Venus went into Leo for an unusually long five month sojourn on the 6th of June. In Leo, Venus adds a warm, enthusiastic and dramatic flair to one’s expression of affection. There’s a sense of optimism, fun and creativity in the air during this placement. By contrast Mercury’s stay in Gemini from June 11 to June 26 is very short, adding a rapid pace to our thoughts and communications with an urge to express perceptions immediately.

On a slower, deeper level Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn on the 12th of June completing a three month preview of Pluto’s official entry into Aquarius, for 20 years, in January 2024.[1]. Back to complete unfinished business, this retrograde may assist us in addressing shadow aspects of self. We can also anticipate more evidence of the fall from grace of corrupt politicians and other plutocrats. Saturn also stations to go retrograde on the day of the New Moon on the 18th of June, followed shortly thereafter by Neptune at the end of the month. With both these outer planets in Pisces you may be prompted to reconsider your approach to hopes and visions, while retrograde Neptune may temporarily clarify dreams.

The New Moon occurs at 4:22 pm on the 18th of June at 27 degrees of Gemini referencing A Gypsy Emerging from the Forest Wherein Her Tribe is Encamped. This describes a process of taming the instinctual life and reaching out toward participation in a larger whole of mind-structured existence, following an urge for inner transformation. This is a powerful New Moon with communication top of the agenda with Mercury also in its own sign of Gemini. Neptune is forming a tight square to the conjoined Moon and Sun and each are squaring the Galactic Centre, bringing in a mystical theme while suggesting some lack of clarity. This is a good time to get out of one’s head and relax and let go.

A few days later on the 22nd of June the Sun’s entry into Cancer marks the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. This sets the overall tone for the next three months and coincides with the dwarf planet Ceres entry into Libra as it squares the Solstice Sun in Cancer. This is a time to create a better balance between the necessities and pleasures of life. Ceres is the Goddess of fertility, loving kindness and is thought to help humankind to build democracy and foster respect for the environment. With the Sun’s move into Cancer the focus shifts from the curious mind to family, home and nurturance.

The Full Moon occurs at 9:38 pm on the 3rd of July at the 12th degree of Capricorn described as An Illustrated Lecture on Natural Science Reveals Little-Known Aspects of Life. This refers to the ability to explore unfamiliar realms and discover the laws underlying the complex processes of nature. The emphasis here is on the acquisition of extensive knowledge and the satisfaction of intellectual curiosity relating to earth processes and life forms. Under a security alert Capricorn Full Moon there is a great focus and a deal of assistance with achievement and success and the tackling of obstacles. Jupiter is shining its benific light and a lending a less serious air to the Full Moon

[1] Pluto will spend a couple of final months back in Capricorn between September and November 2024.