. Neptune cares little for such
things. ItÕs a transcendental force that seems to bypass what we call reality
in favor of a higher mindedness and a sense of spirituality that has little to
do with structure or practicality. When these two planets are in conflict it
implies a need to balance these two diametrically opposed energies and find
equilibrium between our need for stability and our desire to escape the
limitations of realism. IsnÕt this exactly what is occurring in our political
world? There seems to be a war between what we wish existed and what actually
does. On both the left and the right there is a pull towards idealism without
regard for the instability that could result. When our ideals are threatened
there isnÕt much room to bend. Saturn is
trying to force NeptuneÕs idealism into a corner, while Neptune is trying to
dissipate SaturnÕs limitations. In the end neither will succeed unless a
compromise is found. Because the primary season has taken place during this
ongoing transit it has produced an exasperating situation that will result in
at least half of the population dissatisfied no matter what the outcome.
Friendships are breaking up over which candidate we favor. Normally rational
people are acting irrationally and there seems to be no way out. Hopefully some
of this can be resolved and fixed with the separation of this transit. The last pass of this aspect will occur
September 10th 2016 before the election, which is why I believe
some semblance of order and rational will occur in time for Election Day. But
whoever becomes president is inheriting an office that will be fraught with the
leftover anger and disappointment this square produces.
Mars
goes direct on June 29thand itÕs about time! These Mars retrogrades
are very difficult. They only happen once every 2 years, and limit our energy
level and ability to fight through the usual battles. This has been a
particularly difficult retrograde that has drained us all. Now as it goes
direct things will start to move very quickly and there will be a surge of wind
at your back that could push you forward with a great deal of force, so be
prepared. Although it wonÕt be your nature to do so, use a little restraint
until you get used to the rejuvenation and excessive power that will accompany
this transit.
By the way, if you thought the primary
season couldnÕt get any nastier just wait until Mars begins to move forward.
While I
try not to allow my personal feelings to enter into my astrological work and
predictions, the stakes in this coming election are so incredibly high that I
feel itÕs necessary to make a statement.
Our
world is on the brink of changes that will have long lasting and powerful
effects on our planet. Half of America as well as the rest of the world are in
the throes of catastrophic weather patterns. The mid-west is experiencing the
worst floods and tornadoes in history. The sea levels are rising even faster
than most scientists had predicted. The coasts are at risk of being
overwhelmed, and there are entire island nations preparing for evacuation in a
worst case scenario. And one candidate continues to deny the events and
believes that the answer to our problems is to drill more, burn more coal, and
virtually do away with the EPA. This is more than just political bantering. It
is the most dangerous and foolish approach to a problem that cannot be
exaggerated, as it literally implies our very existence.
The
next president will appoint at least one, if not two Supreme Court justices
whose policies will last for a generation. I know this has been a disappointing
election year for many. There isnÕt that one candidate that we can all rally
around with great pride and hope. But as I said above, the stakes here and now
are greater than any individual person or position. The very future of
humankind is what we are deciding. If we donÕt push our species towards
renewable energy, strengthening things like the Paris accord, and face the
reality of whatÕs happening, there is little doubt that we and our children
will pay a terrible price in the very near future. The shore line of New
Jersey, Florida, and the gulf coast are all vulnerable to serious irreversible
decay Š and not in the distant future, but right now. Even if you arenÕt 100%
behind a candidate or their policies, you simply must recognize that this
election is a decision that transcends such things as the short term economic
or sociological problems we face. Does it make any sense at all to destroy our
world for a temporary uptick in employment, or because you donÕt agree with
someoneÕs attitude? All the other issues can be discussed and fought over in
the coming years. If we do not make serious changes in our policies towards the
environment, none of that will matter. And who we elect this year will have the
most dynamic effect on that question.
Happy
summer to you all. This is my favorite time of year (I am a Cancer after all)
and I hope you all enjoy the sun, surf and games. Take a little time out from
your stressful lives and have some fun.
NEW MOON:
The New Moon falls on Saturday June 4th
at 10:59 P.M. EDT at 14 degrees Gemini 53 minutes. This monthÕs focus
is on communication and unveiling what is underneath the surface. This can be a
very positive period as long as you are willing to see the actualities for what
they are. And with Mercury entering this sign of its rulership
on June 12th we can expect a plethora of information being presented
over the next few weeks. In both our personal lives and in the collective we
may encounter some harsh facts and be forced to face some difficult and
uncomfortable issues. Many truths will be exposed and we will hear some
interesting and perhaps confounding news. This will certainly continue to be
true about our candidates and the ongoing political process.
Try to
make use of this energy and its positive side. This is a month to gather
information and put things in a logical order. Travel, especially short
journeys will be rewarding and informative. Pay attention to the details and
try not to get lost in the bigger picture. Relationships of all sorts are most
important, so keep the lines of communication open.
THE SUN CONJUNCTS VENUS:
On Monday June 6th at 5:39 P.M.
EDT
this very pleasant and enjoyable aspect completes. While this isnÕt as powerful
a transit as many we will face this month, today there will be an underlying
air of ease and tranquility. Try to enjoy this and spend some time in nature or
with the arts. It will be most satisfying and could prove a short but useful respite
from the harsh reality we normally deal with. This can be a day for romance if
it sets off your personal chart, but I usually find it is a good aspect for
friendship, creativity and relaxation rather than for the intensity required
for coupling. An ongoing relationship will benefit from the gentleness of this
energy, but starting a new romance usually takes more Mars energy to stimulate
the desire. Either way, try to set aside some time to mediate and relax. Any
artistic venture should bring you much joy and reward.
MERCURY OPPOSES MARS:
On Thursday June 9th at 1:01 P.M.
EDT this
powerful but quick moving configuration will put a lot of mental energy in the
air. This is an argument waiting to happen. Try not to let it happen to you. If
there is something that must be discussed and youÕve been avoiding it, it may
force itself and become hard to sidestep. But if there is a discussion that may
be troublesome but can be delayed, I would suggest you wait until this passes.
Accidents are also very possible mostly as a result of hidden tension and an
explosive attitude. There is a lot of buried anger and frustration. Use caution
while traveling and donÕt get upset over little things. If youÕre feeling
angry, you shouldnÕt get behind the wheel of a car. There will be a lot of
mental energy, as I said, and if you can direct it into projects you can get a
lot of work done. Just be aware that you may be speaking with more aggression
than you realize.
VENUS SEXTILES URANUS:
On Sunday June 12th at 11:12
A.M. EDT this interesting aspect will give us all a different perspective on
romance and creativity. This is not a day to follow your usual routine. Get out
into the world and explore. People, events and the arts will offer you an
opportunity for something unusual and exciting. You may meet someone quite
different from your usual friends. The more youÕre open to some new experiences
the better the chance of a new encounter. Look for something different in your
creative ventures as well. A trip to a museum, a jazz club or some other
interesting venue will prove very enjoyable.
MERCURY ENTERS GEMINI:
Also on Sunday June 12th at 7:22
P.M. EDT Mercury enters the sign of its rulership
until June 29th. Things will move very quickly and you need to stay
on top of it all. Information will abound and ideas will come at you nonstop.
This is a very active and productive transit, but it can get a little out of
hand. So slow yourself down and be careful not to take on more than you can
handle. Communications of all sorts will be quick and plentiful. When a planet
transits the sign of its rulership there is an
exaggerated sense of what that sign is all about. As such, expect a lot of
information to be presented quickly, and relationships to be in the forefront
of your life. People often donÕt realize how much Gemini, its ruler Mercury,
and the 3rd house have to do with all interconnections between
people. I often say that the definition of a relationship is two people
talking. What they do while communicating will define what the relationship is,
but itÕs the very fact that they are expressing themselves to each other that
makes the connection valuable. Travel is favored, especially short trips. Pay
attention to the small details. Because the New Moon was also in this sign, it
will add even more impetus to communications of all sorts.
NEPTUNE RETROGRADES:
On Monday June 13th at 4:43 P.M.
EDT
Neptune begins its yearly backward motion until
November 19th. This is a time when we will all internalize our
deepest spiritual feelings. This is a good time to create works of art, but not
the best time to present them to the world. While I donÕt believe retrogrades
prevent success, there are stronger and weaker periods for our projects. This
is a time of creativity and reaching an inner understanding of our personal
goals. Rewrite your novel, clean up the lyrics of a new poem or song, or finish
your painting. But IÕd wait until Neptune goes direct before opening your play
or releasing you album. This is a great time to walk
on the beach, take mediation classes, or seek any kind of spiritual guidance. I
learned to meditate many years ago while Neptune was in retrograde, and IÕve
found it to be one of the most positive and life enforcing things I have ever
done.
THE SUN SEXTILES URANUS:
On Tuesday June 14th at 3:54 A.M.
EDT this
positive and inventive aspect will give us all a chance to step outside the box
for a short while without trepidation. This is a day to explore the world and
look for new input, relationships and events. Do something outside of your
usual routine; donÕt just follow the same path. Uranus wants new and exciting,
and the sextile allows us to use the energy of the two planets together without
conflict. This completes early in the morning, so its effect will be felt more
the night before, but it will set up the energy for Tuesday even as its power
wanes. Try to look at your situations and problems from a new perspective. You
may discover a solution you hadnÕt considered before.
VENUS ENTERS CANCER:
On Friday June 17th at 3:39 P.M.
EDT
this lovely planet enters one of the most emotional of signs where it will stay
until July 12th. While in this sign relationships will be more about
feelings and less about intellect. This will be a time to enrich our closest
connections, including friendships and family relationships. There is a strong
attachment to the past and those people who stimulate your sensitive side will
probably be the ones youÕll wish to spend time with. If you need to reach
someone youÕve been having difficulty expressing yourself to, go for the heart.
Just be careful not to be too sappy. There is a tendency with Cancer to overdo
the feelings and not leave much room for discussion. This is a very creative
placement, especially for poets, musicians, and the like. This is a good time
to redecorate or beautify your home or office.
SATURN SQUARES NEPTUNE:
Also on Friday June 17th at
11:23 P.M. EDT this difficult aspect will make its 2nd
completion. We will have this
configuration one more time on September 10th 2016. Saturn is in
retrograde now, and only pulls back a little over a degree from this square. So
in effect we are going to be dealing with this aspect from now until it
completes for the last time this fall.
We have
been living under the influence of this square for more than a year. This
transit has been one of the reasons for the confusing and infuriating political
situation in this country. It has also been the reason our financial markets
are so perplexing and lethargic. Until this completes for the 3rd and
final time in September we will be dealing with its power.
Just to
go over this again, Saturn rules our structure, stability and the foundation
upon which we build and expand. Neptune rules the spiritual and ethereal side
of life and has little regard for what we call reality. They are quite opposite
in their purpose, but I have found that when used together properly we can do
amazing things. I have clients with these two planets conjunct, and many are
very successful in the arts, business, or very talented in the health field.
ThatÕs because Saturn can bring NeptuneÕs fantasies into focus and create a
reality where NeptuneÕs powers can be displayed and used successfully in the
outside world.
But
there are many people born with these two in conflict who never get out of
their own way because theyÕve never learned to compromise. If you can focus and
use the Saturn energy to your advantage, you can make something exceptional.
But you canÕt allow Saturn to completely quell NeptuneÕs influence or you will
extinguish the wondrous Neptunian talents. Of course a square is different from
the conjunct and implies an internal struggle from its inception.
For the
week applying to this transit we must all use caution and take pains to double
check everything and make sure there are no mistakes or misunderstandings,
especially in business. Expect even more bad news to come out in the political
arena, and for more irrational animosity. It might be wise to avoid certain
discussions until after the election.
FULL MOON:
This monthÕs lunar peak occurs on Monday June
20th at 7:02 A.M. EDT at 29 degree Sagittarius 33 minutes. Last monthÕs Full
Moon was also in Sagittarius at 1 degree 14 minutes. Whenever there are two
Full Moons in the same sign it implies that there are issues involving that
sign that need to be resolved and require our attention. This sign is all about
growth and expansion, but also about overdoing and taking things to extremes.
Certainly we are seeing those effects in our society now in many areas, especially
in our political landscape. Where last monthÕs lunar peak involved the
beginning of this issue at 1 degree, this monthÕs is all about the completion
of the lessons at 29 degrees. Sagittarius rules the law. We can expect
resolution to some legal matters that affect us all.
This
may be a particularly intense day with Mercury setting off the Saturn Š Neptune
square and the Sun entering Cancer. Because of the tendency Sagittarius has to
blow things out of proportion, itÕs important to try and keep things in
perspective. The Mercury transits that immediately follow this Sun Š Moon
opposition will create an atmosphere of low energy with a lot of confusion. It
will also bring up issues about the past. If you allow your feelings to
overwhelm you it would be easy to get into difficult discussions and make
decisions that arenÕt based in reality. With the power of this Full Moon
involved, it would be wise to let things go until this energy dissipates.
MERCURY OPPOSES SATURN & SQUARES
NEPTUNE:
Also on Monday June 20th at
10:56 A.M. & 1:11 P.M. EDT respectively Mercury will set off the ongoing
Saturn Š Neptune square that completed on the 17th (see above). For
a day or so you can expect much confusion and low energy. Moods will fluctuate
and it may be quite difficult to communicate your ideas and say whatÕs on your
mind. Both Saturn and Neptune bring up difficulties in dealing with reality,
but in much different ways. The opposition to Saturn can make many of us feel
restricted and unable to express our inner feelings. The sense of reality can
overwhelm you, and you may find it hard to see the optimistic and outgoing side
of things. When aspecting Mercury, Saturn can limit
the flow of ideas and slow down your thoughts. The square of Mercury to Neptune
will create an atmosphere where itÕs hard to separate fantasy from reality. Of
course, this is the problem weÕve been dealing with under the Saturn Š Neptune
square, and the quicker moving planets such as Mercury simply exacerbate that
issue. While Mercury is in conflict with Neptune you may find your thoughts
scattered and unfocused. You may hear what you want to hear, and not what is
said. ItÕs important to double check things and clarify whatever is creating
confusion. Luckily these Mercury transits only last a day or so. If possible
donÕt make any permanent decisions today. Wait until this passes and then
examine the situation anew. Use caution while traveling. There could be
problems with directions or even mechanical difficulties.
THE SUN ENTERS CANCER:
Also on Monday June 20th at 6:34
P.M. EDT summer officially begins as the Sun enters this most emotional of
signs. I always laugh when people tell me that astrology is irrelevant and has
nothing to do with our culture, when itÕs all around us. Each of the seasons
begins when the Sun enters the four cardinal signs. The sign of Cancer is all
about friends and family. It has much to do with the past, and there is a
tendency to get caught up in unfinished business, especially dealing with
familial issues. Old patterns of behavior and attitudes you thought you had
left behind long ago may resurface and require another examination. Spend time
with your closest people this month. This sign is about deeper connections and
our sense of family, however we define that. When the Sun is transiting Leo
next month it will be more about romance and games.
MERCURY SQUARES JUPITER:
On Wednesday June 22nd at 6:59 P.M.
EDT
this positive but excitable transit will lift us out of the doldrums left over
from the Mercury aspects we experienced a few days ago (see above). This is a
good day for communication and travel, but a word of warning is required. Your
thoughts will move quickly and information will come at you at a very fast
pace. It may be difficult to keep up with what is being said and written. Also,
Jupiter has no sense of boundaries and itÕs easy to blow things out of
proportion. With this square many of us will not have our usual filters and may
say exactly whatÕs on our minds without thinking things through. As such itÕs
advisable to take things with a grain of salt and not overreact. If there is an
important issue to discuss, try to use some restraint and be succinct in your
presentation. Also, while travel will be enjoyable and help expand your
consciousness, there is a chance for mistakes. So double check all plans and
directions, etc. Also, if youÕre driving you must pay strict attention to whatŌs going on around you. ItÕs very easy to become
distracted under this squareÕs influence, which could lead to accidents or
other complications. A little extra care will help avoid any problems.
JUPITER TRINES PLUTO:
On Sunday June 26th at 8:10 A.M.
EDT
this useful trine will help bring some issues into focus. This combination will
allow us all to make advances in projects that involved other people. The few
days leading up to this trine will be a good time to move ventures forward and
get help from those who have a vested interest in the outcome. This energy
works better with groups than individually, so if you can work with people to
achieve a common goal you will find this more rewarding. This is the third and
final pass of this aspect, and IÕm sorry to see it go. It has been one of the
transits that have helped stabilize the stock markets and world events. With
its passing we may see some of the underlying stability falter because we still
have one more pass of Saturn square Neptune completing in September without
this supportive trine.
MERCURY SEXTILES URANUS:
Also on Sunday June 26th at
10:31 P.M. EDT our thoughts and communications will be fast and furious.
But because this is a positive sextile it will be easier than usual to control
your ideas and responses. This is a day to explore new concepts and to step
outside of your usual routine, especially if this sets off your personal chart.
Seek out unusual input. If you usually like classical music, perhaps today you
should listen to jazz. A day at the beach or an amusement park might be just
the thing to shake you up a little. ThereÕs a great big exciting world out
there, and this would be a good day to see some of it.
MERCURY ENTERS CANCER:
On Wednesday June 29th at 7:24 P.M.
EDT until July 13th Mercury will enter this most emotional of
signs. For the next few weeks communications will be
more passionate and expressive. People will be speaking from the heart more
than the mind. With the Sun and Venus already in this sign many issues
involving family, good friends, and the past will come up. If you have an
important matter to discuss it would probably be best to address it on a
personal level rather than from a strictly business or ŅrealityÓ perspective.
If you need to reach someone you will do a better job putting it in an
emotional context.
MARS GOES DIRECT:
Also on Wednesday June 29th at
7:38 P.M. EDT Mars finally turns around. Because of the orbit of Mars it only retrogrades once every two years. I find it to
be one of the most difficult of retrogrades. Our collective energy level has
been lower, and many people have been complaining of tiredness and a feeling of
lethargy. Now as Mars turns around you may find that many people are suddenly
energized and anxious to get things done. This is often the reaction when a
planet goes direct, and with Mars itÕs often exceptionally so. After several
months of restrictive energy flow we all feel like jumping up and running a
little wild. Well, thatÕs fine as long as youÕre paying attention. ThereÕs a
lot to catch up on, and since itÕs summer many of us will want to get into the
game and enjoy the glorious weather and activities this season offers. Just use
some restraint for a few days until you get used to the increased vitality and
liveliness this will present. With a little caution this will be an extremely
positive and vivacious time. Egos will abound and be more prominent, so expect
others to project a more direct and even pushy side. The best thing to do is
just let them act out and sidestep anything that rubs you the wrong way.
Chances are you are also acting in more of an aggressive manner than you
realize. DonÕt worry; it will all fall into place soon.
VENUS OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Thursday June 30th at 11:29
P.M. EDT many of us could be rather intense in our relationships. This
opposition will demand that we dig deeply into our closest connections and
unearth any hidden agendas or desires. You may uncover some truths that you
hadnÕt been aware of, so be prepared to hear exactly what the other person is feeling.
This may produce some anger or frustration, but itÕs all for the purpose of
cleansing and expunging anything that has been creating limitations and
preventing further growth. Remember, PlutoÕs domain is the elimination of
waste, and Venus rules coupling, as well as our financial situations. So you
can expect some clearing out in our most personal contacts. It also may
represent some sort of purging in our financial markets.
VENUS SEXTILES JUPITER:
On Friday July 1st at 3:18 P.M.
EDT
this exceptionally positive and enjoyable transit will complete. This should be
a day or so when most people are easy to get along with and seeking expansion
in their personal lives. This is a great time for any socializing or
entertainment. DonÕt sit in front of a computer. Get out and see the world.
Take in a movie, a show, or a day in the sunshine. Share these things with
those you love. Sometimes this combination can lead to a romantic encounter,
but this must set off your personal chart to have that strong an effect. A
party, dinner, or other interaction with people will be enjoyable and
fulfilling.
THE SUN TRINES NEPTUNE:
On Sunday July 3rd at 7:02 A.M.
EDT
this positive and spiritual transit completes. This is a subtle energy, and you
may not even realize you are under its influence unless you pay attention. This
is a good day for mediation, a long walk, or seeking a deeper truth through
conversation or thought. This is a very creative energy, and if youÕre involved
in an artistic endeavor this may give you some new ideas. Insights of all sorts
may be uncovered. Take some time this morning to internalize your thinking and
allow your mind to wander where it may go. You could be surprised by the flow
of your thoughts and philosophy.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon falls on Monday July 4th
at 7:01 A.M. EDT at 12 degrees Cancer 54 minutes. The day or two leading up to
it will be a particularly low energy period. If you tend to be emotional this
may be a very trying time each month. I have found that people with prominent
moons or a Cancer Sun, Moon or ascendant respond to the lunar cycles more
intensely than others. Spend this time
finishing up anything that is incomplete, donÕt try to initiate new projects on
a waning moon, it just wonÕt work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new
projects or attempt a new approach to an existing problem. If you have been
living in a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has
outlived its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your
life. If you have been working on a project that is almost complete but you
seem to lack the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy
days to end the matter once and for all. If you donÕt, when the New Moon
arrives it will bring this ŅdeadÓ energy along with it and conflict with the
newer force being presented. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house,
so to speak.
Note: All aspects are most powerful and
effective as they apply. Once the transit has completed, its force is lessened.
The further it separates the weaker it becomes.
Below
is a list of times this month when the Moon is Void of Course and neither
important decisions nor purchases should be made during these periods. The Void
of Course Moon is a time when we should try to center ourselves and deal with
spiritual matters not materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the VC Moon will
not turn out the way we had expected.
The
Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign
until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27
degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be
Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the
conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition. All times are Eastern
Standard Time:
Please
note: In response to requests from a few readers I have added a few VOC Moons
into the next lunar cycle for those who need to make plans before my next
newsletter is released.
June 5th
12:47 P.M. Š 11:41 P.M. ***Moon is void 12 hours
June 7th
8:18 P.M. Š June 8th 2:47 A.M.
June 10th
3:14 A.M. Š 9:46 A.M.
June 12th
10:47 A.M. Š 8:33 P.M. ***Moon is void all day
June 15th
3:01 A.M. Š 9:18 A.M.
June 17th
9:52 A.M. Š 9:34 P.M. ***Moon is void 12 hours
June 20th
7:02 A.M. Š 7:55 A.M.
June 22nd
4:57 A.M. Š 4:08 PM. ***Moon is void 12 hours
June 24th
11:48 A.M. Š 10:30 P.M. ***Moon is void 12 hours
June 26th
3:55 P.M. Š June 27th 3:08 A.M. ***Moon is void 12 hours
June 29th
3:46 A.M. Š 6:03 A.M.
June 30th
8:19 P.M. Š July 1st 7:44 A.M. ***Moon is void 12 hours
July 2nd
11:43 P.M. Š July 3rd 9:20 A.M. Moon is void all night
July 5th
2:29 A.M. Š 12:28 P.M.
July 7th
8:06 A.M. Š 6:41 P.M. ***Moon is void 10 hours
July 9th
11:28 P.M. Š July 10th 4:32 A.M.
June
2016
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