The Sun Enters Cancer At Summer Solstice

   Happy Summer everyone! Here it is - the longest day of the year when the Sun comes to the Tropic of Cancer and starts the summer season. While it has been very rainy and this pattern may continue, the trees and flowers are in full bloom and the growing season appears to be rather prolific. Enjoy every sunny day as it appears, even if if means working outside, and save the inside housework for those rainy days!

   We are at the point in the Sun's cycle through the zodiac that is the second Cardinal marker, out of four in a year, when the Sun enters Cancer. The four Cardinal signs act as gate posts for the seasons and for us in the Northern hemisphere, they are: Aries, beginning Spring; Cancer beginning Summer; Libra beginning Autumn; and Capricorn beginning Winter. Cardinal signs like to be in charge and make things happen in their field of expertise.

   Let's take a look at the Cancerian energy. Cancer is a moody, sympathetic, resourceful and protective Water sign. Like their symbol, the crab, Cancers appear to have a hard shell with a soft inside. This protects them from being easily hurt due to their kind and sensitive nature. It means they can exhibit the evasive tendencies of  the crab and sidestep issues, keeping their objectives hidden until they feel safe enough to approach their goalpost. They tend to scurry back and forth, avoiding the incoming tides and possible emotional saturation. Their ruler is the Moon and this strong connection to emotions makes them very vulnerable and restless.

   Cancer men and women tend to be "king of their castle" and need to be in charge in the home. They like a secure nest that feels comfy and cozy and prefer ruling over what goes on in the home. They also enjoy cooking and eating and like to feed those they love. This is the barbecue season and grilling outdoors, bodies of water and family and friends highlight this season. If you don't live by the water, just know that Cancers can make you feel at home in their back yard, so be sure to reciprocate by inviting them over to your house next time! They like to be fed too.

   The Full Moon in Capricorn takes place Sunday morning at 7:32a.m. and that is a Blog you can look for on Sunday!. In the meantime, be sensitive to others' feelings and remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground~

Gemini New Moon Adds To Air, Air Everywhere

   We've had so much going on in the areas of communication and nervous energy in the last couple of weeks that it's hard to imagine today's New Moon as a seed time for talking and interacting over the next four weeks. This is the difference between planetary cycles and the Lunar cycle; while several planets can already be very active in the sign the Sun is in, it may take a couple of weeks for the Moon to catch up to the solar energy and to begin a new phase. That's exactly what's going on right now. The Sun, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter were all in Gemini for the last ten days of May, then Venus and Mercury moved into Cancer to start off June, right when Mars entered Gemini. 

   We could think of this New Moon cycle as a renewed opportunity for planning and negotiating. Plant the seeds for what you need to explore, study or clarify in your daily life over the coming month. Are you finishing up a grant proposal, writing project or job description? Any writing project will benefit from focused concentration now and needs to be solidified sometime between the Summer Solstice and the Full Moon. 

   If you're looking into new employment or need to make agreements with coworkers, siblings or neighbors, this is the time to focus on getting the necessary information and working out the details. Once we move into the 3rd week of June, situations become more emotional and less logical. Actively research your options now so you know where you're going by the Full Moon on the 23rd. Gathering information is what Geminis do best, they just need to focus on the middle ground and what gives them balance, not waver between options!

   Speaking of communication, we are experiencing a challenging aspect today between the Messenger of the Gods - Mercury, and Uranus, symbolizing intuition and Divine Will. Uranus is considered to be the higher octave of Mercury and the only planetary energy we cannot control. It is tied up with knowing when to listen to our intuition (Uranus) and follow the path to our destiny, whether we think (Mercury) we're ready or not. The difficulty comes in not trusting our higher selves to know what's the next right thing to do... or in not taking that next step. If you have gotten the message, glimpse or insight into your next step, but are waiting for some kind of guarantee, you need to get quiet and get free of the opinions of others so you know when to act. By the way, there are no guarantees... just forward movement!

   The coming week brings values and necessity to the table as "have-tos" in the form of a Venus/Pluto opposition and a Saturn/Neptune trine, both occurring on the 11th. First, Venus and Pluto... these two planets are facing off in Cancer (Venus) and Capricorn (Pluto) to highlight safety and security issues. What do you need to take care of on a practical, physical level and how can you insure you'll be able to do this?

    For most people this involves either their home or career choices and who they choose to go into partnership/business with. Venus rules the attracting principle and is associated with our values and how we get our needs met. Pluto represents the transformation principle that begins with breakdown for cleansing and the breakthrough or catharsis that can occur once the process of decay, disintegration and elimination has occurred. We can more easily identify with our personal needs than we can admit to what is necessary to change in the bigger picture. You may have to listen to the rumblings that tell you what is falling apart so you know what to let go of before you can move on to rebuilding.

   Next up for discussion is the Saturn/Neptune trine aspect of harmonization. Saturn is the Lord of Karma, and where he resides, shows us our current responsibilities. Neptune is considered to be the Great Dissolver, who connects us to the spiritual realms or leads us into escapism and like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, continually asks the question, is it real?! How we bring together limitations (Saturn) and lack of boundaries (Neptune) is the purpose here. When two planets are in the same element, they have an opportunity to work together, even if their natures are fundamentally opposed. Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces flow together in the Water element through the undercurrents of feelings, dreams and imagination.

   Saturn in Scorpio, drives us to get to know our needs and desires on a much deeper level. Scorpio has to do with powerful feelings, imagination and creative potential that can be sabotaged by negative traits of jealousy, secretiveness or suspicion. By acknowledging your shadow side - what you can't live without, you will come to know who to associate with in order to get your needs met, but make sure you know the price that will be exacted! Saturn harmonizing with Neptune lets meditation and/or the dream realms inform you of where the current is flowing. Make time to connect with these feelings!

   While floating down the stream of inner consciousness, make sure to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground! 
   

Between The Full Moon & The New Moon - At Last Quarter

   There have been many transitions in the last 24 hours, as the Moon squared off with the Sun to begin the Last Quarter phase, talkative Mercury moved into watery Cancer and active Mars became even busier moving into Gemini. First, let's look at the current lunar phase. With the Sun in Gemini, sociability and communications are still revved up, even a week after the extremely excitable Sagittarian Full Moon!  However, as Luna, in watery and sensitive Pisces, pulled away from this challenging aspect to Sol, we may have begun to realize that something has to give if we are to sustain the progress we made building up to this last lunar phase.

   The challenge is one of understanding how well we have done in this last cycle and if growth is continuing or being inhibited. The question to ask oneself now, for finishing out this Last Quarter period over the next week is: what needs to be incorporated, or let go of, in preparation for next week's New Moon and a new lunar cycle? If you feel growth was positive and is still moving in the right direction, then identify what needs to be done to ensure that it continues. If, on the other hand, you feel something is standing in the way of forward movement, this is the week to let go of limiting thoughts or remove the obstacle(s) in your path.

   While versatile Mercury still has a whole lot of influence as ruler of busy Gemini, with the Sun and Jupiter active in this airy sign of the zodiac, Mercury itself just left it's own sign and entered the emotional Water sign of Cancer for the next nine weeks! That's right folks... we'll have a Mercury retrograde cycle in this secretive and vulnerable sign of the Crab. Cancerians just wear a hard outer shell to protect themselves from all those emotions being bounced off of them and their tendency to be evasive is just another tactic to avoid hurt feelings. Keep this in mind for yourself and your loved ones as mercurial Mercury swirls around and around in the ebb and flow of emotions for the next couple of months. Thoughts will be expressed as feelings and/or every feeling may suddenly be repressed or blurted out in a very emotional manner. A helpful thing to remember here is filtering and perhaps an image of a child's net in the water to catch only the pertinent item and let out all that water would be helpful. Another thing to keep in mind is that not all feelings need to be acted on, so keeping a journal or telling a trusted friend can help to restrain oneself from saying or doing hurtful things.

    The good news is that in general people will be more sympathetic and caring, especially when it comes to families and children. Because Cancer rules the stomach and breasts and is a Cardinal sign, and Cardinal signs are doers, writing or calling those people in a position to make changes in ensuring our health and well-being, especially through healthy food, (ie: non-GMO crops and labeling of those products made with GMO corn, etc.) would be an excellent use of this Mercury in Cancer energy! Being active in your community, close to home/Cancer, and looking for, requesting and purchasing organic products to feed yourself and your families is another way to positively express Mercury in Cancer. Support your local organic farmers, markets and co-ops!!

   Mars also changed signs yesterday, moving from earth (Taurus) into air (Gemini). Mars exhibits adventurous action and forward movement and in Gemini may take off in two different directions at once, a bit of dyslexia and ambiguity rolled into one... and I can say that because I have been known to exhibit said qualities on occasion! You probably can relate if you're laughing now... Watch out for the words coming out of your mouth and remember to say what you mean and mean what you say, otherwise, zip it up! Oh, and don't take it personally when others rant or express themselves boldly as Mars in Gemini is the needed energy for many to finally say what has been on their minds for a few weeks. If you've been holding back communicating or making an agreement, it's now time to take action and make something happen... gently or forcefully, as needed.

   Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground~

  

First Quarter Moon In Leo Sets Us Up For Paying Attention To The Details This Week

   Just after midnight, the Moon squared the Sun at it's halfway mark between New and Full Moons, at what is known as the First Quarter Moon. This point in the lunar cycle reminds us that any obstacles from the past must be overcome in order for our growing consciousness to continue to move toward fullness during the Full Moon phase. Often, this midway point brings up doubt that once recognized, can be acknowledged then released. Whether released, or not, whatever thought or habit pattern, growth or blockage that you utilize now, will continue to build in intensity throughout this month's cycle.

   A Leo Moon brought us to this point, so ask yourself, are you doing what makes you happy? Do you have a plan for moving towards fulfillment or achieving that happiness? Leo is strong energy that often involves having the courage to stand up for ourselves or to take a bit of a risk in self expression. Try not to let the fear of rejection or ridicule stop you from moving toward your bliss!  Leo is a Fixed Fire sign that can be dramatic and likes recognition, but shuns being laughed at. If you asked someone in a position of authority to assist you in the last couple of days, and you're awaiting an answer, take heart that whatever is in the best interest of all involved will be what transpires. Dare to hope it goes your way because the time is right!

   As we are right in between two eclipses, the Solar New Moon Eclipse on the 9th and the upcoming Full Moon Eclipse on the 25th, the energy seems palpable and anything is possible. The other part of my headline is paying attention to the details and that's because the Moon moved into Virgo early this morning, where it will remain for two and a half days. In this time period, it is important to organize oneself and not to overlook any details that may improve either your health, your immediate surroundings or your plans, especially as they relate to the seeds you planted at the New Moon for improving your financial security.

   First Quarter periods remind us to keep removing obstacles for moving ahead. Staying stuck or feeling helpless won't improve your situation. What do you need to do...only you know the answer to that? As you continue to make progress, remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.


   

New Moon Solar Eclipse At Twenty Degrees Of Taurus

   Tomorrow's New Moon in Taurus supplies the focus for beautifying your environment, expressing your affection for loved ones and securing your finances. With a Solar Eclipse, which always occurs on a New Moon, we get the added oomph that can find us heading in the right direction as long as we apply the elbow grease. For you younger readers, elbow grease is a term for putting some effort into your labors, as in bearing down and scrubbing hard to clean a dirty pan! Working with Taurus takes your efforts and rewards you for them - with stable relationships, money in the bank and/or pleasant surroundings. An eclipse can jump-start your efforts or really bring home the areas you're lacking in.

   As a reminder, New Moons are seed times, when we begin things having to do with the current planetary energy. The focus when the Sun and Moon come together in this Fixed Earth sign is on beauty, security and loyalty. Tauruses can be patient or lazy, practical or filled with inertia. That's because of a tendency toward stubbornness; if it isn't their idea, it'll take some time for it to become their idea, then they'll see the wisdom of trying something different. Just don't hold your breath while you wait. Instead, take a page from the Taurus playbook and practice patience!

   Another shift tomorrow is with the indulgent energy of Venus, Taurus' ruler, going into sociable Gemini for the next three weeks. It gives a green light to having a good time with friends and neighbors and perhaps doing a little flirting as well. Yes, this is social butterfly time, so expect plenty of distractions if that's what you've been needing! Just remember to keep a good grasp on your purse strings or you may regret it when the bills come in. Getting out and walking in the fresh air, going to or hosting a barbecue or engaging in a community theater event, are a few examples of fun times that won't break the bank.

   Thursday has some really good energy for taking a leap of faith and beginning something new, due to positive alignments of the Moon with Mars and Mercury prior to eclipse time, as well as a harmonious aspect with transformative Pluto adding another layer to the day. However, the alignment of the Sun and Moon at 8:28 p.m. ushers in a VOC period lasting until Friday at 5:21 p.m. when the Moon drifts into Gemini for two and a half days. Friday is a good day for researching and finishing up everything on your almost-completed to-do list, but it's not the time to start anything new, unless it's after 5:21 p.m.! Resolve to practice patience and enjoy being with the people around you over the weekend or doing one of the activities mentioned above.

   Agreements can be reached and creative projects can be started on Saturday if you're so inclined. Expect a sudden opportunity from a conversation or phone call mid-afternoon, that can change things for the better. Thinking outside the box is not only allowed, but encouraged here! Gemini Moon becomes inactive on Sunday morning after its' only interaction of the day with giant Jupiter at 9:32 a.m. It's a laid-back kind of day to spend with family or friends anyway you want. Stay open to spontaneous invitations and/or an opportunity to spend some quiet time on your own, perhaps writing or reading a really good book!

As the weekend morphs into the work week, the Moon moves into watery and active Cancer, bringing an emotional depth to your efforts. Remember that we are on the upside, or waxing phase, of the lunar cycle, so everything is increasing in energy, including emotional needs; be as nurturing as possible to yourself and others. And remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!



    

  

Powerful Lunar Eclipse Full Moon Today!!

   The Moon in Scorpio opposes the Sun in Taurus at 3:57pm this afternoon for a partial eclipse of the Moon. Unfortunately, it will not be visible anywhere in North America. It's affects however, will still be felt everywhere. The Fixed polarity of the Earth sign Taurus and the Moon sign Scorpio act like a powerful magnet to attract or repel our resources and the relationship agreements we value. Energy follows thought... so be aware of where you're focusing your thoughts! If you set your intention on the positive, you'll open the pathway to receiving what you want... on the negative, you'll attract the things, people and situations you fear.

   At 6 degrees of Scorpio, the Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is very telling indeed! Dane Rudhyar, in his Astrological Mandala, gives this image for this degree of the zodiac: The Gold Rush Tears Men Away From their Native Soil. He offers this Keynote for further understanding: The passionate search for new values which, at any level, promise a more abundant life. Further explanation reveals that man's "greed" can be easily aroused by whatever leads to more wealth, more power or ever greater achievements at all levels, spiritual as well as material. Scorpio brings the deep-seated desire to play a more important or intense role in any union, whether a person or a community. This yearning motivates the individual to search for a more effectual means to achieving the most total feeling experience possible. The danger is being torn away from the familiar and gambling everything on a vision or a dream.

   What do you desire the most? Is it a feeling of belonging within a community or a partnership? Do you want more money or the resources to allow you to create your deeply felt expressions to share with others? Whatever it is you intensely desire, you must face the facts about what it will cost you. That is the illumination coming from the Taurus Sun at this Full Moon. Your motivation(s), longing, lust, greed, or yearning are all being highlighted at this time. What are you willing to exchange for getting your deepest needs met?! The other very important part of this question is, who are you willing to enter into agreement with in order to get what you want?

   There are so many cliches that come to mind here, when thinking about this Scorpio/Taurus polarity... here are some: making a deal with the devil, or a power couple, no man is an island... either way, you get the idea! The co-creative power of a union for a shared outcome increases productivity. Now is not the time to go it alone. Just make sure you know what you're exchanging for what you want to achieve. It's easy to say yes when your desires are intensified, but can be harder down the road when payment comes due. Remember those seeds you planted at the Aries New Moon for new starts...? They're sprouting!

    The Taurus New Moon, Solar eclipse, in two weeks will be a chance to tend, water and nurture your tender new shoots. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the Earth Goddess who is fiercely protective of the things growing in her garden, just as Scorpio's co-rulers, Mars and Pluto, will defend their creations or progeny like a mother bear. Don't mess with my children, creations, or my city... sound familiar? I think today's Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio was initiated eleven days ago and has previewed just how strong a people or her nation can be. Chose wisely who to engage with.

Remember, keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!

  

Aries New Moon, All Hail Spring!!

   The Moon, representing instinctual behavior, joined the Sun in Aries, giver of vital life force and holder of power and will,  at 21 degrees of Aries at 5:35 a.m. EDT this morning. Aligning the inner and outer for oneself, this New Moon puts the impetus out there for new starts and independent action. Spring is knocking on our doors, saying "get up and get out..." or "the early bird gets the worm!" Newness trumps the old and outmoded, as chances are taken and bold actions encouraged. An aura of entrepreneurship, exploration and forcefulness pervades theatmosphere.

   There are 3 more planetary energies in Aries at this time; they are Uranus (independence and extremes), Mars (energy and aggression) and Venus (values, love and beauty). The impulsive persuasiveness of all these Aries influences needs to be tempered if one is to make lasting changes for the better, otherwise it's more like you've won the battle but there's nothing and no-one left to rebuild or celebrate with. Venus and Mars, came together a few days ago, on April 7^th, forming a bond between hard work and passion. Venus brought the charm to Mars' home territory to remind him to assert himself in a more gentle manner. If you can remember to lovingly assert yourself, you will burn less bridges as you push forward to get your needs met.

   Another planetary aspect pattern that is still active in the sky is a harmonious relationship between Saturn (responsibility and constriction), Chiron (healing process) and Pluto (transformation and rebirth), bringing continued opportunity for healing change. Think of Saturn as an anchor to keep your boat from being swept away as you the experience the necessary process of growth. Some of the adjustments you're having to make come from outside forces, but in reality, you were probably aware of the need for change, so embrace the possibility of daring new potential, as scary as some of it may seem! The spiritual guidance of Neptune being in Pisces, offers a subtle assist to Saturn in Scorpio that may go unnoticed, yet has the potential for bringing intuition in to balance out the rational. Pay attention to underlying feelings and do not lose sight of your dreams!

   Just around the corner, on the 12th, tranformative Pluto turns retrograde for 5 months back tracking from 11 degrees, 35 minutes of Capricorn to 8 degrees, 59 minutes Capricorn. When an outer planet hits a stationary point, going either forward or back, it can trigger any action related to that planets' energy. Pluto has to do with decay, contamination, destruction, desire or obsession and can act as an agent of cleansing and healing. Any planets you have between these degrees in the Cardinal signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, will be impacted and may be the place I was mentioning above, where you probably have been experiencing a need for change. Take note of what is shifting in your personal or business relationships, in your home and/or business and career concerns.

   At long last, Mercury, symbolizing communication and logic, moves into Aries on the 13^th, providing the boost we’ve needed to get the conversation started or new agreements written. The recent Mercury retrograde period certainly pinpointed dreams, foggy expectations and confusing communication. Get busy making new connections that work for moving in the direction you spent so much time dreaming about!

Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!