The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - June 2012
There are three highly significant events taking place this month. Venus remains retrograde in Gemini, but is exactly conjunct to the Sun on June 5, a phenomena we call an occultation of Venus. Venus only retrogrades every 18 months and an occultation is extremely rare. How can we take advantage of this? In addition, we have noted in the past the importance of the square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. This month those planets form the first of 7 exact squares. How can we take advantage of this? The third important transit this month is Jupiter entering Gemini on the 11th and remains there for about 12 months. Although important, Jupiter's ingress into Gemini is not as immediately important as the other two, so I will be discussing it in next month's column.
The occultation of a planet is similar to an eclipse. It can generate events and activities that are rare and unexpected. It could be a pleasant surprise, but it could also suggest loss of some kind. One of the things that Venus pertains to is money and the economy. It's fairly common for the financial markets to change direction either during or after (sometimes both) a Venus retrogradation. There is great concern right now about the European economy. The occultation of Venus could be a time when our worst fears about this become a reality. It could also be a time when clarity and common sense prevails and new, unexpected strategies are implemented that will prevent a collapse. In our personal lives, the occultation could be a time when we find clarity in the process of updating our values, redefining relationship needs and behaviors and having some exciting creative inspirations. Remember that Venus is in Gemini, the sign of communication. Stay in touch with your partner about your respective changes and experiences in the relationship and with your financial advisor to make sure that your financial security still exists. There's nothing worse than feeling on top of something only to realize that the foundation has fallen away and there is nothing left to help you maintain the high.
In addition to those specific issues, note which house in your natal chart has Gemini on the cusp. That's where Venus is transiting right now, and where you will experience the retrograde in general as well as the occultation in particular. Being mindful of your affairs, and your reaction to them, is important during this period.
The Uranus-Pluto square will be with us for several more years. The essence of this transit is that it challenges us to look at the philosophical or theoretical changes that either we went through personally or that the world experienced collectively during the last conjunction between those planets, which was in the mid-1960s. There was call for personal freedom and to break out of restrictive traditions at that time. Whether in the form of the Free Speech Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Movement or the Watts riots, life has not been the same since. Now it's time to get serious about implementing changes, both of consciousness and institutional, that will move the process of personal liberation forward. We have seen this recently in the Occupy Movement and, to a degree, the Tea Party movement in this country as well as the Arab Spring movement. One could assume that the first peak of the square will bring events that could radically alter the political realities of various countries. For example, in May we saw socialist candidates in France and Greece successfully defeating right wing politicians and their parties. There could be something similar transpiring in this country this month in the political primaries. With Venus retrograde in Gemini something could be published or appear on line that provides shocking information about a candidate or political party that can sway the results of the election in November. We could also see a sharp increase in frustration-fed violence in any country.
On the personal level, this is a time to really focus on defeating some major inner demons that, in the past, have prevented you from being true to yourself. The highest level at which to experience the entire Uranus-Pluto square for years to come is working self-acceptance, especially of those parts of yourself that are seemingly counter to the traditional norm. Only by being ourselves can we successfully develop the spiritual awareness to maximize our potential for evolutionary growth. Ultimately, that will enable us to make the greatest contribution we can in support of global awakening.
The bottom line this month is that we will be experiencing a major push-pull from the universe. All the energy in Gemini, especially considering the rare occultation, wants us to be open to new information and new points of view. The focus is on learning and sharing what we know. Uranus and Pluto are in cardinal signs, however. They want action. It could be spontaneous, it could be creative, it could be a new beginning, it could be resolving old issues. These outer planets might consider time spent contemplating is a waste of time. Yet, if we don't have an open mind at this time our actions may be precipitous and lead to an even greater waste of time and resources. We don't have to have perfect knowledge, but we should strive to be clear about what our options are, as well as the probable results of our choices, before doing anything.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Work on being adaptable this month. This could pertain to others' changes or changing conditions at work. Check your health maintenance protocol as that may require an update as well. Growth for you comes from refining your behaviors and thought patterns rather than just trying to push through everything until you get what you want.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
The occultation of Venus (your ruling planet) can bring unexpected changes or challenges in your family dynamic. Information could be revealed that indicates significant differences in social, aesthetic or financial values between you and people you are close to. Beyond relationships, use this time to tune in to your own changing values and aesthetics. You could be surprised.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
The last 3 weeks of the month could bring power struggles or the sense that circumstances, if not people, are creating some serious obstacles. This could involve finance and affect your overall sense of security. This is a time to avoid the struggles by going within. Journaling could bring clarity. Implement changes slowly and quietly in order to avoid conflict and as a way of easing into new things.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon on the 19th will be in Gemini, lining up with Venus, Jupiter and the Sun. Growth for you at that time comes from working on integrating the left brain information that Gemini tends to be oriented toward with intuitively gained information that is more the norm for you. Neptune will trine the Moon enhancing that internal flow of information. The combination will help clarify decisions.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Early month could bring social challenges, especially with friends, colleagues and romantic partners. Responding to them by looking inward for clarity will prevent you from feeling victimized and lashing out in an ego-driven attempt to get what you want. This is a major month of change. Resisting change will only create frustration and disappointment. Embracing change frees you to respond creatively and affectively to life's challenges.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Go outside and get plenty of exercise. Gardening, hiking and sports offer opportunities for physical expression. Without that, there could be a tendency this month to feel overwhelmed or confused by too much information and ensuing mental activity. Growth comes from not being so attached to an idea or point of view that dialogue is replaced by monologue.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
You may feel clear and confident this month, ready to take on the world and make major decisions. Try to resist that urge since Venus, your ruling planet, remains retrograde until the 27th. This is a time of introspective contemplation which will enable you to update your values and priorities. Avoid new relationships.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Stress around work or health issues could peak this month. One way out is to work on integrating new techniques and methodologies at work or new protocols in healing with those that are more time honored and conventional. You may tend to behavioral extremes. This month will test your degree of centeredness. The more extreme your choices and actions the less centered you probably are.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Jupiter is your ruling planet so its transit into Gemini will tend to affect you more than the other signs. I will address this transit in greater depth and detail next month. Suffice to say now, however, that you might find things opening up for you in exciting ways, especially in terms of social and intellectual activities. Remember that with Venus retrograde, one should proceed slowly in a new relationship.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Setbacks or obstruction in professional activities over the past few months should give way to more movement and productivity in late month. This is a time to proceed in a gradual, harmonious manner to make progress achieving career goals. Enlisting the support of trusted advisors or colleagues is supported.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Frustration could impel you to make impulsive decisions or to take rash, even extreme action. Growth comes from avoiding that. This is a time to work on integrating the extremes of your nature. You can be inspired, liberated and cutting edge in your values and behavior or you can be either detached from others or attempt to control them. Structure and discipline are good. Now is the time to apply those qualities to yourself.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Early month could produce meaningful connections and conversations with relatives. Later in the month, however, you could feel overwhelmed with too much input and information from and about others. That would be a good time to enhance the time alone to go within to sort out the information, and prioritize the relationships. More peace and clarity will ensue.