Lunar Eclipse on the 26th, at 7:30 am EDT

Author: Esperanza Filipov Posted under:
This eclipse is followed by Saturn making its third and final Quincunx to Neptune on the 27th. We are being asked this month to have faith, work hard, and still be open to change. Astronomically, this eclipse brings big news astrologically, since the Moon is tightly conjunct Pluto (death and rebirth), and the Moon makes challenging aspects to all of the other Grand Cross planets!

This Eclipse, across the Capricorn/Cancer axis is a powerful focusing lens for the forces of light as well as the forces of individual and collective fear. Retreating into one’s own personal shell of security will be very self defeating now. It is only the coordinated social action that will bring us to the bounty of a new world. This time period gives great rewards but only through hard work. We will see new inventions and great innovation used to rectify deep political and environmental problems.

Lunar eclipses tend to bring relationship undercurrents or matters to a climax. The compelling effects of this particular eclipse are greatly magnified by Mercury in opposition to Pluto, and Jupiter/Uranus in Aries. Watch for significant unearthings, surfacings, and revelations to create a deep impact. You could become clued in to something (or someone) that completely alters your perspective or decisions. There can be break-throughs or break-ups, startling news, information leaks, power-plays, etc. Circumstances could have a strong mark of fated-ness.

The Capricorn/Cancer sign axis puts the spotlight on family and home concerns (with a particular emphasis on the young and the aging/old), career security, material ambitions, and needs, relationships to authority figures, bosses, banks, etc. This lunar eclipse can see a re-visitation or resurfacing of something or someone from your past. It can force an official or legal stand, a significant reprioritizing, or some other difficult step forward. Economic u-turns or geophysical upheaval fall under the Capricorn/Cancer jurisdiction too. While whatever occurs has most likely been stuffed, buried, or in the works for some time, when it surfaces it is likely to create a sudden thrust forward, (upheaval too.) While the moment itself can be brief, its effects can be lasting.

When comfort zones are challenged and security is at stake, you can be sure that the eclipse will be one of high emotional impact. In particular, those born June 21 – 26; Sept 22 – 28; Dec 22 – 27; and Mar 21 – 25 can be in for a major overhaul of ambitions, wants, needs, and existing circumstances. Note both this eclipse and the solar eclipse on July 11 bring an end to the cycle of experience begun in 1991.

The energies laid down by eclipses last at least six months. Thus, this eclipse is helping to lay the energetic groundwork for the “Cardinal Climax” coming in early August. (The Cardinal Climax, a world-rocking “T-square”, will be the most powerful aspect pattern of our lifetimes! It will include the same slower planets aspecting this eclipse: Pluto, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter.)

To make the best use of these energies, carefully analyze all of the key structures in your life: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Release fear and embrace love. If you feel unable to do something from the personality level, remember that the divine can accomplish anything: ask Spirit to assist you!

The Sabian Symbol for this eclipse is, "Indians on the warpath. While some men row a well-filled canoe, others in it perform a war dance."

This resonates powerfully with the Sabian Symbol for last month's New Moon, which was, “An Indian warrior riding fiercely, human scalps hanging from his belt.” My interpretation of that symbol was, "Think of the warrior as yourself racing toward your divinely guided destiny, and the scalps as the aspects of yourself which, Kali-like, had to be slain for you to grow into the full magnificence of your evolved self!"
This symbol doesn't have to manifest that way. Rather, we can choose to use the resources in our "well-filled canoe" -- our ingenuity, compassion, energy, physical and financial resources and desire to make a better world --. Once one wakes up and experiences the unity and interdependence of all things, one loses the desire to do harm to other living beings with the purpose of creating peace, harmony and balance.
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Summer Solstice

Author: Esperanza Filipov Posted under: , ,
June 21th is the beginning of the sign of Cancer and the Moon; the most numinous female ruler in the zodiac is associated with this sign.

Astrology being an elemental language assigns water to the sign of Cancer as well as to the Moon. Ancient astrology further delineates the quality of “moisture” as the capacity to release emotions and connect with others. Moisture blurs boundaries and allows empathy where bonding can occur.

Water is an element that relates to the world of feelings; it is receptive and perceptive, fluid and penetrating. It requires the Sun’s heat and light, corresponding to the fire element, to create life on earth but it also needs the moon’s life sustaining watery association to aid with growth.

If we view the year as a lunar cycle, the summer can be viewed as the full moon phase of the cycle. During this time the earth reflects the fullness of the dance between the sun and moon in the same way that the full moon reflects abundantly the light of the sun.

At the time of the Summer Solstice and the summer season that follows the earth is seen as an embodiment of the Feminine principle with her desire to give, nurture, protect, care, and provide a warm hearth for us all.

As an astrologer I see the benefit of attuning ourselves to the changing times and actively participating in welcoming this full moon-like phase of our cyclic year. To participate in Moon mysteries is to reflect on and respond to the cyclic, rhythmic rise and fall of life’s ebb and flow. It is a fertile time to cultivate and bring to fruition any creative process you have started in the spring. (Spring equinox being the time of initiating the creative process.)

It is also a good time to trust your intuition, and your moods. Moods are messengers from our inner emotional life that need expression without which they can become toxic. It is a time to pause and reflect, go for a walk, take a child to play soccer or baseball, go pick the wild fruits so generously given, welcome a state of being and not doing. Last but not least, it is time to celebrate and share our earth’s abundance with others, care for those who lack food or shelter and fiercely protect all forms of life.

As the longest day of the year, when the Sun's energies are the strongest and we move from Gemini (air, social, talkative) to Cancer (emotional, family, homey), the Summer Solstice is definitely worthy of celebration!

This is the official beginning of summer, when we focus on vacations, fun, parties, leisure, and celebrations. The Summer Solstice is a time of expanded will, celebration, blessings, spiritual renewal, festivals, and love. We want to look at what areas of our lives are not abundant and how we can change that. There are various rituals and fun ideas you can do at a party to bring everyone together for a purpose. Pick your favorites and be sure to send us an invite!

Activities

The element for the solstice is fire. So, you'll want to include fire in some form in your party. How about a bonfire? Many people choose to have a gathering where everyone writes on a piece of paper what they truly want and throw it into the bonfire. Or, on the flipside, you can write down what you want to get rid of! It's a very powerful technique. The bonfire encourages fertility, health, and love.

If you choose to go to the ocean at sunrise or sunset, the magical effects of that time of day can be used in your manifestation of fire. Since the Sun is at it's strongest peak, so you should use it to bring positive vibrations in, and the negative vibrations out. Make sure you clean your house before the solstice and purge outdated stuff, if necessary.

Décor

The colors for this day are red, orange, yellow, and gold. If you are decorating for a garden party, you may want to use these colors in the tableware and flowers. Some great flowers for this day are sunflowers, daisies, marigolds, honeysuckle, and yellow roses. You can take the petals after your party and throw them into moving water to further enhance your desires. Also look and see if you can add red to your outdoor furniture. Is there an old piece you can paint and revitalize?

One of the symbols for the solstice is the Sun. How are you radiating out into the world? Use the celestial Sun (in gold, perhaps) on an altar, out in your yard, or painted on your party glasses. In the Tarot, the Sun card represents celebration, ego, joy, happiness, creativity, and being childlike. You can also make copies of this card and place it around for inspiration.

Guest List

This is the time year for renewal, enhancement, and letting go of the old. The objective of the party can be a ritual, a festival, a wedding, or a backyard BBQ. What matters is whom you are inviting. This should be a group of people you love and feel really comfortable around. Many people choose to get married on this day when the light is the most powerful and our joy is exalted.

Since the Sun moves into Cancer on this day, our attention turns to family. Do you feel blessed or stressed by your family? Do you feel closer to your friends? Bring them together for a solar inspired party.

Set the Tone with Star Power

The astrological chart for this day is a powerful one! A grand trine brings opportunities, good fortune, and relaxation to your party. You will feel inspired and want to give lots of love to those around.

At the same time, there is a grand square involving the Sun in Cancer, Jupiter/Uranus in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn, and Saturn in Virgo. This grand square will particularly affect the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). It will prompt us to expand our lives, change, let go of the old, and make a breakthrough.

Also on this day the Moon will be going into Libra, the sign of balance, romance, art, harmony, peace, and beauty. What a great day to have a party and bring people together! Libra is also the matchmaker, so if finding a partner is one of your solstice wishes, say "yes" to invites and be open to letting your guests invite friends. Venus makes her appearance in Leo on this day, splashing drama, gold, and fun wherever she goes. Venus is the planet of love and Leo is the star of the party, making this an absolutely celebratory day!

You now have all the ingredients to plan a spectacular party filled with passion, purpose, joy, color, and fun! Take the solar energy to infuse your desires and let them come back ten-fold! May your day be a success on all levels!
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New Moon at 14* 24 in Gemini, June 12 at 7:15 a.m. EDT

Author: Esperanza Filipov Posted under:
At the New Moon, we get a triple dose of mercurial brilliance, with Sun-Moon at 21 degrees Gemini, and Mercury at 3 Gemini. It's likely to be noisy, with a high potential for mania, anxiety, panic, and other modern ills from constant TMI (too much information). Take care to avoid what/who makes you strung out, nervous, pulled in too many directions.

Mercurial Genius

The Greeks knew the magician as the God Mercury, with wings of pure spirit on his feet. That represents being sped along, when aligned with higher spiritual forces and wisdom. Gemini is the mischievous sign, often poking fun at set, controlled or pre-planned ways of thinking. At the New Moon, the re-set button gets pushed, and the mind is free and flexible again.

It's timely for seeing through any trickery and illusions created out of thin air, with no basis in reality. At the New Moon, we each rest in that place out of which language, symbols, visuals originate. If we commune with the center at this rich time, we emerge mentally renewed. We can then compute info at lightning speed, using both worldly and otherworldly info -- that's straddling two worlds.

Discernment

A key aspect at the New Moon is the Sun-Moon square to Saturn Virgo in a wide orb (6 degrees). This lends some level-headedness to all this fast thinking and talking. Saturn says "Keep it real." With the psychic doors flung open, Saturn's boundaries keeps us from mentally going off on useless tangents. It reins in the focus, so all that high speed intellectual energy can be applied in productive ways. It's timely for visualizing pathways to your goals that feel do-able.

In this chaotic time when there's so much static, Saturn aids you in lifting out what's useful. Saturn's presence in the mania is the B.S. detector. If something or someone doesn't have integrity, their game will be exposed. It's a time when talk is cheap, and those who live daily in alignment with what they're saying are taken seriously.

We can get some clues to the story line for the Sabian Symbol of that degree:



DANCING COUPLES CROWD IN A HARVEST FESTIVAL


This month is described as a celebratory festival. Men and women join together to "make a joyful noise unto the land”, as the Bible says, to enjoy the bounty and beauty of nature. This image speaks to the joy we can share in community working toward our common good. This image invites in the goddess Ceres, she who grows the grain, who oversees the harvest. She is fully present.



Sign of the Future

It is said that Gemini is the sign of the future. It scrambles old forms, and embodies change. Gemini's live that adage, "change your thoughts, change your life." And here, we've got Mercury in Gemini in a sextile to the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction, sparking a curiosity about what we can create, if we change our minds....quickly.

This is a time of quantum leaps, when it's possible to make sudden evolutionary surges forward. Mercury Gemini keeps up with, and conspires with the forces of change. These days are aces for creative visualization, questioning everything, and skipping out of any repetitive grooves of thought.

Summer of Transformation

What Gemini skips over lightly, is often deeply rooted in how we live. It's one thing to SEE anew, but another to dismantle the old, and live in the new way. The Uranus-Jupiter conjunction is squaring Pluto, and this is the big picture, against which the magician (Gemini) is playing out. The playful attitude - that life is a game - helps us step back to see with some detachment. The airy Gemini energies bring fresh winds that lighten things up.

Take notice of what comes to you in dreams or passing visions. It may be ahead of its time, to save away for later. Give yourself some space to hear what's coming through your higher channels. This means cutting out distractions, and resting if you need to. Gather up all you can, as this is the restful prelude to the intense Full Moon in Capricorn/Lunar Eclipse on June 26th. At that time, what the New Moon reveals as first inklings, become more fully realized.

 Possible Themes:
• Question everything -- it's liberating!
• Let it be ok that you don't know.
• Diffuse a tense situation with humor.
• If you've got creative blocks, try writing under a pen name.
• Research something thoroughly.
• Listen to or read vignettes.
• Shake off tired old opinions you no longer believe in.
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June Planetary Forecast

Author: Esperanza Filipov Posted under:
The end of May has delivered 3 major planetary shifts: Saturn has completed a four and half month retrograde cycle (May 30), Neptune has begun a five month retrograde (May 31), and Uranus has made its first foray into Aries (May 27). The directional changes of Saturn and Neptune should help us to find the keys that will lead to more productive moving ahead, especially so once we get past the Mars/Neptune opposition on June 4

From the 1st to the 6th communication is the key that unlocks every door. Our ideals are running our lives but we are preparing for a great and fundamental alteration of orientation in life. Discard everything that you don’t need.

From the 7th to the 13th we are riding a wave of excitement and a belief that life can be better. We struggle to see beyond the ordinary aspects of life. A new world is unfolding.

From the 14th to the 20th relationships tend to dominate our thinking now. Pay special attention to the new and unfolding pattern of interactions. On the other hand, don’t relinquish existing relationships; they are important and can be explored and expanded on now.

From the 21st to the 27th our thinking is dominated by the extraordinary. Everyday life is interrupted by so many turns of events. The urge for freedom is strong and we look to add something new to our lives. Beneath all the chaos is real opportunity. If you are able to grasp it you will be truly lucky.

From the 28th to the 30th peace and beauty are discovered in a higher realm. Follow your love but keep your feet on the ground. If you have secured your place in the world, venturing out into a bigger arena is appropriate.

1st – Tuesday – Mercury Parallel Mars – Thoughts move at the speed of light and actions can be just as swift. Mistakes can be hard to rectify so look carefully before setting plans into motion.
2nd – Wednesday – Mars Semi-sextile Saturn – Make small gains and keep looking to the future for practical results. A steady controlled approach gives practical returns for the effort.
3rd – Thursday – Mercury Sesquiquadrate Pluto – We are closing the gap on some important, yet missing, pieces of information. Conversations can be frank and very helpful. Stay focused on fundamental issues.
4th – Friday – Mars Opposite Neptune – Ideals and emotions are amplified. Are we chasing an illusion or are we promoting our true values? Swift progress is possible as everyone moves in the same direction after differences are settled. Be spontaneous.
5th – Saturday – Everyone seems in the mood to share something important. This is a great problem solving day. There is excitement in the air as a powerful urge to innovate captures the moment.
6th - Sunday – Jupiter enters Aries – We are moving forward on any project we focus on. We are saying goodbye to the past and a new day is opening to us. Big concepts will not automatically translate into practical application, but we are off in a new direction.
7th – Monday – Mars enters Virgo, Mars Quincunx Jupiter, Mars Quincunx Uranus – Translating inspiration and necessity into positive action can be frustrating. Hard work is required but don’t get lost in meaningless detail. Stay positive.
8th – Tuesday – Jupiter Conjunct Uranus, Mars Contra-parallel Neptune, Mercury Trine Saturn – With a little effort all the wonderful ideas that are floating around today will manifest into something solid. Discipline and common sense will help bring consensus out of diversity.
9th – Wednesday – Mercury Square Neptune, Mercury Contra-parallel Pluto – Big ideas can evaporate when they are not supported by the facts. It is a balancing act to be continually committed to things that don’t exist yet…However, if we never envisioned a better world, things would not improve. Be careful during all communications; others may not be clear and you may not be saying what is really on your mind.
10th – Thursday – Mercury enter Gemini, the Sun Parallel Venus, Mercury Sextile Uranus then Jupiter – Opportunity lies in so many directions that we are easily involved in several projects at once. Be careful you don’t end up “running in circles.” This can be fun and entertaining, just be willing to take interruptions as opportunities.
11th – Friday – Mercury Square Mars – Tempers can be on a “short fuse”; everyone is a little too sensitive to anything that sounds like criticism. Meditation can balance an erratic mind. Stay calm as not all news that arrives is what you wanted or expected.
12th – Saturday – The New Moon is at 6:16 AM EDT, Venus Sextile Saturn, Mercury Quincunx Pluto – Harmony, excitement, and social pleasures set the tone. It is difficult to see the joy in life if we are too task oriented. Relax and enjoy the day.
13th – Sunday – Venus Quincunx Neptune – Artistic expression and the joy of being with others is wonderful. However, all is not harmony. Don’t count on others to do what they promise…we all tend to over commit.
14th – Monday – Venus enters Leo, Venus Trines Uranus – Spirits lift and spontaneous excitement adds joy to all activities. New people and new circumstances brighten everyone’s mood. Love needs to be expressed.
15th – Tuesday – Venus Trine Jupiter, Mars Trine Pluto – We feel energized and lucky. It is a great time to celebrate. Acknowledge those who have helped you and apply your energy and attention to solving certain long term difficulties.
16th – Wednesday – Mercury Parallel Venus – It is amazing how a little extra effort to help others can return many times over during this time period. Today, a few kind words can make a difference in many people’s lives.
17th – Thursday – Venus Quincunx Pluto – Achieving balance is hard now. We do best to focus our energy on practical and immediate tasks. We are more effective if we are willing to do what is necessary without the sustaining help from others.
18th – Friday – More and more detail can be confusing. Be willing to take in new information but limit your options. Victory goes to those who can control their time usage. Indecision wastes time.
19th – Saturday – Sun Square Saturn, Jupiter Parallel Uranus, Sun Trine Neptune – Careful discipline and boundless enthusiasm makes this a very enjoyable time. Be faithful to your higher vision of the truth; live out your higher self and put fear behind you.
20th – Sunday – Venus Semi-sextile Mars – Love in action has the ability to change everything for the better. Be willing to share yourself with those people in your life who are always with you. Pay attention and don’t take anyone for granted.
21st – Monday – Sun enters Cancer, Sun Parallel Mercury, Sun Square Uranus – We see the big picture and our natural inclination now is to want more. Life is happening fast. Circumstances are changing rapidly; emotional turbulence of the moment can cloud our vision; we are happiest if we can focus on our long term goals.
22nd – Tuesday – We may be tempted to overindulge in something as a form of compensation for minor frustrations. Relax, don’t let bad habits destroy an otherwise pleasant day.
23rd – Wednesday – Mercury Semi-square Venus, Sun Square Jupiter – After some initial confusion we may be lucky enough to find a method to harness the enthusiasm that is being released all around us. People come and go; there is much conversation and planning.
24th – Thursday – Mercury Square Saturn, Mercury Trine Neptune – Not everyone likes what we have to say today…ordinary life can seem boring. Inspiration and excitement comes by looking beyond the obvious.
25th – Friday – Mercury enters Cancer, Mercury Squares Uranus, Sun Opposite Pluto, Venus Semi-square Saturn – Don’t dissipate your energy in fruitless anger. Rise above petty disagreements; be confident that a good end can come from positive effort even when circumstances seem hopeless at the moment.
26th – Saturday – Mercury Square Jupiter, the Full Moon at 6:31 AM EDT, Venus Contra-parallel Pluto – It is time to discard things that have lived beyond their usefulness. Meditation is always good at the time of the Full Moon, but now there is so much mental and emotional information that we need some way to integrate. Avoid finalizing plans until tomorrow if you can…the pressure of the moment can be distorting our vision.
27th – Sunday – Mercury Opposite Pluto, Venus Sesquiquadrate Uranus, Saturn Quincunx Neptune – New opportunities appear; certain options disappear. Stay positive and believe in yourself; it is easy to be discouraged now but better things are coming. Concentrate your energy where you can make a difference.
28th – Monday – Sun Conjunct Mercury – Home and security are topics of conversation. We need to know that basic items in life are taken care of, and then we want to turn our attention to more adventuresome pursuits.
29th – Tuesday – Venus Sesquiquadrate Jupiter – Love is in the air and we are inspired by all of the options for expression. Pay attention to the people who matter most in your life.
30th – Wednesday – Venus Sesquiquadrate Pluto – Our feelings can be strong, to the point of compulsive. There is balance coming over the next few days. As long as you are emotionally sensitive to other people’s needs you will find some fulfillment for your own desires.

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