June 17th, 2004
IT IS NOW THE YEAR OF THE WOOD MONKEY!!!
HIGHLIGHT: SUN CONJUNCT MERCURY
NEW MOON IN GEMINI CONJUNCTS SUN
| CURRENT ECLIPTIC LONGITUDE AND EQUATORIAL DECLINATION | |||
PLANET | SIGN | DECLINATION | RETROGRADE? |
| Sun | 26 GEMINI 35 | 23 N 24 | NO |
| Moon | 22 GEMINI 17 | 26 N 38 | NO |
| Mercury | 24 GEMINI 48 | 24 N 10 | NO |
| Venus | 12 GEMINI 41 | 20 N 07 | YES |
| Mars | 25 CANCER 58 | 22 N 10 | NO |
| Jupiter | 11 VIRGO 36 | 08 N 20 | NO |
| Saturn | 14 CANCER 08 | 22 N 25 | NO |
| Uranus | 06 PISCES 47 | 09 S 45 | YES |
| Neptune | 15 AQUARIUS 10 | 16 S 21 | YES |
| Pluto | 20 SAGITTARIUS 39 | 14 S 10 | YES |
Tarot Aspects for Today
Sun Conjunct Mercury
This transit brings an air of egotism to the fore - many will struggle with being attentive to others, and be inclined to just dismiss them (at least in their minds) as not worthy of their attention or time. People will want the final word in any discussion, which can create either hilarity or severe tension; even violence if one is predisposed to this sort of behavior. On the bright side, ideas abound - and if you are the type of person who tunes into new ideas coming to you out of the blue, keep on your toes - they will come quite easily now. Keep a pen and paper handy so you can jot them down for further incubation and digestion. In fact, if you can avoid getting drawn into psycho-drama by those who MUST have their say, you can make good use of this energy and be very productive. The tarot energy that reflects this active yang energy is the Five of Wands which signals competitiveness and some anxiety especially when dealing with others. It can also mean struggle and aggravation if one allows oneself to get caught up in social ruckuses. Hard work and perserverance will help you stay focused, and time spent focusing on your goals will keep you out of interactional mischief.New Moon in Gemini
This is a very active transit, both physically and mentally. If you are not reading, studying or communicating, you are visiting other people, walking, riding, and making short trips. A good aspect for the intellect; people will be drawn to books, particularly scientific and literary subjects. This is a time where we are liable to live by our wits in one way or another, and is an excellent time for those who earn their living as an intellectual - a writer, teacher, journalist, coach, designer, or speaker. Also a good time to be skillful with your hands and engaged in creating something "from scratch.". But some will lack perserverance or be somewhat less than honest in their dealings with others. Worst of all, they will do this with great charm and wit. The tarot energy that reflects this aspect is the Ace of Swords which emphasizes mental focus, new beginnings and success through application of will. It indicates a high degree of mental clarity and an intellectual focus. It brings energy to help us apply our strength and will to overcome obstacles in our path and reap the rewards of our effort.Mercury is Opposite Pluto
Today, Mercury - the planet of communication is in exact opposition with Pluto, the bringer of transformation and inner change. This aspect puts the emphasis on group efforts and interpersonal relationships. Part of us wants to work alone, to engage in solitary self-development but the other part of us knows it needs to engage in dialogue and collaborative endeavors with others. If you can find a way to marry the two impulses, you are laughing! A great time for family meetings and plans to brighten and cleanse the household on a deep inner level, especially when issues like privacy, independence, and respect for others are the key foci. How can everyone have what they need, without impinging on the rights of others? Try not to get caught up in ego-trips or conflicts: there will be plenty of people around who will not want to cooperate and may try to inflict their will on the more congenial among us. It requires self-discipline and understanding to make the most of this transit and to indulge oneself in both of the gifts these planets offer: communicating the shadow side in a clear and healing way. The tarot card that resonates with this aspect is the Eight of Cups which speaks of lifestyle changes and personal development. It shows a restlessness with our current state, and a desire for new pastures and challenges. It brings a yearning for a greater understanding of our inner selves and the need to find a deeper meaning in life. This could lead to a rejection of current relationships - but warns us to not be hasty. We need to interact within these relationships and find new life and spark within our current circumstances, and to transform them.Venus Trine Neptune
Venus continues to move backward at 13 degrees Gemini while Neptune is retrograde at 15 degrees Aquarius. This puts them in a positive trine position which adds harmony and ease to their relationship. This aspect adds a softer side to life, an amicability to helps us to be a true friend and to enjoy the open friendship offered by others. Art and culture will be more appreciated, this is a great time to express our artistic talents in music, art, writing, dance and drama. We will be more responsive to the more subtle dimensions of life, and prefer elevated ideals with a higher level of purified emotion and intellect. Qualities of idealism and romance pervade this transit - we will actively seek out (or create) visions of beauty and harmony. A more sophisticated and sensitive awareness will be available to those who attune to this energy, bringing more meaning and purpose to their daily lives. Empathy and understanding will be more pronounced, and we will be less judgemental towards others and ourselves. The tarot card that reflects this trine is the Ace of Cups which signals favored personal relationships and happiness as well as new beginnings. Joy and love are indicated, as are sensitivity, creativity, intuition and self-awareness, and pronounced spiritual realizations.Uranus is Retrograde in Pisces
Uranus goes retrograde about once a year for up to five months, this time it is retro until November 11th. This transit often spurs a change in our personality - if we are normally outgoing and sociable, we may find ourselves becoming more introspective and subdued; or vice versa. Uranus is the planet of sudden unexpected events - these events become more internal when this large slow-moving planet goes backwards. For those who are devoted to self-improvement, this transit can be an eye-opener, urging us to examine the foundations of our beliefs and values and seeing the world through "new eyes." We become more open to new ways to do things and to live our lives. For those who resist change, this internal processing can feel awkward and unsettling, it is best to relax and allow yourself to experience the subtle inner shifts and digesting. This is also a favorable transit for those working with technology, cutting-edge research and inventions, and any pursuit that would usually be deemed unconventional. In fact, paranormal activity will be heightened during this aspect, bringing prophetic dreams, visions, stronger intuition, stronger healing powers, and breakthroughs in connecting with our guides and Higher Self - if we open ourselves to the prevailing energy. The Tarot card that reflects this energy is the Hermit who guides us to stand back and assess our situation in an introspective way. He also encourages us to find inner balance by seeking periods of solitude to process our internal changes. We need to stand back from situations, even remove ourselves physically from them so we can objectively evaluate our circumstances. He strongly focuses on the need for quiet inner reflection, where we can assess our true needs and aims, free from everyday pressures. By searching deep within ourselves in this way, we will find the solutions to long-term directions in life and any outstanding difficulties.Mercury in Gemini
Mercury is now in one of its most positive, "home" bases - Gemini. Mercury is exalted in both Gemini and Virgo, since it rules both of these signs of the zodiac. In Gemini, people will tend to travel a lot more and also engaging in more studying and reading. This is a great time to change from one profession or occupation to another, or situate yourself for doing two things at once. We will all be very open to acquiring knowledge of any kind. This transit brings an more inventive, ingenious, fast, "on the trigger", clever, and resourceful sort of mentality. Generally we will tend to be generous and magnanimous, full of good humour and sympathy; and we will be less biased in our attitude toward other people and places. This energy urges us to accept things as they are, and to experience life in an open, relaxed, dialogue-rich sort of way. The Tarot card that reflects this energy is the Knight of Coins, who brings stable energy of dependability, persistence, patience, responsibility and trustworthiness. He also signals positive news regarding money, travel and business, including promotions and new opportunities.Jupiter Sextile Saturn
Jupiter and Saturn are now close to 60 degrees apart putting them in Sextile to one another. This interaction adds the energy of readily available information and heightened comprehension. You will find the knowledge that you seek more easily, and know what to do with it, even if it seems useless to others. During this transit, it is easier to plan events, and our creative ideas will flow more freely. Enthusiasm and optimism grow during this aspect, it will be easier to believe in yourself yet in a grounded way: we will acknowledge that it takes hard work to accomplish our cherished goals. We will look for new avenues of expression, and be more determined to grow to our highest potential. Ethics will be high: most of us will not be happy if we resort to manipulative tactics to advance ourselves. Honesty and sincerity are the keys to succeeding now. The tarot card that reflects this positive aspect is the Nine of Cups which heralds a period of well-being, contentment and happiness, one in which a range of personal wishes can manifest. Creativity is favored at this time, and past efforts will now reap rewards as projects move towards a satisfactory conclusion. We all have much to enjoy and we will wish to share it with those who are less fortunate.Sun in Gemini:
For the next 4 days or so, the Sun Sign will be in Gemini which brings a livelier air to our lives: our energy begins to quicken. This is the cycle for natural communication, with a never-ending thirst for knowledge. Gemini cycles bring out the student in us all. The prevailing energy is intelligent, pushing us to be always on the move, always trying to satisfy our mental curiosity. This is a good time for picking out what is salient in a situation, acquiring knowledge easily, and sharing it with others. The nuance of Gemini is bright, bringing out our multi-talents and enthusiasm, but we must guard against scattering our energies in too many directions. The Tarot card that resonates to this new energy is the Knight of Wands, ushering in change but doing so with eloquence and charm. This Knight blesses us with energy that does make us change our minds swiftly, and sometimes, unpredictably but also gives us a sophisticated air that helps us to achieve our goals. Use this cycle to get up to date on your correspondence, to share "heart to hearts" with your significant others, and to write that best-seller! Plan long lunches and cozy fireside chats to fully express your heart and souls to those who matter most to you. This energy will prevail for the next thirty days, peaking around the end of June.The following three aspects will continue for several moons to come - Venus will be retrograde for most of the summer; Neptune and Pluto extend even longer. Notice how slowly they move each day - for instance, Neptune and Pluto have not moved at all since yesterday.Venus Retrograde in Gemini:
Venus is now resting in Mercury's sign, Gemini - a wonderful event if you are inclined to relax and enjoy the beauty of life. This is the perfect time to take stock of what is aesthetic and beautiful in your life: and to change what is not. Our spirits and hearts need beauty and refinement in order to express themselves fully. This is a good aspect for this: Art, Creation, Gardening, Magic and Self-Development are all favored if we can approach Venus' backwards movement with care and respect. She can help us discover what or who it is that we truly love,..and to sift through the "stuff" that makes our lives seem boring or even ugly. Venus correlates to the Goddess, Aphrodite who is exemplified in the Empress Tarot card of the Major Arcana. She brings artistic creativity, inspiration, feminine wisdom and caring, and a general sense of well-being.Neptune Retrograde in Aquarius:
When Neptune is retrograde it is time to build up your strength and resistance both physically and spiritually. It is the perfect time to engage in healthy and healing past times such as meditation, fitness activities, healing sessions, chakra work, being out in nature especially water, gardening, walking, visiting a spa, going on vacation to a relaxing secluded place and so on. A perfect time too to learn and practice Eastern philosophies and exercises or First Nations rituals. The Aquarian energy urges you to think of the future and of humanitarian causes. Neptune retrograde brings the danger of infections, allergy distress and being more susceptible to bacteria, viri and the like. Boost your immune system with vitamins, herbs, chakra work, homeopathy and such. Natural medicines work better now than traditional ones. Watch out for poisons and pesticides at this time. Remember you are responsible for your own health. Feed your body, your mind, your spirit with positive nutrients by eating well, thinking well and engaging in daily spiritual practices that bring you peace and harmony. The Tarot Number 1 Major Arcana card, the Magician, reminds us of Neptune retrograde, bringing new confidence, good communication, and skillful, intelligent self development energy. Your strength of will and ability to channel your energies into achieving desired results will ensure your success.Pluto Retrograde in Sagittarius:
Pluto is the planet of transformation, calling us to right our lives, to change what is unhealthy and unwholesome and begin to lead a clean and aesthetic life. One that involves charity and kindness and the ability to withstand the fires of purification and change. If you resist the change, you suffer. If you flow with the changes, you transform and rise like the phoenix, shining. It's as simple as that! Pluto will support and protect you when you accept the changes and move along without resistance. Or, if you resist, it will school you in the arena of hard knocks. You have no choice - you must change! You must transform! But do so not out of fear or coercion but out of maturity and willingness. Follow your intuition, be kind to all around you and help others around you go through their own transformation.The Sagittarian energy moves you to become fit, to travel, to add adventure and new experiences to your daily routine. The High Priestess, the Number 2 card of the Major Arcana, lends energy to this aspect: she urges us to make decisions with our heart rather than our heads; she affords wisdom, guidance and foresight; and brings good judgement and self-reliance. She also reveals that which is hidden, in our hearts and souls. Truly time for a holistic spring cleaning!
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