June 2006
 The stressful, dynamic energy of
the T-square combines with the creative opportunities of the Wedge in this
complex aspect configuration. This can initially feel like an either-or
situation, where either you are embroiled in stress and conflict OR you can
escape into a more peaceful state of mind which might make you feel better
but may not bring a solid solution. As the effects of this aspect pattern
progress, there is likely to be increased awareness of this duality. More
awareness brings more ability to travel the seemingly impossible bridge
between these two perspectives. This energy will likely work best if you
strive to find ways to allow both sides to coexist, and avoid using dual
agendas to manipulate the situation.
 This is a stressful yet dynamic aspect pattern
that can bring progress and motivation through irritation, frustration and
impatience. At its base is a Mini-Square configuration with Jupiter, Chiron
and Pluto (the three planets at the top, in the diagram at right). This
brings a somewhat intense urge to expand and strengthen your
power, in response to frustration from limitation and inability to rise
above common obstacles.
The Mini-Square is in effect roughly from May.16
to Jul.20. The Mini-Square then becomes a Quadriform Kite figure, first to
Mercury (May.31 to Jun.01), then to the Sun (Jun.13-18) and later to Venus
(Jul.12-15). While pointing to Mercury, this aspect pattern can provide a
motivating energy that pushes you to want to find solutions, especially
through communication, deeper understanding, increasing your awareness and
finding better ways to express your perceptions. Then, the focus of this
unfolding energy shifts in late June to integrate this emerging awareness
into your creative self-expression, social interactions and sense of
self-worth. It is possible to share your insights with others in ways that
are healing, caring and helpful (not manipulative, domineering or
passive-aggressive).
May.27, 1:26 AM EDT � NEW
MOON in GEMINI (05:48 Gemini)
("What's a New Moon?")
This is one busy lunar cycle! There is so much
change happening throughout this month that it's hard to pinpoint the flow
of transitions that are happening (so be sure to read the other descriptions
of this month's transits).
This New Moon takes place in Gemini�the sign of
intellect, awareness, communication, thoughts and ideas. This is a time when
we might get new ideas, observations, feedback writing, talking and
communicating in various ways. If you are artistic, this could inspire new
creative works. If you are more practically-minded, you might get new ideas
for projects, exchange ideas with other people, or gather information that
helps you analyze and solve problems.
The final pass of the Saturn-Chiron opposition is
coming up on Jun.20, and this New Moon forms a Wedge aspect configuration to
these planets. Ideas, communication and awareness form creative
opportunities to use the Saturn-Chiron struggles in constructive ways. The
more aware you are of how you have been wrestling with becoming your own
person versus wanting to fit in with society and friends, the more you will
find you have new creative ways to turn struggle into opportunity. Perhaps
you can share your learning with others, so that they will benefit from your
experience. Or you might find communication brings new ideas for resolving
the dilemmas that are created from trying to balance responsibility and
independence.
You will need your wits about you to keep up with
the shifting and changing energy this month. Keeping your awareness focused
on the events and circumstances in your immediate environment, as well as on
implications of the bigger picture, will help you gather maximum learning
from the fluctuating energies.
This lunar cycle is a bit like riding down a
white-water river in a canoe. Even though you know you can't control the
flow of the river, you must keep paddling anyway in order to stabilize your
journey. Then you will find that the flowing energy does take you to a
better place, even if it's not in the way you expected and even if it's a
different destination than you started out with.
There are so many changes going on
each month that it's
impossible to talk about all of them here! Check out your Sun-sign horoscope
to learn more about how this New Moon will affect you. Better yet, you can find out more about
how you, personally, will be affected by these transits by getting a
personal
astrology reading with your astrologer, Wendy Guy.
May.28 � Sun sextile
Saturn (06:44 Gemini/Leo)
You have an opportunity now to make some progress
in obtaining results in your projects, career, ambitions and creative
expression. It is possible to tap into a disciplined mindset, which can be
used to take some steps toward goals that you're trying to manifest. You are
surrounded by potential to achieve this, although it will not simply be
handed to you�you will still have to work for it. Your mind and purpose are
likely to be clear and strong now, enabling you to be decisive and
productive. Leadership, management and organizing abilities are potentially
high right now. Asserting your authority in a situation that calls for it
can be done successfully, as long as you don't let yourself become rigid or
bossy. It can be a good time to learn or practice new skills, or to apply
yourself to any kind of serious study. It is also a time when you could
formulate some solid plans for future projects or make some progress with
current undertakings. Make the most of it!
May.28 � Mercury trine Neptune (19:48
Gemini/Aquarius)
Your mind is very open to imagination, dreams and
compassion under this transit. This can be a very creative time, when ideas
flow like a magical river. It can also be easy to get caught up in yearning
and fantasizing about your hidden wishes, although it is possible to channel
this into creative expression. (e.g., writing poetry, dancing, wistful
music, singing in the shower, whatever!) Listening sympathetically to
others' problems may come easily now, and you are more likely to get a
compassionate response from others about your own problems. However, it may
also be difficult to draw clear and firm boundaries with others, since you
are more susceptible to the emotional gravity of others. It is ultimately a
time for optimism, hope, creativity and intuition, although it's wise to
keep at least one foot on the ground.
May.29 � Venus enters
Taurus (until Jun.23)
Venus rules the sign of Taurus, so she is very
comfortable here! Your experiences of pleasure and sensuality are likely to
be heightened...perhaps even a bit too much! You might be tempted to
overindulge in sensory delights. On the other hand, you may feel the urge to
be more grounded, practical and methodical in the way you handle
relationships, money, possessions, material values, and attracting what you
desire. It is also a time when your desires could manifest tangibly or at
least become more apparent. It may be possible to see more clearly the ways
that your self-worth is tied to material things, like income, savings,
possessions and spending. Your finances and possessions could act like a
"touch stone" to reassure you in times of stress. The trick is not to let
this become a substitute for genuine self-respect. To make the most of this
transit, take some time to relax and enjoy life! Take your time, smell the
flowers, drink in the sunsets, listen to beautiful music, get an
aromatherapy massage or explore new uses for chocolate. ;-)
May.31 � Sun trine Chiron
(09:37 Gemini/Aquarius)
This is a time when you may find that your recent
efforts to mend and heal the chronic struggles in your life start to come
together. You likely have the confidence now to try new solutions, or at
least to approach problems from a different angle that sheds new light on
the situation. Some of this progress may come from daring to walk your own
path, or from finding the courage to face the hidden shadow of your worries
and weaknesses (the hidden benefit that those worries give you). There may
be a variety of different struggles and wounds in your life that could
benefit from this kind of healing, although it can be tempting to let this
transit pass by without taking advantage of it. Strive to reach a midpoint
between merely dipping your toe in troubled waters and thinking that is
enough, versus jumping in the deep end and marinating in it.
Jun.01 � Mercury opposite
Pluto (25:49 Gemini/Sagittarius)
This transit brings powerful words and ideas! They
require you to strike a balance between personal perceptions and
trans-personal implications. Your communication can be more penetrating,
forceful or persistent than usual now, and a little will go a long way, so
use this ability sparingly and carefully. In the same way, the words and
perceptions of others may have a deeper and stronger impact on you than they
normally do. This could be a mixed blessing�you may discover some profound
insight and psychological truth in what others say to you, but you might
also be receiving their unconscious projections too (meaning their
perceptions and feedback might say more about them than about you). Deep
self-honesty can help you decide what is true and what is being distorted.
Avoid reacting on "automatic pilot" and give yourself some mental and
psychological breathing room to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Jun.02-10 � Grand Cross
(Saturn-Chiron square Venus-Jupiter)
("What's a Grand Cross?")
 This
configuration consists of the Saturn-Chiron opposition, at right angles to
Venus opposite Jupiter. The Saturn-Chiron opposition brings a struggle to
balance responsibility to others and to society with a responsibility to
yourself and your personal needs. This is a long-term, unfolding process of
struggle and growth that has evolved over the last 20 years. This being the
final exact pass of this aspect, this Grand Cross has implications about
what we will take with us from those years. This aspect pattern pits the
limitations of responsibility and "natural law" (the way things work
naturally) against our human desires and longing to reach far beyond
those limitations to fulfil our desires. This could be viewed as a test of
sorts�how we respond can show us how much we have learned, what we still
need to learn and perhaps how to continue to work with those issues in
ourselves. Will you get stuck in the desire for freedom, unable to accept
the counter-balance of the demands of your circumstances and
responsibilities? Will you be able to integrate them and balance these
seemingly contradictory agendas? Can you find ways for your desire for
freedom and fulfilment to work productively within the boundaries and
demands of your life circumstances? Strive to observe your experience of
this transit�but not in order to find blame or pass judgment on yourself (or
others). Rather, to learn from what you see and cultivate a deeper, more
practical understanding of how to work with these energies more creatively
and productively.
Jun.03 � Mercury enters
Cancer (until Jun.28)
Intuition, sensitive perception, and communication
of feelings flow more easily during this transit. Your empathy may be
deepened now, as you can be more able to imagine and pick up on what other
people feel and need. Because of this, you may also find that it's easier to
say difficult things in a sensitive, caring way. However, your open
connection to others might also increase the risk of communicating in a
hurtful or callous way, if you are not used to treading gently. Your
creative imagination is also more accessible now. To take advantage of this,
try doing some journal writing, expand your emotional awareness, have some
creative fun, or think of ways to make your environment more homey and
comfortable.
Jun.03 � Mars enters Leo
(until Jul.22)
Fire meets Fire during this transit! Physical and
emotional energy tends to run high and hot. This transit is great for doing
work that requires a creative, dramatic, courageous or confident focus. This
is also very playful energy that spurs you to throw off inhibition and
express your most brilliant self. Sexual energy can be aroused, as well as
anger or aggression. Assertiveness may emerge as more confident, edgy and
dramatic than usual. If these emotions are based on defensiveness, lack of
self-esteem or automatic reactions to unconscious assumptions, your effect
could go overboard and come across as arrogant or sensationalist. On the
other hand, if you tend to be a "shrinking violet" and find it hard to
express yourself openly, this transit could provide some courage,
inspiration and motivation to help you break free. To make the most of this
transit, find ways to bring out your playful, creative, expressive side.
Jun.04 � Venus square
Saturn (07:25 Taurus/Leo)
Finances, relationships, social contacts and/or
pleasures may seem blocked or require extra effort right now. Manifesting
your desires may require added hard work, but this struggle could also bring
you closer to your goals. It may feel like there is a huge rock blocking
your path that keeps you from fulfilling your heart's desire. It may be
necessary to face some difficult aspect of your situation before it is
possible to know how to proceed. This is ultimately a problem to be solved
by confronting that which is unrealistic, unworkable, or just not in your
best interest. This can also be a time when you arrive at a crossroads and
must make some firm choices, or when circumstances might force you to change
your direction. This transit can make your choice clear, although it might
not be the one you hoped for.
Jun.05 � Sun square Uranus
(14:39 Gemini/Pisces)
Your world may experience a bit of a shake-up
right now, as the Universe decides it's time to make things "interesting."
This is a wake-up call, designed to loosen you up from the ways you have
become too habitual, stuck or inhibited. The "radical rascal" in you may be
itching to come out and stir up trouble, which on one hand might be
necessary but also very disruptive and possibly even destructive. Be alert
to new insights and opportunities disguised as accidents or crises. Your
usual sense of self and purpose may become somewhat unsettled right now, but
a space is likely being cleared to make room for new growth and
possibilities. If you're looking to break old habits or break free of old
restrictions, this may be the time�but it could create a mess that you'll
have to clean up later. Resist the urge to rebel just for the sake of doing
something different, and aim instead to break free of old forms of
self-expression and ideals that don�t work for you anymore. Expect the
unexpected and then surf the shock-wave.
Jun.06 � Venus square
Chiron (09:29 Taurus/Aquarius)
You may be forced to make adjustments to
relationships and/or finances now, as you face situations in these areas
that just don�t want to balance out the way you want them to. You may feel a
bit like you're in a catch-22 (no-win situation), where the more you try to
find balance and harmony, the more you feel like you're chasing your own
tail around in circles. This is a time when healing in relationships and
financial problems may be difficult to obtain. Harmony in these areas can
seem impossible or blocked, yet it is still necessary to keep trying. By
trying anyway, it may be possible to find a solution that meets your needs,
even if it may not be what you wanted, hoped for or expected. Strive to find
a creative solution that draws on your best side.
Jun.07 � Venus opposite Jupiter (10:13
Taurus/Scorpio)
This is a time when your desire for pleasure is
wide open. Sexual desire could reach out using seduction. Desire for
delightful tastes could become overindulgence in foods that may not be in
the best interest of your health (e.g., sweets, alcohol, etc.). Spending can
be impulsive and easily grow beyond your budget. Money-making opportunities
could spill over into workaholic obsession. It might feel like nothing is
"enough" and you feel compelled to continually reach out for more and more�a
bottomless well of desire. On the other hand, this energy can also bring out
your natural beauty and charm in social situations if you are shy or
inhibited. If you've done your research and your comparative shopping, this
could be the time you make a big purchase. Or you might find the feeling is
right to make your move with a love interest and expand your intimate
connection with that person. Or perhaps you feel generous and decide to
donate your money or talents to a cause that reaches for a higher purpose.
Enjoy, but don't blow your budget.
Jun.09 � Mercury trine
Jupiter (10:03 Cancer/Scorpio)
This transit can make you quite talkative and
flooded with ideas, along with those around you. Your stream of
consciousness can flow abundantly with optimism and visionary possibilities.
Write down your best ideas for later development, since you may be having
too much fun now playing with ideas to want to stop and make them manifest
just yet. Your outlook is usually optimistic and open-minded under this
transit, although it might simply neutralize an already pessimistic frame of
mind. You are likely to be more open to spiritual or philosophical
perspectives, being more able to see yourself as part of something greater
than yourself. You might even find that luck comes your way because you are
more receptive to opportunities and possibilities.
Jun.09-13 � Grand
Trine Kite in Water (Mercury-Uranus-Jupiter to Venus in Taurus)
("What's
a Grand Trine Kite?")
 There is the potential for tremendous insight,
wisdom, intuitive understanding and innovative thinking that can come from
this transit. And the best part is that it is possible to ground it all in
practical creativity. An example is that you might discover new ideas for
increasing your income. Or, you might find a special treasure and come up
with innovative ways to afford to buy it or acquire it (within legal limits,
of course! ;-) You might feel inspired by new ideas and insight and want to
express it in an artistic or creative project. Or, you could suddenly find
yourself seeing a broad perspective of how a close relationship works,
giving you new insights about how to break out of destructive or limiting
dynamics between you. You may find you get farther, the more you are able to
deal with any tendency to want more than your situation can realistically
give you. The beauty of this transit is that those innovative ideas can also
give you insights into how to deal more effectively with an over-extended
sense of wanting more.
There are so many aspect configurations like this one going on
this month, that I can only give you a general idea of what they
all mean here. To find out more about how you personally will be
affected by these and other transits, you can now get a
personal astrology reading with your astrologer, Wendy Guy.
(That's me! ;-)
Jun.10 � Sun trine Neptune
(19:43 Gemini/Aquarius)
Faith in the bountiful blessings of the Universe
is within reach under this transit...but then, so is the fantasy that you
will be magically granted anything you wish for. Hope, optimism and
imagination spring eternal right now, which can bring some relief from any
depression or discouragement you might be feeling. Your creativity can
become very inspired under this transit. Your sense of self could also get
an infusion of uplifting vision. And you experience a sense of mission,
feeling that you are truly a Child of the Universe. There is potential to
lift you out of the ordinary and into the sublime�spiritually, creatively,
romantically or compassionately. Enjoy it while it lasts, but before you
make changes based on what might feel like a permanent condition, remember
that this is mostly a temporary influence and you will still have to live
within the bounds of the physical world after it passes. Don't make overly
optimistic promises now, that you will have to fulfil later when the
euphoria wears off.
Jun.10 � Venus sextile
Uranus (14:42 Taurus/Pisces)
Relationships, finances, resources and pleasures
could benefit from spontaneously trying a completely different approach. If
these areas of your life have been getting a little stale or too routine,
this transit could shake things up a little...just enough to make things
interesting and breathe some fresh air into your familiar routine.
Unexpected income could come your way, or you might discover something you
just can't resist buying, or you might have an opportunity to make new
social connections. The upside of this transit is that it's possible to
break free of old habits and enjoy spontaneous interaction. The downside
could come in the form of impulse purchases that are beyond your budget, or
behaving a bit recklessly or making snap decisions that you can't live with
later. This energy is best used to break free of what restricts you, without
shattering the foundation you're standing on.
Jun.11,
2:02 PM EDT � FULL MOON in SAGITTARIUS
("What's a Full
Moon?")
This is a busy Full Moon, with
lots of both stress and opportunity. It's a very
productive combination�as long as you don't burn
yourself out trying to get the most out of it! We still
have the Grand Trine Kite in effect, so there's lot of
energy for creativity and connection with people we feel
close to. This energy also helps us to refine our values
and resources so that they satisfy our personal needs
and desires, while still satisfying our spiritual,
philosophical and moral values.
The Grand Cross has pretty
much passed now, although with the Mars-Saturn
conjunction coming up in a week to activate it again, we
haven't seen the last of this energy yet. The Grand
Cross has brought a lot of hard work and struggle in the
last couple of weeks, which may have you feeling pretty
exhausted by now.
The Full Moon brings a shift
in your labours, goals, aspirations, and your attempts
to find a reliable methodology in these areas to make
them all come together effectively. Whereas you've had
to maintain a certain level of concentration, focus and
endurance, you are not called upon to introduce some
flexibility and adaptability to your efforts. This may
feel like a mixed blessing. On one hand it may come as a
relief (loosening up the strong grip you've had on your
life). On the other hand, it may feel like yet another
complicating factor that you must juggle in order to
make it all work.
With the Full Moon taking
place in Sagittarius, the focus now points to the need
to find a higher sense of purpose and perspective in
what you are doing. It's not enough to simply do the
work, get the rewards and go home. You are called up on
to find a more spiritual connection that finds a greater
meaning for you.
So...Why do you want to do all
this work and effort? The question Why is important,
because you may now be facing a crossroads and must be
clear about your motives and goals. With the Full Moon
conjunct Pluto, you may be faced with the "darker" or
heavier implications of what you are doing. Perhaps you
need to question the ethics of your choices. Or, you
might be encountering power struggles that require a
compassionate but no-nonsense response.
Or, you might
need to integrate a sense of personal spiritual meaning
(why you're doing what you're doing) with an
acknowledgement and acceptance of the passions that
drive you (which might feel more intense or
out-of-control than you can comfortably handle).
Depending on your answers, you
are likely to be wrestling with values at both a
spiritual and personal level. Whatever your spiritual
priorities, it is also important that you find answers
that also satisfy your personal values. That includes
ensuring that you allow a certain amount of personal
pleasure, harmony and peace into your approach to life
right now. Find ways to pamper yourself and make your
labours enjoyable. Treat yourself to some sensory
pleasures�a massage, a walk through a beautiful park,
smelling the flowers, listening to music, and LOTS of
chocolate! ;-)
Jun.11
- Aug.02
- T-Square (Saturn/Mars-Chiron to Jupiter)
("What's
a T-Square?")
 This is a remnant of the
Grand
Cross that remains after Venus has moved out of range,
leaving a T-Square for several weeks. After
wrestling with how to balance personal versus spiritual
values, as well as short-term gain versus higher
purpose, we are left integrating what we've learned into
that higher purpose. Ultimately, whatever works for us
personally needs to be woven into the big picture and
made consistent with our greater sense of spiritual
wisdom, purpose and morality. Mars conjoins Saturn
during this lingering T-Square, requiring us to set it
all in motion, but to do it in a way that is
responsible, practical, disciplined and structured. If
you have been struggling with issues of self-esteem,
self-acceptance, identity or creativity, this T-Square
could bring these issues to the surface. This could
activate a situation in which you must reach out to find
a higher sense of personal value as a unique and
precious Child of the Universe (which, of course, you
are).
Jun.12
� Mercury trine Uranus (14:43 Cancer/Pisces)
Unusual ideas, flashes of
insight, and seeing unexpected possibilities, are all
part of this transit. You may find it easier to be
open-minded right now, especially about insights that
have eluded you. Your ability to see beyond your usual
horizon of perception can bring visionary brainwaves, as
well as a fun sense of humour. You might be inspired to
experiment with something new or do something out of
character. You might have an impulse to break free of
old habits or constraints. This can be a very liberating
transit that opens your mind to new possibilities and
ideas. However, be careful that you don't become so
liberated and spontaneous that you become erratic, hyper
or reckless. Words may come tumbling out of your mouth
before you've had a chance to consider their wisdom, or
you might find yourself talking non-stop and
interrupting, creating a bit of awkwardness in those
around you. On the other hand, you might also find the
clarity and vision that gives you the words to speak
your truth with new conviction. It's a great time to do
some writing or other form of self-expression,
especially if it's spontaneous or involving technology.
This is another incarnation of
the Quadriform Kite that was in effect from
May.31 to Jun.01, only
instead of focusing its energy through Mercury, it is
now focused on the Sun. Your sense of personal purpose,
identity, vitality and life force must now wrestle with
the balance of power that you establish with the outside
world. This is an opportunity, motivated by stress and
conflict, to exercise and strengthen your sense of
personal power. The challenge is to do this without
either tipping into over-compensating hubris or falling
into existential discouragement. The next incarnation of
this energy will be in mid-July, when the Quadriform
Kite channels itself through Venus.
Jun.15
� Venus square Neptune (19:40 Taurus/Aquarius)
Money, material resources,
relationships and pleasure could be subject to
confusion, deception, or unrealistic wishful thinking
under this transit. It may seem that what you thought
you had (love, friendship, pleasure, money, resources)
has suddenly disappeared or isn't as dependable as you
thought it was. You might feel disappointed,
disillusioned, sad or alone, but this is more likely to
be a passing phase than a serious crisis. The question
is: what are your secret longings and subtle desires
that may be operating unconsciously? These could be
clouding your ability to relate to people and situations
in your life. Old addictions, depression or idealism may
surface as way of dealing with feelings. A better outlet
would be to channel your feelings and experiences into
creativity, beauty, inspiration and compassion; for
example, art, music or helping others.
Jun.16 � Sun opposite Pluto
(25:25 Gemini/Sagittarius)
Who owns the power? This is a
time when you may be called upon to stand up to a
situation or person who pressures you to dance to their
tune instead of your own. This is a chance to assert and
empower yourself in new ways, putting into practice the
inner strength you've developed in the last 6 months.
The trick is to face the situation or person while
rooted in inner honesty and authenticity, rather than
trying to annihilate the enemy using overkill. Strive to
negotiate (or struggle) together using just enough force
to establish a workable balance of power, without either
of you being nuked in the process. Also, be open to the
possibility that your "opponent" might be holding up a
mirror, which is showing you something about yourself
that you may not want to acknowledge. That doesn't
necessarily make your opponent right and you wrong, but
there might be something for you to learn from the
situation. If you are in a situation that doesn't
involve an "opponent" as such, there may still be an
aspect of your environment that is holding up a
difficult mirror, requiring you to find a more centred
and authentic point of inner power. It is by finding new
balance within this kind of dynamic, whatever the
circumstances, that transformation can be found.
Jun.18 � Mercury enters Shadow
(will go retrograde Jul.04-28)
Mercury now enters the area of
Zodiac where it will later go retrograde (Jul.04-28).
During its retrograde cycle, Mercury travels through the
same span of the Zodiac three times�once direct
(forward), then retrograde (backwards), then direct
again. This means that there is a more involved process
of development involved with things that Mercury
affects�ideas, thoughts, frame of mind, mental focus,
and the collection, exchange, analysis and organisation
of information. Also affected are all forms of
communication�email, the Internet, letters, the media in
general, books and magazines, as well as public transit
(buses, trains, etc.) and neighbourhoods. The situations
that are developing over the next 2 weeks (leading up to
when Mercury actually goes retrograde) are likely to
require further research, consideration and discovery
over the next couple of months. Expect changes in your
plans, increasingly disrupted communication, and new
information coming to light that may not fit
conveniently into what you were expecting. If you must
make important decisions during this time, try to build
some flexibility into your plans to allow for later
changes�or if possible, you may want to delay final or
irrevocable decisions until well after Mercury goes
direct (Jul.28).
Jun.18 � Mars conjunct Saturn
(08:46 Leo)
This is one of those
good-news/bad-news kinds of transits. The forceful,
exuberant energy of Mars meets the cautious, serious
energy of Saturn. This combination can create a lot of
productivity or a lot of frustration�and often both. The
wild horse of Mars energy can become a workhorse when
combined with Saturn's discipline, capable of sustained
effort that can bring concrete results. But it may also
bring impatience from having your efforts blocked or
delayed, or having to be accountable for impulsive
actions. If having to conform to discipline, limitation
and responsibility tend to trigger you into resisting
and fighting back, you might feel a lot of anger and
frustration under this transit. On the other hand, it
could also help you come to terms with a difficult
reality or decision, to take the necessary initial steps
that can lead to long-term achievement and development.
It is a good time to take action that has been carefully
considered and planned out, or to start making plans for
a long-term project.
Jun.18 � Mars opposite Chiron
(09:46 Leo/Aquarius)
Your efforts and
physical/emotional/mental energy may struggle with
fundamental limitations and latent imperfections under
this transit. Weakness or chronic problems in health may
flare up now, especially if you are under a lot of
stress. It will help to do whatever is necessary to
support and take care of yourself. You may find it works
better to minimize or prevent deterioration, rather than
to attempt a complete cure of whatever ails you.
Emotional health may also be affected, bringing out
latent issues related to anger, sexuality, assertiveness
or courage. This is a time when you can probably see all
these problem areas more clearly, and as a result it can
seem like they are getting worse. While this may or may
not actually be true, you are in a position to respond
to these issues in a different way now�precisely because
you are able to see the nature of the problems more
objectively and clearly. So don't allow yourself to just
be intimidated by difficult experiences you might have
now; use them to take steps toward a new well-being.
Jun.19 � Mars square Jupiter
(09:25 Leo/Scorpio)
Under this transit your energy
is more accessible, but this could be more problematic
than helpful. On one hand, you have more enthusiasm and
motivation available to take bold steps toward your
goals. However, you might be forced to do this out of a
sense of moral coercion, rather than freely choosing it.
Or, your actions could be triggered by exasperated
impulse more than by a sense of what is right for that
moment. Impulses are likely to become easily amplified,
but also more difficult to control. This includes anger,
sexuality, aggression and assertiveness. Confidence
could come across as arrogance. Courage might become
reckless or brazen. If you find it difficult to bring
out these qualities in yourself, they may come spurting
out in a way that might be frightening or intimidating.
But once your energy has emerged, you are in a better
position to learn how to harness it, use it, work with
it and summon it at will.
Uranus now appears to go
backwards (retrograde) against the backdrop of the
stars. This is often a turning point in situations
involving issues of spontaneity, freedom, breaking free
of old patterns, rebellion and expressing your personal
uniqueness. It could feel a bit chaotic or erratic�or
perhaps just spontaneous and exciting�for up to a week
before and after this date. However, Uranus' ultimate
agenda is to clear the way for your true spirit to
manifest in your life. You may experience unexpected
changes, flashes of insight, or disruption of
established situations that aren't working well (which
might include computers, Internet, mass media, groups,
friends or future plans). This can be the awakening of a
new perspective, to be brought into a clearer focus
through open-mindedness and being willing to try new
things. If you are going through major transits from
Uranus to your natal chart, you are more likely to feel
the energy of this station. To find out if you are going
through important Uranus transits this year, and how to
find your center in the whirlwind that Uranus tends to
bring, you can get a
personal astrology reading with me.
Jun.19-22 � Yod (Venus sextile
Mercury, both quincunx to Pluto)
("What's a Yod?")
 Venus and Mercury form a Yod
aspect configuration to Pluto, creating the need to
stretch our awareness and receptivity toward experiences
of life that can often be overwhelming, frightening,
intense, or so deep below the surface that we may fear
becoming lost. Our strength lies in having a strong ego
identity and awareness to fall back on, especially in
terms of taking care of ourselves and feeding our sense
of self in order to keep it strong. The most interesting
thing about this Yod is that it focuses into a Kite at
the Solstice on Jun.21, when the Sun enters Cancer.
Although the aspect orbs are a bit wide to form a strong
Kite configuration, the Sun has an important role. It is
especially important for us to keep our identity and
sense of self strong in order to act as an anchor when
we are confronted by the abyss of deep Pluto energy. In
order to shine light into the dark corners of life, we
need to have strength of self�which in this case
includes not just identity, but also self-awareness and
the support of social connections.
Jun.20 � Saturn opposite
Chiron (09:02 Leo/Aquarius)
This is the final exact pass
of this unusually long-running transit, which has been
in effect since the mid-1980s. (No, that's not a typo!)
This long time range is due to the off-center orbit of
Chiron, which stretches between the orbits of Saturn and
Uranus. Chiron is now slowing down and Saturn gradually
catches up to conjoin with Chiron in another 23 years.
This transit is about learning
to balance the conventional expectations (put on us by
society and authority figures) with the need to be true
to yourself (even if that means having to find your own
path away from the mainstream). This is especially true
from July.2005 to June.2006 (when the Chiron-Saturn
opposition takes place in Aquarius and Leo,
respectively). The effects of this final pass are
especially strong throughout the second half of June,
peaking on today's date.
This is the last of 27 (!)
opposition passes between Saturn and Chiron that take
place between 1986 and 2006, as they dance around the
circle of the Zodiac. Since the July.2005 pass, there
have been similarities to 1991-93, when Saturn and
Chiron were in the same signs, but reversed�Saturn was
in Aquarius and Chiron was in Leo. If you think back,
you may find that many of the changes happening since
last July (especially relating to your individuality,
uniqueness, identity and how you find your place within
collective society) have their roots in your experiences
in the early 1990s.
Previous passes can be found
in The Low-Down on the Far-Out for
Aug.15.2004,
Dec.28.2004,
Jul.21.2005 and
Feb.20.2006. Being part of such a long-term process
(about 30 years), this transit may or may not be felt on
a personal level, but its themes (balancing freedom with
conformity, rebellion with convention, and collective
teamwork with personal independence) will certainly be
present in the background. Watch for signs of it in the
Big Picture of what's happening in your corner of the
world.
Jun.21, 8:25 AM EDT � SOLSTICE
� Sun enters Cancer (until Jul.22)
("What's the
Solstice?")
Happy Solar Return to everyone
born in the sign of Cancer! When the Sun enters Cancer,
it also marks the Summer Solstice (in North America, the
UK, Europe and other places in the northern hemisphere;
or the Winter Solstice in Australia and other places in
the southern hemisphere). This is the time when we all
get to cultivate and nurture the Cancer side of our
nature. This includes feelings, needs and nurturing
instincts, as well as your connection to home and
family, and your most primal sense of belonging. To
explore this area of your life, think about your
family�are you closely connected to your
family-of-origin (the one you grew up with), or do you
also have a "chosen family" in adulthood? Who is part of
your support system (the people you know you can turn to
when you need them)? What people, groups, places or
experiences satisfy your need for belonging, which
everyone has inside them? Cancer is about our distant
past (childhood, ancestry, memories) that influences our
current behaviour, motives and methods of getting our
emotional needs met. Take this time to find new ways to
nurture yourself, to share that nurturing with others,
and to ensure that you don't give to others at the
expense of not getting what you need.
Jun.22 � Jupiter square Saturn
(09:15 Scorpio/Leo)
This is the second of three
passes of this transit (the other two being
Dec.17.2005 and Oct.25.2006). Jupiter and Saturn
have a very long combined cycle�20 years! This is the
quarter-way mark (waxing square) in the current cycle,
which began with the conjunction in Taurus back in 2000.
At this stage of the cycle, you are challenged to make a
deeper commitment to long-term projects, goals and
growth that have started to emerge in your life since
2000. It is a time to evaluate your development since
then. "What development?" you might ask. Five years is a
long time to think back and compare to present day. At
that time you might have experienced the end of certain
hopes and dreams, although this cleared the way for new
ones, which are only now starting to take shape. In 2000
you might also have found your spiritual beliefs,
practices and faith changing, perhaps to make them more
applicable to your physical circumstances. Or, you might
have wanted to find a more spiritual, uplifting,
inspiring and optimistic understanding of the external
world of cause and effect. Think back to 2000 and the
far-reaching changes that were starting to take place in
your life then. What has happened as a result of those
changes? Where are you now in the long-term process that
has unfolded since then? Where would you like to be in
another five years on this journey? The 3 passes of this
transit mark a time when you will need to commit to a
more conscious focus in order to achieve your long-term
goal. Is there anything about your goal or plan that
needs to be adjusted or changed? What must you do now in
order to get back on track, or to ensure that you stay
on track? This is a major turning point in that process,
and the turn will take almost a year to complete. This
is a good time to check in with your goals and reaffirm
the inspiration that motivated you to begin them 5 years
ago.
Jun.22 � Lunar Nodes enter
Pisces (North Node) and Virgo (South Node) (until
Dec.2007)
("What are the Lunar Nodes?")
The Lunar Nodes take about 19
years to move through the entire Zodiac, and they change
signs about every year and a half. The Nodes consist of
two opposing points that represent the intersection of
the Moon's path around the Earth and the Earth's orbit
around the Sun. The Nodes have been stretched across
Aries and Libra since December 2004. Now they shift into
Pisces and Virgo for another year and a half. The Lunar
Nodes are important primarily because they show roughly
where the Eclipses will be. Whereas the Eclipses have
taken place in Aries and Libra since April 2004, they
are now occurring in Pisces and Virgo until September
2007. (We've actually had the first of this Pisces/Virgo
Eclipse cycle already, with the Lunar Eclipse back on
Mar.14.2006.)
In non-technical terms, this
basically means that the overall direction of our growth
is toward Pisces�a quest for faith, Universal Oneness
and spiritual connection. And we are moving away from,
or assimilating past learning from, Virgo�reliance on
detailed specifics as a mode of processing our
experience of the Universe and Life.
Jun.23 � Venus enters Gemini
(until Jul.18)
Relationships, finances,
resources and values take on an air of curiosity,
communication and cleverness. It is a good time to
discuss, think about and create strategies to improve
these areas or make them more enjoyable. You may be
especially curious, flirtatious or easy-going now�so
much so that you might drift into superficiality (which
might be a welcome rest from more intense or committed
social activity). It can be a good time to exchange
ideas and information with others, especially in a
social context. Schmoozing and networking with others
are prime examples of this. This can also be a good time
to negotiate contracts and agreements with people, in
this atmosphere of information exchange. Just remember
that it's one thing to use charm and humor to influence
the direction of the discussion, but it may not be wise
to indulge in blatant manipulation of others.
� 2006
Wendy Guy.
All rights reserved. This material may not be copied without
the author's written permission. Image of Mercury courtesy of
NASA with some
added coloring. |
