Molly's Astrology

Look up in the night sky. What do you see? Unless it’s a cloudy night, you can probably see the Moon, stars and planets. The brightest “star” in the evening sky this month is Venus. Jupiter and Saturn are also visible in the evening sky, and Mars in the early morning sky.

Back in the day, before there was astronomy, there was astrology, an art that observed the correlation between celestial events and worldly events. Astrologers may not have know the chemical composition of Venus, but they knew that sometimes she rose in the morning before the Sun, and sometimes in the evening, after sunset. Venus was called a “planet,” from the ancient Greek word meaning “wanderer,” which set her and the other planets apart from the stars, which remained in the same place night after night, year after year. The Sun and the Moon, wandering as they did across the field of stars, were also planets in their view, and in modern astrology, even though we realize they do not fit the astronomical definition of planets!

Humanity has been watching these cycles for thousands of years. Each of the planets represents some facet of our lives here on earth. Their journeys through the 12 signs, and their angular relationships to one another, are in many ways symbolic of what we go through here on earth, personally and collectively.

The big picture in June

The third and final pass of Saturn opposite Neptune is underway. This three-part transit began in August 2006, continued and intensified in February, and concludes this month. We�ll see the results in government and politics as well as in our personal lives, of the changes we have been going through since last year. The process deals with secrets coming to light, and facing our fears head on, coming to realize that many fears (Neptune) are of our own creation (Saturn), thus we have the choice to either buy into them, or liberate ourselves from them.

Neptune deals in subtleties, and one of Neptune’s major manifestations is sensitivity to vibes, chemicals, and even your body’s own hormones and chemical messengers. Saturn has to do with taking responsibility, dealing with the reality of your situation. So it may be time to do something about the “poisons” in your life, whether they are emotional, microbial, chemical, or walking on two legs. You may just be coming to the point that you realize what those poisons are, and what you need to do about them. Oppositions lend themselves well to “externalizing.” We take what’s inside of us— whether it’s anger, weakness, fear, whatever— and we externalize it in the form of another person whom we can criticize, judge, or even admire, rather than dealing with our own issues and illusions. Having your bubble burst is painful, but often it’s the best thing that could happen. Let the poison out.

Your sensitivity can also be your ally. Trust your instincts and intuition. Subtle forms of healing such as plant medicine, acupuncture, and homeopathy, may also be very effective.

Lynn Koiner points out that “June is a difficult month for many of us because it is the last hit of the Transiting Saturn opposing the Transiting Neptune. This aspect… is causing much disillusion and even betrayal by those in authority (politically and in our personal lives).”

Now, this is especially potent for those of us with planets or angles in our natal charts around 20-22 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). But there’s a bit of good news for those of us with 20-22 Taurus and Scorpio placements— next year, Uranus will reach 20-22 Pisces. That means, in some area of your life, you now have these disappointing, disillusioning Neptune “quacks” (hard angles)— they are not without their upside, but they do tend to bring up difficult feelings and situations. In 2008, when Uranus reaches 20-22, you will have “kisses” (soft angles) to this same place, which bring the energy of change, awakening, and surprises into your life in a way that jives with your chart. New doors will open in 2008. Where things are sluggish, disappointing, and breaking down this year, they will reawaken in a new form next year. We can lay the groundwork for this now, by dealing honestly with what comes up, looking at our own role in a conflict, and resolving our situation with maturity.

Mercury retrograde will begin on June 15 and will last until July 9. In general terms, this is Murphy�s Law time. Machines tend to go a bit screwy� cars, computers, phone, fax, printer, bulldozer, and the doctor�s machine that goes ping. Miscommunication is also common. Contracts signed and matters begun during the retrograde are subject to unexpected twists and turns in the future. The retrograde tends to come on a little early, so if you have any car repairs, computer upgrades, new equipment, contracts, medical procedures, and important business— it’s best to get them done early in the month.

June 1-4

Mars trine Jupiter! This signal combines the high energy of Mars in Aries with the optimistic outlook of Jupiter in Sagittarius. This fiery and blustery combo is the luckiest combo in the Zodiac, and even more so when both are in the signs they are the strongest in. It’s a great day to put your plans into motion, meet new people, ask for help, take the lead. An upbeat, optimistic, “can-do” attitude will serve you well in the beginning of June. This would also be the time to have your car serviced or upgrade your operating system.

June 5-9

Surprises are more likely as the Sun opposes Jupiter on Tuesday, then advances forward to square Uranus, forming a temporary T-square. T-squares compel us to use the energy of the planets involved. The Sun in Gemini opposite Jupiter in Sagittarius compels us to keep an eye on the big picture, to align the overarching “why” of what we’re doing with the day-to-day procedures and equipment we use, the “how.” It’s easy to get sidetracked and scatter our energies. Make sure you know the master plan. Jupiter likes shortcuts, but you can’t skip steps this week. Don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions. Read the manual. Get agreements in writing. Measure twice, cut once.

As the Sun approaches the square to Uranus, exact on Saturday afternoon, our plans are more subject to sudden, unexpected surprises and changes of schedule. Our energy is more tightly wound, and people are more touchy and sensitive than usual when the Sun squares Uranus in Pisces. We may be compelled to face certain fears (Pisces) or problems with relatives, roommates, or neighbors (Gemini) under this sky as well. The need for reforms (Uranus) may come to light (Sun).

June 10-14

Mercury retrograde tends to come on a little early. You may start seeing signs of it in your world: software glitches, connectivity problems, weird noises coming from the car, schedule changes, and high winds.

Watch the calendar carefully during Mercury retrograde. Some days are better than others.

Sunday and Monday, Mars in Aries lines up in a trine with Saturn in Leo. The forces of energy and initiative (Mars) are in harmony with stability and practicality (Saturn). This greases the wheels, and makes our work a little easier. This day was made for leaders and hard workers. It’s easier to focus (Saturn) your creativity and passion (Mars). You can get some good solid work done and decisions made. This combo has both idealism and staying power. And the Gemini Sun kisses both of these planets, making available the necessary ideas and pieces. It’s a good day for meetings and brainstorming.

Tuesday and Wednesday are mellower. Mars moves on to sextile sensitive Neptune. The fog rolls in, and we perceive ideas in broad brush strokes and impressions rather than with pinpoint precision. It’s best to pull back a little and pay attention to vibes and impressions. Don’t pressure yourself for answers; just let them come. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and let things coast for a couple of days. It’s the dark phase of the Moon, a phase when patience and a quiet mind pay off. A heavy, gloomy, low energy moment comes on Tuesday afternoon as the Taurus Moon squares Saturn. Next, a foggy moment of confusion as she moves on to square Neptune.

A new Moon on Thursday night kicks off a new Lunar cycle and puts life into gear again. With Mercury turning retrograde, we’re beginning to work on a more internal level now. You might find yourself re-doing your work, talking to yourself a little more often, or not knowing the best way to get your point across to others. Mercury retrograde’s energy lends itself very well to revision. Revise, review, rewrite, redo, rework your plan, or reread your notes. It’s also a good time to make plans for the future.

In her book New Moon Astrology, Jan Spiller advises us to make wishes on the New Moon in Gemini that are related to learning and schoolwork, writing, speaking, and listening, developing a new skill, being sociable, or dealing with relatives, neighbors, or roommates. It’s time to wish for good health in the areas of the body ruled by Gemini— the hands, lungs, and nervous system.

New Moons are the time of the month when it’s easiest to cut down or quit bad habits, particularly smoking and caffeine with this New Moon in Gemini.

June 15-17

Father’s Day weekend looks pretty mellow. The Cancer Moon on Saturday and early Sunday lends itself well to family-oriented activities. The Sun approaching opposition to Pluto may necessitate letting go of the past and working toward forgiveness, especially if the story of you and your dear old dad is not a happy one. Major shifts and breakthroughs are possible, if you’re ready to let go of the past. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not ready though. These things have their own timetable. The Moon will be void of course until she enters Leo at 1:25 p.m. Eastern time on Father’s Day. Stick to routine when the Moon is void of course. Not too heavy, not too serious.

June 18-23

This looks like a hectic week. The final pass of the Saturn-Neptune opposition is building to its climax. The energy of a transit tends to build in power until the day it is exact (in this case, July 25).

Lovey-dovey Venus trines Jupiter on Tuesday the 19th. We’re all feeling more upbeat and willing to part with our money. If you’re on a budget, leave the credit cards at home! Love and comfort (Venus) meet abundance and goodwill (Jupiter). With the two benefics, Venus and Jupiter, trine each other in fire signs, it’s a good time for socializing, sports, outdoor activities, or brainstorming. An office party today could pay off in terms of creativity and goodwill. You might accomplish more by socializing today than you would by putting your nose to the grindstone. How do you like them apples, Capricorn? :)

Wednesday and Thursday, have a blessed Solstice. Mars in Aries trines Pluto in Sagittarius. A Mars Pluto trine lends the muscle and energy of Mars with the transformative power of Pluto. Since these planets are both approaching the final degrees of their signs, you may be ready to start something new in your life, but you have to tie up some loose ends first. Sophia Mason, in her book Aspects Between Signs, explains that “there is frankness and a tendency to be somewhat outspoken, but not with the intention of hurting anyone.”

June 24-30

Our energy settles down as Mars moves from high-speed fire sign Aries to slow and steady earth sign Taurus.

After a big transit like Saturn opposite Neptune is over with, its energy is still present for a while, but it tends to be weaker, not as heavy. We do tend to see events issuing from the transit, but they have the quality of a balloon when you blow it up and then let it go without tying off the end.. you know that balloon’s going somewhere, but you don’t know where.

Tuesday the 26th, the Scorpio Moon tangles with Saturn and Neptune. It’s a moment of confusion, doubt, depression, heaviness. Hopefully, you can wait it out. The Moon enters Sagittarius on Wednesday morning, picking up the mood. The Full Moon in Capricorn on Saturday brings an emotional surge. Pay attention to what comes up. The Full Moon is a lens that magnifies our emotions and awareness. You can use it to focus your energies and intentions, but many folks will get caught up in the moment. Ask any nurse— the emergency room is hoppin’ when the Moon is full.

Mark your calendar!

The best days for your highest priority plans are June 3-5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18-21.

Take it easy on June 9, 12, 25, 26.