On Sunday 21stof June, we have a large Solar Eclipse on the auspicious Cancer Solstice 0° point. With half the inner planets now retrograde, and Mars moving into position for its retrograde, later this year; a strongly aspected Solar Eclipse on the Solstice point reflects the power of unseen and imbalanced energies at work. When it comes to harvesting, good energy, this Solstice is not the best pickings.
Eclipses are when the Sun and the Moon are literally overshadowed by each other. Looking like they are either eating or swallowing each other. It’s not great for a relationship based on feeding/reflecting each other with each-others light. The relationship of the Luminaries is the basis of seasonal cycles, time keeping as well as seeding and harvesting foods and crops all things we are dependent on as a Society. Eclipses are when this relationship is not its usual self and where the unseen is at work, eclipsed from vision. What is being formed is literally shadowed, blocked, unclear, or shady. Eclipses are the definition of shady business.
This shady business occurring, at the point of greatest imbalance of light, whether it be greatest light, or greatest darkness, it’s a double down on this imbalance of light and what is seen and unseen. It’s a good time to reflect on issues of the Cancer / Capricorn axis, as they are at the heart of this Eclipse. Cancer (Home, Family, Ancestors, Nourishment, Tending to Emotional and Physical Needs and Instinctual / Protective Qualities) vs Capricorn (Power, Work, Government/Governance, Autonomy, Career, Money, Reputation, Being Seen). Focusing on getting these topics balanced, so you are not dominated by either sphere, helps in working with what 2020 is offering up.
This eclipse is on the Rahu or North Node side of the Eclipse equation. Meaning it has a Moreish/ Materialistic / Consumption quality about it. With both the Sun and Moon, in such tight aspect to Rahu/North Node, our 2 luminaries, will be getting a lot of pressure, to consume, desire and ingest, with no off-switch button attached. So, looking after yourself, not overdoing things, not putting too much expectation on what you should be doing, whilst not ignoring your external obligations would be good eclipse energy management. Remembering to take time to digest, over the next 2 weeks – 6months, this is critical to managing this North Node / Rahu energy. Stop and digest!
Things may feel a little out of control right now, but trying to keep some balance with all the obvious imbalances around you, centring on commitments to yourself, your home and nurturing your personal needs, without neglecting your current commitments to Society and your working sphere, is all being strongly emphasised at this eclipse. With the Eclipse falling on the Solstice, it’s a striking reminder about potency of 2020’s Astrology. Blindly consuming things or solutions that feed either the Cancer or Capricorn equation, is where we can get in trouble, moving forwards from this eclipse. Stopping to digest will be of great assistance at this time, rather than blindly doing and consuming products, content, or old beliefs, in the hopes that the solutions will be found. The aim is to not add to the confusion, that this Solstice Eclipse and 2020 has on offer, and creating time to process rather than blindly pushing forwards, will be of great assistance in such an unstable and increasingly volatile time.
Mercury has started it’s 2nd of 3 retrogrades in Water signs for 2020. Mercury is currently stationary in the sky, about to move backwards, joining its neighbour Venus, in its state of retrogradation. Mercury joining Venus in its position of reflection, reassessment, and redoing is a double dose of inner cosmic hijinks, weighted towards the personal recalibration rather than pushing forwards with big chess moves or big goals.
Why? because the planets of bringing things together, and of communication, travel and merchants / trade are not operating in their usual manner and have been delayed or impeded from being able to deliver the goods! Your message may not get through, or worse still, it might get through and not have the desired effect, due to misunderstanding or mis – interpretation.
Mercury is a fast-moving planet, so stopping and moving backwards; delay’s and slows down what it is trying to achieve. In a Cardinal Water Sign, Mercury’s focus is on trying to achieve or deliver something that is Initiatory, and of emotional or harbouring something of great weight. Not sure about that? We only need to look at a Newspaper or Social Media to see where these Cancerian issues of Emotions, Family and Ancestors may lay
This Mercury Rx, in-synch with the tail end of the Venus Rx in Gemini (which is a Mercury ruled Venus), along with Mars moving into a strong position for 7 months as opposed to its usual 6 weeks in Aries: just as Saturn is about to moves back into Capricorn, along with a Solar Eclipse in Cancer ON the Solstice.
Mercury’s rx, offers a good opportunity to take stock and think over, how our past and future meet, and how we can begin to move forwards from the places and positions that we currently stand. The Initiatory strength of Cardinal Water, means the Mercury Retrograde, is a good opportunity to sit and think about what and how our Homes, Families and Ancestors really sit and mean to us, as well as begin to digest our personal and collective histories.
The Gemini New Moon occurs 23 May (AEST) at 2 degrees of Gemini. The New Moon or Dark Moon ( if you observe the New Moon from its first crescent of light) is where the Sun and Moon meet. The Sun and Moon align, and the Moon is unable to reflect the Sun’s light, creating darkness, a resting phase, a silent pause and space to let go and release. Restoring it’s strength for the beginning of a new Lunar Cycle.
Mercury rules the New Moon and is strong as it’s currently in its ruling sign of Gemini. Mercury, also encounters a Retrograde Venus, conjoining it at the time of this New Moon, creating an emphasis on Mercury and Venus themes for this new lunar cycle; including: What are your Values ? ( Are the Values you hold close really being communicated especially in Relationship or Friendship ?). How you communicate, relate & network (Are you drawing people in or driving them away?), Are these really “Your” People ?, What you consume/ingest as information (is it pleasurable and of value ?), How do you bring people together to create new ideas and possessions (Does it appeal to the right people ?). It’s all highlighted by this New Moon.
New Moons are releases, endings and new beginnings. Mercury at its strength, and Venus conjoining him, but going backwards, creating, introspection, reassessment, evaluations and allowing a pausing moment, to look at the above themes for future flourishing and growth. This is a quiet time, but powerful time to really deepen and evolve and aligning yourself with better values and stronger appeal in both Mercurial and Venusian pursuits.
Saturn in Aquarius trine this New Moon, gives a longevity and more secure quality, creating a supportive role, allowing for time to develop and ground these actions /decisions over a longer time scale…. Hinting that implemented changes, will have a strong foundation to grow from.
Original Collage “Dreamer” by @ry.ryaan (Ryan Aldred)
The Month of May opens, with Venus slowing down to begin her Retrograde cycle, in Gemini (13/14 May – June 25th). Venus’s retrograde is a 6-week process of reshaping, reforming, re-evaluating and readdressing our interactions and relationship to connection, value, relationships and what we love and enjoy or consider pleasure. In the sign of Gemini, Venus creates a more communicative, mercantile (merchant / business) slant to Venus. Venus in Gemini is extremely charming and attractive, making this Venus retrograde feel more alluring than other retrogrades, creating a more optimistic start to a Venus Retrograde month.
From May 1 – May 26th, Venus will be squaring Neptune in Pisces, creating a rose-tinted glasses effect. Contacts for Neptune add a strong layer of confusion, distortion, and strong dissolving of boundaries, and loosening of restrictive forces or boundaries. This creates, a layer of illusion, non-reality and possible false optimism as we begin and start this Venus retrograde cycle. Interestingly enough this is also the time Australian states are expecting to relax social restrictions around Covid – 19, allowing its citizens to begin less restrictive with social engagements. Time will tell, if this is false optimism, or if restrictions will need to come back into play down the track. Either way, Venus square Neptune is very much about the relaxation and dissolving of boundaries, and the relaxation of social restrictions is quite aptly timed.
The Scorpio Full Moon, May 7thcreates an intense introduction to the 2ndweek of May, where we see lots of the energetic shift occurring. Full Moon’s are seen as finishing points, or points of complete fullness. Full Moons can be seen as “prime for the picking “, then begins a phase of letting go and releasing, allowing for a new cycle to begin. Mercury in opposition to this Full Moon, signifies some important information may come your way, to help complete this cycle, or help enhance the ripening of this Full Moon. As its in deep water, intuitive hits have the potential to be strong at this time. Don’t be afraid to listen to them. Also, be wary of any stinging tails coming out, or any spiteful discourse as this is also very possible at this time.
The rest of this month’s important activity keeps its focus firmly in Gemini, meaning Gemini really is the focus point of your chart this month. The Nodal Shift into the Gemini / Sagittarius axis, like the Venus retrograde cycle is also an 18-month transit that, interestingly enough occurs in the same sign. This points a strong finger to the Gemini / Sagittarius axis in your chart.
The Nodes are Sun / Moon points, and the indicators of eclipse cycles, every 18 months they move to a new area of the chart. This creates strong energy shifts, and create a strong emphasis on life themes or topics, of the house’s / area of life they occur in. They are moving out of the Cancer / Capricorn axis (to the relief of Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn’s) lessening the intensity of this already loaded axis. Gemini now see Rahu or the North Node, move into its sphere. The North Node has a desire to consume and at times overdo, things (i.e.: Planets for house topics it is in contact with), creating great drive and momentum, but also the potential for overdoing and discovering when limits need to be set. It’s a more material minded point, but also an indicator for desire to consume and give momentum to this area of life, whether you are initially conscious of it or not.
The South Node or Ketu, entering the Sign of Sagittarius (opposite Gemini) has a more releasing, purging or detoxification affect. The topics or planets in the Sagittarius sector of your chart, will see this influence come into effect over the next 18 months. The South Node or Ketu has a more spiritual slant, less about consuming and overdoing, more about the releasing and purging, letting go, for a lighter and less complicated experience. The Nodes Shift into the Gemini & Sagittarius axis on May 6th, the day before the Full Moon. Giving perhaps more of a dynamic shift to the Full Moon, than if it was a straight up Full Moon.
Finally, the New Moon, which is also in Gemini on May 22nd, may help ground all these shifts, as we take them forward with us, over the next (up to) 18 months. The New Moon will be in aspect to Saturn in Aquarius. This Aspect will help ground and seed all the shifts and changes that occur over this month. Giving a more stable and sure footing, as we begin to leave the month. Creating a very different energy that opened the month. It is from this New Moon in Aspect to Saturn that we are able to start the work or revisions that are so heavily focused upon. With all this activity on both the Gemini / Sagittarius axis, it also brings more activity for the mutable signs in general (Gemini, Virgo, Pisces and Sagittarius). Beginning to even out the load that the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) have been carrying for the past 18 months.
May’s Astrology through the Signs:
Taurus / Taurus Rising
The focus for all this re-evaluation and re-connectivity for you occurs in the sector pertaining to Money, Possessions and Self-Worth. This is all re-forming and evolving so best to take your birthday month to just let it do its thing. Big Purchases not great timing at the moment. Allowing your ruler, Venus to activate and reconnect to the above themes will have even stronger results for you, due to her rulership over your sign. Be open to new insights and changes as they occur. The Full Moon in Scorpio, in your relationship sector, allows to see the benefits of your relationships over the past 6 months, illuminating the emotional fulfilment that has occurred over the past 6 months. Enjoying these gems as you enter waning of this Moon Cycle, helping create stronger relationships in the future. Doubling down on your worth and input to such successful relationships and friendships.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
The energetic focus shifts to your physical vitality, your individuation and your relationships with others. Any beliefs or closely held ideas or views, may not be so strong by months end, or in the beginning stages of reforming. Your one on one relationships with others, is where the strong urge to detox, purge, is. It is also intensified with the Venus Retrograde also doubling up on this theme. Try not to over-analyse or intellectualize it, as not everything might not be explainable. By month’s end, it will be clearer what direction to go, and how these processes are beginning to take shape.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
The heavy Gemini emphasis is in your most private sector, your spiritual sector, and where you keep your secrets hidden. I know I have mentioned this before, but this month is where the journey finally begins. Previous to this, it has been prep. The Full Moon hits your house of Children, True Love and Passion, the Full Moon in league with Mercury, allows the completion and the beginning of the letting go and releasing cycle around your creativity, children and true loves. An A-Ha moment at this time will ease the tension or perceived complications around this, allowing release. All the activity in your 12th house, begins to help untangle areas of unconsciousness and your relationship to it, by months end it will really gain some traction.
Leo / Leo Rising
Your Social sector is highlighted this month, ie: social groups, community groups, your audience so to speak. This is a longer work in progress, but by months end, you will see what direction this re-evaluation it is likely to take. The South Node entering your House of Children, True Love and Passion, might see you let go of outdated connections or limiting beliefs around these topics. Making Room and clearing the ground for new creative urges to take place in the space of the old. The Full Moon in your Family, Home and Ancestors sector will be strong and powerful, as it is the anchor of your chart. Letting go of limits that stop your connection to such topics will be supported. The Full Moon with Mercury may allow you to articulate what needs to happen next ie: how you connect with family and your home. Just watch that the famed Scorpio sting doesn’t come out. Having the planet of communication in aspect to a strong Scorpio Moon, stinging or sharp communication is very much a possible manifestation of this; beware to not to inflict it on your family.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
Your Career & Reputation is the channel for all this excessive Gemini energy. There will be a sharp re-focus and desire to get involved in re-aligning and reconnecting with this area of your life. A focus on your relationships in Career and Reputation, and how others view you will be of great importance. Bearing in mind, not to become too hardnosed or obsessive about it. This is not a quick process, use your Virgo vision to mine for data, anecdotal evidence might be strong but there is a level of the unseen influences this month, thanks to Neptune, disrupting & confusing influence to a retrograde Venus. It’s a longer journey than anticipated but allowing the detoxification and release of old energy in your Home, Family or Ancestry sphere, is one way to help balance it all out. The Nodes work on two sides of the same story. Detoxing and Purging stagnant energy or situations in the home, family front, will help balance out the overload of activity on your professional and reputation fronts. Beginning to balance out the imbalances in the home and professional fronts.
Libra / Libra Rising
Travel, strong beliefs / philosophies or teachers are where all this Gemini re-evaluation is hitting your chart. Re-assess, Re-evaluate, Re-connection to such topics begin under a cloud of confusion, and enticing optimism. This is all in flux, with the strongest information for solution’s occurring with the New Moon in Gemini towards the end of the month, thanks to Saturn’s involvement. As this begins to reveal itself, purging your daily schedule, and cleansing your relationships in your local neighbourhood, or with siblings would be of great benefit. The Full Moon in Scorpio in your money sector, may finally give some clarity or info regarding where best to head with regards to your finances. It’s also an opportunity to begin any release of thought processes that limit your relationship towards money or income, thanks to Mercury, the winged messenger’s aspect to the Moon.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
Renegotiation of your relationships to other people’s recourses, money, loans, taxes, debts is where the energetic focus is in your chart. In doing this, it has the two-fold effect of helping your personal finances and aiding the South Nodes transit of your personal finances by letting go of old connections and beliefs tied to money, self-worth and your ability to handle and engage with it. Your yearly full moon occurring in your home of physical vitality and how you present to the world, is always a strong lunation for you. With Mercury in aspect to this, expect some great messages or communications that aid, with the waning cycle of this phase. Intuition will be strong but watch your famed tail coming out, at the full moon, as its opposite Mercury, there is always the chance that it pops up, having the communication god, in aspect to it, definitely opens this possibility
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
Having the Venus Retrograde and the Nodes activate your One on One Relationships or Partnerships may feel strong, but it’s all about purification and strengthening at the end of the day. May is a month where clarity is not on offer around these topics, so best to observe and not get in to deep with commitments regarding such relationships. Not a time for rash decisions or going with the unexpected. Confusion and false optimism are strong most of the month, so do take time to evaluate before commitments. The South Node in your sign and transiting through your house of Vitality and how you present to the world, will see all old forms or manifestations no longer valid for you, begin to start falling away. Eating well, and health would be a good thing to lean in to. Energetic detoxing can be draining, and eating simply, and nourishing your body with simple, healthy options would have supportive results, as the South Node, enjoys simple over complex or complicated.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
Your day to day routines, health and work life is where most of May’s energy hits your chart. It will remain there after May, but this is the introduction. Venus retrograde Square with Neptune will put these topics in flux. Things may not be as you first thought, when the rose tinted glasses come off. Some sparks maybe lacking but the re-evaluations might come through thick and fast, towards the end of the month. When the New Moon aspects your ruler Saturn, you might begin to feel settled or able to really connect all the dots or themes. The South Node in your 12thhouse, emphasises the advantage of detoxing, retreats or purging for health benefits. Having regular time out will be very beneficial. The Full Moon in your 11thhouse of Community and Social Groups, may see the tides change or shift in your relationship with them, as the waning cycle takes over the next 6 months, making way for new space, new audiences and new groups down the track.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
The strong energetic focus on your House of Creativity, Children, True Love and Passions will be an area of constant change and evolution, starting in May. The Venus Retrograde, helps reframe your plans and connections to it. By the end of the cycle, new connections and bonds will have been created. At the beginning of May, this is all still forming, or could have some rose tinted glasses about it. As it evolves, work with it allowing things to evolve and develop. We are looking at 2 cycles working in the same area at the same time. So follow your creative connection, or really engage in your relationship with your children, it will bring great rewards down the track. The South Node in your house of friendship groups, community groups and hopes and wishes will at the same time be activated with a strong detoxification or purging effect from the South Node. Time out from engaging socially and letting go of old or outdated groups will be effortless, as you strive to connect with your creative urges. Helping let go of things that may have previously gotten in your way from your creative, or experience with children or your true loves.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
Having 2 cycles activating the same area of your chart isn’t always easy, but it does highlight the importance of engaging with this area, whether it be by choice or circumstance. Your Home, Family and Ancestors are the base point of everyone’s chart, the place we come from. This is the area activated for you by Venus Retrograde, and the nodal shift. Neptune in contact with Venus in the beginning of the month, might feel comfortable, relaxing and harmonious, but it may not be reflecting the real situations at hand. Once this aspect shifts, it might be a colder or more inhibiting reality check later in the month. Knowing this area is highlighted, allows for room to re-consider, re-evaluate and re-connect with themes such as family and home. The end game, to build a stronger and more harmonious connection to these areas of your life. The Full Moon in Scorpio gives the opportunity to help pick good fruit when it comes, regarding your philosophical approaches to life or help bring helpful teachers to help illuminate your way.
Aries / Aries Rising
Your local neighbourhood, siblings, daily schedule and any online engagements is where all this Gemini energy is hitting your chart. Relationships to these topics is evolving, changing and reconnecting. May might feel like a month oftwo halves in regard to these topics, but knowing they are in a state of changes is half the battle. Not putting too much pressure on these as they evolve is key. The end game is to give greater pleasure and connectivity to these themes, it just might feel a left field as it happens. The South Node, will be purging old belief systems at the same time, helping to balance out all this activity. The Full Moon in your house of other people’s money, loans, taxes etc, will make visible, the next step to take in this area of life. Having Mercury (the business person as well as the communication god) may help solve or give good insight into what steps to take next.
The Bruja Mix 