Full Thunder Moon in Capricorn: Facing Transittion

 

Full Moon in Capricorn peaks on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:20 P.M. PDT/10:20 EDT.  The Sun in Cancer and the Moon in opposition in Capricorn highlights the balance between being accountable to our inner truths and needs, and meeting our public and community obligations. The Cancer Sun represents our domestic life, our need for creating and feeling at home, and our need for security, safety, and nourishment. The Capricorn Moon symbolizes our journey to take our place  in the line of ancestors, our place in our family lineage, and our place as part of the human circle of life. How do we take on the obligations that we are meant to accomplish and meet? How do we connect our inner truth with our place in the family of life? What are we meant to accomplish, create, or produce with our lives? How are we meant to serve others and help tend to the gifts of the Earth? These types of questions may be arising as this Full Thunder Moon is waxing to fullness? 

This weekend we had the first of our summer thunder and lightening storms here in the North. Thunder and lightening always remind me of the breaking point we each reach in different areas of our lives at different times. As standing and watching the high, dappled, white clouds form a river across the blue sky before the billowing, black storm clouds appear on the horizon, it is easy to  feel the tension in the air as the storm gathers. When the first bolt of lightening lights up the sky, and the thunder clap rocks the ground, rain cannot be far off. Relief, refreshment, and a reminder of what matters most, come together in these two opposing forces of lightening and rain, fire and water, as the earth opens to receive the much-needed moisture and nourishing.  The Thunder Moon, as this Full Moon in Capricorn is called, allows us to connect to our emotional needs and enables us to quench our thirst as we see more clearly, the path that we are on, and the life that we are living.

This Full Thunder Moon invites us to be mindful of and to honor whatever is building up within us, whatever needs to be nourished, and whatever needs to be created at this time. For the last two weeks, feelings, thoughts, and emotional challenges may have been building up, forcing us to pay attention to what now needs to be expressed. Some deep inner truth may have been building, rubbing up against some long-established ideas and beliefs about identity. We may find that we have changed, but are still living as if we were still part of a role, a life, a relationship, or some other major definer of our identity.  We may have found ourselves thinking differently and wanting to change direction, or needing to move outside the boundaries or obligations that had defined our roles in relation to work, to creativity, to relationships, to life styles, to anything that is part of how we express ourselves. When we make changes in our lives, the significant kind that is, it is often celebrated by some who wondered what took us so long. It is just as likely that others will not like the changes, and a breach will be formed which some connections cannot bear. 

With this Full Thunder Moon beginning in Capricorn and the cycle of the Sun through Cancer for the next two weeks, we will come into direct connection with what the dichotomy in our lives is all about. What we do with that awareness, depends on what each of us is ready to do and become. This is a time when many of us struggle with Root Chakra/Muladharra issues and energy.  How do our roots ground us, and where are we connected and at home? In what ways are we growing, and expanding out beyond our boundaries and limitations, and what is forming within us that needs nurturing? One of the ways that this energy might be manifest is through the need for movement and physical exercise. Finding ways to let whatever is building up within you out, may lead you to do some things that you have not normally done. Find ways to express yourself, and use a bit of caution if you have not stepped out into a new type of lifestyle. Takes steps that allow you to build up stamina, stretch yourself in new ways, and open up to finding a greater sense of balance and harmony in how you live and use your life force and energy.  Being open to to Crown Chakra energy input, is vital at this time. Allowing divine inspiration, direction, and guidance to reveal itself through dreams, intuition, introspection, and paying attention to gut instincts, is all necessary in order to bring life into harmony.

The Sun and Mars, are both in conjunction in Cancer at this Full Moon. Mars is a bit muted in Cancer, and therefore what might normally have us feeling like we need to act with decisiveness (were the Mars in another element), instead finds us holding our cards close to the vest. We are not so much hesitant as we are more meditative and thoughtful about what we really desire. Our need to be protective in whatever kinds of actions we take, is paramount at this time. Our approach to our passions is strong and focused, though highly affected by our moods. When the Moon and Mars are in Cancer, we may be feeling some of the energy of repressed desires, unfulfilled expectations, and seemingly impossible or unlikely dreams. Being aware of our moods, and finding ways to channel and express ourselves in creative and healthy ways, can be a big help in dealing with this type of energy.  Mars stays in Cancer until August 8, after which it will move into more fiery and typical energy in Leo, where it will join  the Sun. Keep in mind that Mars feeling thwarted, has an impact on our emotional feelings and experiences. The inner need for release is watered down under an emotional blanket, and acting feels almost out of character. Perhaps Mars is feeling overprotective, and so it is wise to pay attention to and be willing to look at what has and is changing. Avoid feeling like it is necessary to hang on to an identity or sense of feeling at home with ourselves, that is no longer real. Our lives do change, and we lose our sense of authenticity when we try to hold on to skin that we have already shed.

Venus has been in Leo since June 5. Over the weekend Venus formed a trine with Uranus in Aries, bringing us unexpected or shocking news about what is holding our heart strings. Over the weekend it is likely that some of the true passion we desire made its way to the surface of our consciousness. It may appear as just an idea around the edges of our awareness, or it may have come in the reminder of something deep which we have ignored or suppressed for too long. Venus is parallel Jupiter from now until June 30, stirring up our urge to connect, share, and become more deeply involved with those people and purposes that call to us. Also on June 30, Venus will form a quincunx to Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces. Our need to heal wounds and mend fences may make their way into our experiences right now. When Chiron in Pisces stirs us up, we may be more in touch with our fears, vulnerabilities, or sense of lack. Notice if this is the case, and see if you can discern what is beneath that edginess or discomfort.  What is in the process of healing?

Many of us think that if we feel bad, we have to do something to change it. Or that we have done something to cause that discomfort. Look upon discomfort as a signal from your inner being to pay attention to something that is working its way out of your system. When we eat or drink something that disagrees with us, our body revolts. The body lets us know we have put something into it that is not meant to be there. We may vomit or feel pain or have a difficult time digesting. We may trigger cravings or give ourselves too much or too little of something in an effort to bring ease and relief. At this time, especially when Chiron in Pisces is making aspects to Venus (or any other body), we feel it in our physical, emotional, spiritual, and even in our cognitive bodies. When we have to use toxic medicines in our body, those toxins have a direct effect on every molecule and atom of our being.  We can feel it in our skin and in our soul.  Notice what is causing you to feel off center, ill, or in any way imbalanced, especially in regard to relationships and meeting your needs through connection.

As we work with the energy of Chiron’s effect on Venus’ transit, we can reap the rewards of healthier more balanced health and well being when Venus forms a trine to Jupiter as the Full Moon in Capricorn rises on Wednesday, June 1. New beginnings, fresh opportunities, and growing pleasure in love and all manner of appreciation and indulgence in beauty and love arise.

Mercury’s sextile to Venus over the holiday weekend, July 4-5, lends itself to enjoying ourselves, and having some light-hearted fun. Being with friends and loved ones, sharing in the simple and pleasurable aspects of life are on the menu. Enjoying yourself and indulging in healthy, nourishing meals, games, practices, and activities all lighten up the mood and help us appreciate what we have to be grateful for.

On Monday in the afternoon, Jupiter forms a quincunx to Chiron. This energy promotes self awareness, especially of anything we are uncomfortable or unhappy with. If we use this energy to become more mindful of what we truly feel, this can be helpful. If we let this energy drag us into the pits of self doubt, fear, and anxiety, we can find ourselves feeling lost and atsea—feeling like we have lost our direction.  Rather than letting this energy sink your ship, allow it to help you become more aware of what sea changes need to be made in order to steer our lives in the right direction.   Breathe deeply of the truth of life, and allow yourself to feel the Presence of the Divine in your life. If we think we are all alone with no anchor or support from beyond what we can see, feel, or understand, we may need to examine beliefs about the Sacred and Divine.  If our faith is nothing more than an intellectual debate we have with ourselves or others, we may need to quiet our ego voice and listen and watch for how the Divine is Present in both the Immanence and Transcendence of the Sacred. The Immanence of the Sacred comes in that quiet, still inner knowing, or the guidance of intuition or dreams. Through the message of something you read or hear or even something you say to another that really speaks to your own soul. The Transcendence of the Sacred is alive in the mysteries beyond your own knowledge, coping, or awareness. In signs that point towards something greater than ourselves. In patterns and creation that defies understanding. In the miracles alive in a scientific or mathematical equation. Look around and within and see how you connect to the Sacred. When fear and anxiety rise up, it is time to refocus our attention on something that counters and balances that energy. Try simply being quiet and mindful of one moment, one breath, or one beautiful piece of the world around you.

A few hours before the Full Moon on June 1, the Sun in Cancer trines Neptune in Pisces. This is one of those magical moments in life when things line up for our greater good. We are apt to be in the right place at the right time. We are likely to be highly attuned to our own intuitive truths. Our visions and inner sense of knowing is heightened to such a degree that we can trust our instincts and decisions implicitly.  We may find that  our perspective shifts, and our vision is enhanced. We see more clearly who we are, what we want and need, and what is calling for us to do, be, serve, and understand. We may act on our own best interests now, in a way that is so clear.  Take advantage of this energy to allow your highest good to emerge and to acknowledge your gifts, talents, and resources with blessings and thanksgiving.

Thursday, Mercury in Gemini sextiles Uranus inspiring and benefiting all manner for good business, news, and communications. Surprising and beneficial encounters take place, business has good prospects, and creativity is at a peak for getting ideas and expressions into form. We find surprising answers to new and old questions. Projects we may have been bogged down on, now receive new life and energy. With new insight, shifts in perspectives and attitudes, and a willingness to trust and have faith in both self and the Universal Source, this can be not only a very enlightening time, but also a powerful time for finding solutions to problems and answers to questions that have a direct impact on your own development and soul growth.

On Friday morning, Mercury in Gemini squares Chiron The Friday square between Mercury and Chiron can awaken fears and emotional discomfort. Remember with the Sun in Cancer along with Mars, the underlying issues relate to our sense of security and need to be protective and even defensive sometimes. Notice how your defenses go up, and what walls and snares you construct to keep yourself within self-imposed parameters. What is longing to be born in your life, and what are you afraid of? What is the worst thing that could happen, and then what? Face your fears; don’t use them as a trap. Keep learning to acknowledge those places where your energy is trapped, and find ways to release yourself, a bit a time, so you can put that same kind of focus and energy into something that is life-affirming.

Friday evening, use the learning of the week to enjoy Mercury’s sextile to Jupiter. Allow a more harmonious and life-affirming essence to fill you up. Enjoy doing what allows you to express yourself more fully. It could be a very productive time of the week, and surely one that allows you to nourish, express, and honor that which is growing in the light of the Full Moon in Capricorn. With Pluto’s transformative work in Capricorn over the last few years, we can now see, during this Full Moon, the areas of our lives where we are growing, transforming, and changing in ways that are meant to open us to a whole new identity and level of spiritual and cognitive growth. Open yourself to receive the goodness and light that is meant for you so that you can in turn share that goodness and light with others.

Gemini New Moon: Auspicious Path Ahead

The New Moon at 25/07 degrees of  Gemini aligns with the Gemini Sun at the same degree and Mars at 24/35 degrees of Gemini as well. This makes for a power-packed lunar cycle in the mutable air sign of Gemini. Mercury too is at 5 degrees of Gemini. Though not in conjunction, nevertheless having an impact on all forms of communication. All this energy focused in Gemini, (look to your own chart/life to see where this energy is gathered), opens us to a lunar cycle that is sure to be filled with a great deal of communication, a calendar full of activities, and minds packed to the brim with ideas and plans. 

Venus and Jupiter are both in Leo (Venus at 10/06 degrees; Jupiter at 19/01), and as Venus moves closer to conjoining Jupiter, we can be sure to feel more and more connected and awakened to whatever desires and longings are growing in our lives. 

Saturn is at a crucial point, being at 29 degrees retrograde in Scorpio. This reawakens and reminds us of anything we have recently completed, relationships from the past, and lessons learned through hard work and challenging circumstances. We may feel weighed down at this time, perhaps subconsciously or perhaps quite consciously. We may feel deep longings, desires, or be wrapped up in unresolved memories. Areas of our past experiences may still litter our lives, and we find we are buried under the details of the past or the relics of whatever had passed away from our lives. Clearing space, letting go of objects and reminders, and releasing the old patterns and habits that bound us to what has passed, arises in our awareness during Saturns retrograde cycle. Particularly while in the 29th degree, we feel and experience on a very deep level, the death, the endings, the permanent disconnection of the past. Something may happen to make this much clearer for us, and we may even reap the benefits of whatever has been cleared away from our lives.  Saturn, the Great Teacher, reminds us of what has grown in our lives, what has fallen away, and what new lessons are ours to learn.  During this retrograde cycle, we are taken back (subconsciously and in reflection) over what we have learned. Perhaps we will have a little deja vu, reminders of what once was, and we will have the chance to feel the power of those emotions that connect us to what we’ve left behind or lost.  This may include both positive and negative, and the lessons of Saturn include synthesis of all experience into the way we live our lives from here on.

Pluto, the Great Transformer, is also in its retrograde phase, at 14 degrees of Capricorn.  Again, we are traveling back over old ground. We feel the disruptions of recent transitions and the newness of the transformations that have us wondering if we are capable of adjusting and lifting ourselves out of whatever ennui or lethargy we are trapped in. 

Uranus in Aries, in its long fiery journey, is at 19/52 degrees, forging full speed ahead in whatever area of our lives Aries rules. With all the transitioning and transforming that has been taking place in our lives, Uranus continues to prod us to branch out, seek new adventures, challenge the status quo of our lifestyles, and move out into uncharted territory. In contrast to the lessons of Saturn and the transformative work of Pluto in our lives, we are also feeling collectively as if we need to make the changes we long for, “yesterday”. A growing impatience may be noticeable in some areas of life. As Uranus has been doing from the start of its journey through Aries, finding peace amid the chaos is the clarion call of this transit and of this time. Especially with this New Moon in Gemini conjunct the Sun and Mars, we are filled with ideas, dreams, goals, and plans, and with Mars, with the drive and energy to forge on and move forward with haste. We are also mindful of the tendency to overload and push ourselves over the edge. 

We must be cautious with our resources (physical, emotional, financial, and energetic). To exhaust ourselves at the starting line, is ill-advised. Use your spiritual and physical practices to channel energy now. Move yourself out of ennui and lethargy through movement and pushing limits in small, easy-to-manage ways. For example, rather than trying to make up for lost time by overdoing in some area that is new or revitalizing, break down your experiences into shorter and more regular activities. Begin building in regular time for new experiences, and don’t be afraid to let go of ways that no longer satisfy or meet your needs. For example, if you are used to chilling out in front of the t.v. after a long day, catch yourself before you plop down, and pull yourself out of that routine by heading out the door to walk and watch a sunset. Move out of the habitual patterns that mark your life, at least a bit, and spread your wings by trying something new for a change. Meet up with a friend for a walk or run. Ride your bike or put your kayak in the water and head upstream. Do something out of the ordinary, and slow down while you’re at it. Take longer to do something you normally rush through. 

We are dealing with powerful energy at this time, and our spiritual and physical practices are ways we can handle some of the pressure, stress, or angst that rises us during such times. Move out of the habit of dwelling on some problem or unresolved issue, and get into doing something fresh and new. Issues and problems, questions and answers, often work themselves out when we let go of such an intense hold on them. Relax your mind. Use your meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, swimming, tennis, walking, gardening, or whatever other practices you have for channeling your energy and letting go of stress and anxiety. Read for pleasure, and find uplifting ways to indulge your senses in nature, art, dance, and music. Part of the way we find ourselves and develop true independence is by following our hearts and living more according to the rhythm of our  own heart’s desires. 

Use your hands (heart chakra connections) to create beauty. Embroider, sew, knit, crochet, make bread, paint, polish, or dig deep into the earth. New Moon times are times to plant seeds. As you plant some seeds for summer herbs, vegetables, flowers, and fruit, you will also be planting seeds through your desires, thoughts, and connections you are making. 

The New Moon in Gemini is a time that signals to us that we are finally ready for true change. In my last column, I wrote about the Gemini New Moon as being the super-charged energy that has us dealing with the struggle between the peaceful dove and the nurturing goat of the Milky Way versus the Hunter/destroyer of Orion. This New Moon pits the feminine and masculine energies within us, against one another. As in all things Gemini, the need is to resolve the differences, the polarities within us as well as within all our relationships. The real battle is within, and to project this battle outside into our connections, is liable to cause us to miss a wonderful opportunity to bring unity amid our diverse feelings, thoughts, emotions, and directions. We cannot be everywhere at once, doing everything we desire now. We live life one moment at a time, and need to be focused in any one moment on what is before us. Rather than worrying about what happened in the past and why, or what may happen or not happen tomorrow or next month or year, we need to move our focus into the present. 

The more we can live in this moment, the NOW of our lives, the better. It is in the NOW that we can truly act, move, and have an effect. All focus and fear directed otherwise, is a waste of our time and energy. During this New Moon time, with the powerful presence of the Sun and Mars against the backdrop of the outer planets movement and the inner planets dance, we are caught up in intensity, complexity, and the sense of overwhelming movement, imagination, and action. We need not only to move toward the life we seek; we need to be in it now. Let go of whatever is holding you in place, and move with intention, emotional openness, and a commitment to live authentically in each moment. Catch yourself each time you say you are going to do something ‘later’. Notice how often you tell yourself or others you ‘can’t’. This is the life you have chosen, and this New Moon in Gemini is asking you, “What is it you say you want?”, “Who is it you say you are?”, “How does your life reflect that now?”, “What changes have you made?”, “What’s next?”  and perhaps most importantly, What are you doing now?”. 

Mercury, the ruler of Gemini’s New Moon, just went direct, and is in the early degrees of Gemini. The momentum of Mercury is picking up, and by the New Moon at 7:05 A.M. on Tuesday, June 16, this planet of communication will be well on its way to sending us messages, clarity, and reminding us to awaken to the messages that require our discernment.  Our path has become clearer, and we are poised to set ourselves in the right direction for whatever journey or path we are following. The energy surrounding this New Moon is so powerful, and it can be directed (Mars) in all types of ways and directions. Focus on directing your energy into positive, healthy, and good channels, taking care to avoid harmful, negative, and unehalthy practices and attitudes. Keep your mind and heart clear and full of compassion and love. Know the Truth of your Divine being, and treat yourself with respect; treat others with dignity. 

Last night I went to our local art walk, and listened to a number of different artists and creative people talking about having so many different desires and wanting to head off in so many different directions or have everything work out now, and not have to wait. The general sense I got was a growing impatience coupled with a longing filled with multiple needs, direcitons, and desires. How do we deal with this overwhelming build up of energy? We practice being mindful, focusing on one thing at a time. Acknowledge what you have completed and what your are working on now. Make a little ritual  for yourself on this New Moon. Include some time for gratitude for what has been accomplished. Add some forgiveness and release to the experience. Write down what you want to let go of, forgive, or say good bye to. Symbolically release the past, honor what has been given and what you have accomplished, and be grateful to the Divine that has given you the energy, talents, and gifts to use as you have. When we release, we are symbolically sacrificing some part of ourselves (ego) so that we can be new again. We can receive new insight, intuition, imagination, and can be open to a new vision of the life that is ahead. We can plant seeds, and we can get glimpses of the future, but we must focus on our intentions (what is it we really want) and then surrender those intentions to the Universal energy so that we can be open to receiving what we are meant to have, do, or be. 

Enjoy this exciting New Moon in Gemini, and use the power, energy, and time to focus, discern, and be open to your highest good and well being. Jupiter and Venus are forming a lovely sextile to this New Moon from their transit throug Leo. They are shining their light and abundance on whatever area this New Moon highlights in your life, and are showering blessings on you in that area. Open your mind, heart, and arms to receive these blessings. By the next Full Moon, the two beneficients will conjoin and that meeting will be one of such auspiciousness that we may enjoy powerful blessings. At this New Moon, pay attention to what is being born in you, and receive the blessings that are coming to you now. Uranus in Aries is also sextiling this New Moon, and that adds to the likelihood that blessings will come, and may do so in quite an unexpected way.

Imagine you have been looking for a lost treasure for all your life. You suddenly find yourself in front of a treasure chest…the one you have been searching for. You now stand before that chest, and what do you do? This New Moon is that treasure chest, and all it requires of you is to open it. Act upon your true desires and dare to take the steps you long to do now. Put yourself out on the path, and begin the walk. Go in the new directions, head for the unknown, and trust that you have whatever is needed to reach your goals, create a new life, and live the life you long for. This time is one of those times when we get a glimpse of what is possible, and we if we dare to be honest about what we really want and then take the chance to go for that dream, we cannot lose. Be brave. Know you are meant to bring forth the best life you can, to succeed, and to create what only you can do. Walk out in your truth, and receive those blessings. Turn away from negativity, and keep your heart and eyes on what is good about this moment. What is alive within you now. Be in this moment, and discover the blessings that have been with you for all time. 

In less than a week, the Summer Solstice occurs. Another seasonal gateway that signals a time for passage. This New Moon is also a gateway that aligns with the North Node in Libra, setting a turning point in our lives that will be revealed in the time of the Solstice and in the fullness of the next Full Moon. Awaken to the Life and Love within you, and open your arms, heart, and soul to the blessings of this life within you now. 

Mercury direct and Venus in Leo--change bursts on the scene

This week the third quarter square of the waning Pisces Moon to the Gemini Sun, triggers some edginess. Notice if you find that emotional outbursts or long-buried depression, pain, or frustration have burst through the surface and found their way into your consciousness.

For those with planets and aspects within 17-21 degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) this square may have a deeper and more long-lasting impact. The decreasing light of this lunar cycle sends us into the deeper, less conscious realms of experience. During this upcoming period when we enter the dark of the moon before next week's new moon, we need to be paying attention to what ends need tying up and what details we need to pay attention to.  With the forward thrust of Mercury, which turns direct today, Thursday June 11, we will feel more energized and less likely to be distracted from matters that need tending.
The Sun remains in the sign of Gemini until June 21. Now in the third decan of Gemini, the decan ruled by the Sun. This decan refers to the placement of the Sun in the weeks prior to the Summer Solstice.  The third decan is the home of the Orion nebula and the Dove and Charioteer. It also contains one arm of the Milky Way. The third decan represents the two sides of Gemini--on one side the super parent who wants to and does it all, as well as the nursing, nurturing breast of Nut the sky goddess, seeking to feed all and provide nourishment to all her children. On the other hand, the great hunter, destroyer, protector represents the warrior archetype of the battle between the two sides of our human nature. The battle between these competing forces within us, plays out in relationships as well as on the stage of the collective world affairs.  What is necessary for harmony to exist, is that the two sides meet in balance and harmony. For the next two weeks, notice how this plays out in your own life, and in the houses/parts of your life where the mutable signs now play out.
One of the ways that the Sun's passage through this third decan of Gemini plays out is through an increased interest and desire to discover more about how to find the happy medium. Many of our activities, and much of our conversation will revolve around seeking answers through different and diverse channels. It may be hard to pin anyone down, or for that matter find the answers in any one place during this time.  The whimsiness of Gemini now is caught up in seeking rather than finding. To complicate matters, Mercury, which is in Gemini and has been retrograde since May 18, increases the tendency for communication, social activities, and all other areas ruled by this chatty planet. Conversations may be more superficial or broad-based and multi-faceted than usual. Chatter, prattle, and off-the-wall communication, theoretical speculation, and balderdash seem to be the theme of much conversation during this period. Seek to use this energy to help discern some of what is capturing the imagination and what seems to be blowing in the wind regarding off-hand thoughts and impressions. Sometimes what is revealed by a person's off-hand remarks, can lead you to a deeper understanding of what is or is not beneath the surface of meaning. Notice how this plays out in your own conversation, and listen to what comes out of your own mouth. What does your own prattle say about what is going on beneath the surface? It's a good time for word play and games, and for artists and writers, this might be a very creative period when some of your ghosts will make their way into your works.
On June 5, Venus entered Leo. This is a period that is full of heartful expressions and generous gifts of love and affection. A very romantic placement for Venus, we may seek and find true love, albeit in discovering where we truly feel at home and in love with life ourselves. The romantic side of love revels in adoration, affection, the full expression of love from lover to the beloved. We seek to heal and come to wholeness through the love we discover in relationships, for we need the validation, appreciation, and affection that a lover expresses revealing a knowledge of our true and often hidden nature. Venus in Leo offers love in flourishes of beauty, gifts, and lavish expressions of affection. We all have Venus transiting Leo in different areas of our lives, so notice which sectors this need for love and romance seems strongest. It may be around 10th house issue (career and life purpose) or in 1st house issues (public face, masks we present to the world, how we are seen and choose to be seen), or 4th house (home, where we feel at home and how we make ourselves at home). For each of us, this expression of Venus through Leo will awaken needs and motivate us to express ourselves and our needs with greater candor and with dramatic expressions and signals. Again for those who are creative, notice where in your life you can use this energy to share the full expression of your intuition, imagination, and heart-felt compassion through your art, work, life purpose, even duty and obligation to others.
Mars has been in Gemini since May 16, and will remain there until June 24. This placement plus all the aspects Mars has been making along with the Sun and Mercury, has revealed a scattered, more versatile Mars energy. In Gemini, this versatility has Mars, the planet of action, movement, and male-centered energy, distributing itself in more diverse, wide-spread and intellectually scattered ways than is usual.
Interesting Aspects this Week.
Venus' entry into Leo is one of the most vibrant aspects affecting the energy we are filled with and surrounded by. Notice how the 'need' to beautify ourselves and our homes this week has been of vital importance. It is as if we suddenly have energy and drive to get things cleared out, cleaned up, and brought into the full expression of the most beautiful and pleasing nature. Getting new clothes, buying a new lipstick, or having your hair cut. Updating your professional portrait, sprucing up your office or studio, or adorning yourself or your walls with colorful tapestries and adornments--all signs that Venus in Leo is at play. And play is part of Venus' energy. Suddenly we 'realize' we need to play, find pleasure, and seek beauty in all we do. And we set out on a mission to bring this beauty into our lives in every possible way. We attract to us what we need to create, channel energy, and craft lives of beauty, pleasure, and delight. Enjoy this transit, in ways that bring you an uplifted view of yourself, others, and life in general. For some, it's been far too long since this energy has been the vital part of life that it needs to be.
And of course, the grand finale for the week comes today. Mercury finally (for it seems like a long month or so) turns direct. The last two days may have been filled with last minutes deluges of left over debris from past storms and romances. We may have been thrown to the lions over issues that we thought we over and done, or we may have been sorting through thoughts, feelings, leftover litter and details from old relationships or past issues that we thought had ended. Remember, the idea of closure or completion is something of a delusion. We carry with us the remains of whatever lessons we have learned or are still learning about the past. We often think this is all about the other person or the job or whatever it is you are leaving behind (or have been left to sort out). In part, this is true, for 'it takes two to tango'.
However, as one old friend mistakenly said, "It takes two to tangle", and that's more like it in some instances. 'We' includes you and me. Long after a person has gone, died, or moved onto a new role in our lives, the I in we remains, and we then understand that the lessons are primarily within us. What about us attracted us to a certain situation or relationship? What about us remained in a situation, and why? What about us needs to be repaired, healed, altered, or changed? What expectations do we have of ourselves, of others, of situations and work, and are we in agreement with those we relate with? The real learning in these retrograde cycles, and in much of the trying stuff of life, is to learn and grow into a happier, healthier person who is able to live in a more fulfilling manner and appreciate self,  others, and life in general for what it is, in any given moment. So notice, over the last few days and month of Mercury's retrograde phase in Gemini, what about the inner struggle between your nurturer and your warrior prince or princess, has been revealed? What have you learned about who you are and what you need and expect from life? And what have you determined for yourself, to create in life now?
Helping you out with this growth and appreciation of yourself and the lovely gift of life you have, was a sweet sextile on Wednesday between the Sun in Gemini and Uranus in Aries. Early in the afternoon, this aspect may have brought some unexpected good news or an enlightening awareness that shines light on ways to adapt to changing circumstances. It was a great time to join with others for mutual benefit, or to attend some social function that may open you to a new way to find creative solutions to problems you have been struggling with. You may found a new mode of exercise, or had a revitalizing experience of some sort. Perhaps you found  yourself open to flashes of insight or surprising approaches to finding solutions, bringing resolve, or healing old wounds in interesting and intriguing ways.
Thursday in the afternoon, Mercury in Gemini stations direct, at around 3:28 P.M. PDT.  A couple of hours later, Mars in Gemini forms a square to Chiron in Pisces. This indicates a clash between our desires and our anger. This may be expressed outwardly, or may rise up within us as a source of tensions and frustration. Chiron, the Wounded Healer, in Pisces is sensitive and may feel very defensive and protective at this time. When we are confronted with our own fears, anger, mistrust, or unhealed pain and imbalances, we do not necessarily want or need to be slapped in the face during the process. We are all too aware of our pain and shortcomings, and this square of rather thoughtless Mars in Gemini may just send us over the edge, releasing a stream of toxic energy or causing some heretofore repressed anger or resentments to surface.  Use this knowledge to channel this type of energy into some healthy release or channel the energy into something useful or relieving. Coming as it does, on the heels of the Mercury station, this might feel like whatever has been building up for the last month, is finally ready to come out on its path to be released and let go of once and for all.
On Friday, the Sun in Gemini squares Chiron as well. Rather than a release of anger, fear, or resentment, this square may trigger some self doubt or lack of self esteem and confidence in our own abilities. Notice if this is the case, again, where in your life/chart this aspect is triggering this type of experience. Avoid the impulse to take someone else's 'good advice'. What is important at this point is to learn to trust yourself. Remember you have access to the Divine channel and Source as does everyone else. Listen to how that speaks to you in your heart, mind, soul, body, and allow yourself the affirmation that you have what you need when you need it, and are led to the perfect and right action. Trust that your decisions and choices are what will help lead you forward and will help rebuild any confidence that has been shaken or challenged. We live a life making choices that we have no idea how they will work out. There is no road map or guarantee that a choice you make today will lead you automatically to where you think it will. We can only trust that we will have the courage, discover the knowledge, and develop the wisdom to navigate and change course when necessary. If one plath ends, we will find another. If one job is over, we have new decisions to make. If one relationship ends, we will discover what we need next. We learn from every experience, and we need to avoid condemning ourselves for not making the 'right' choice, for there is never just one right choice. The great whimsical nature of Gemini is like the fearless fool who travels the road unaware of the dangers that lay in his path. The fool that we are is the adventurer who dares to set out on the journey. The fool is the one who takes the risk, and experiences the full measure of life. The one who does not want to dare like the fool, sits and does nothing, and knows nothing of life. Seems like a simple choice to me, but then I'm a fool, so I would not know any better. Enjoy the journey. Take care of yourself along the way. And remember to  "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold."