Saturday, June 16, 2012

Astrology Update! New Moon & Summer Solstice! Week of 6/17/12-6/23/12


Please feel free to watch my astrological week in review summary….enjoy, and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel! 

 Enjoy Your Week!!

My Schedule:
Monday & Thursdays – Phone/Skype. Intuitive Astrology Readings, Life Coaching, Hypnosis, & Remote Reiki Sessions.
Tuesdays – Introductory Astrology Readings at Spirit Dancer 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT.
Wednesday & Fridays – Intuitive Astrology Readings, Life Coaching, Hypnosis, & Reiki Sessions at 161 North Street in Burlington, VT. I have appointments between 2-7pm, so please give me a call to schedule.  It is a two-story white house and there is ample parking in the back.  
 
Current Planetary Positions:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went into that sign for an explanation.
Sun: Gemini 5/20-6/20, Cancer 6/20-7/22
Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.
Mercury: Cancer 6/7-6/25, Gemini 6/25-8/31
Venus: Gemini 4/3-8/7
Mars: Virgo 11/10-7/3/12
Jupiter: Gemini 6/12/12-6/27/13
Saturn: Libra 7/21/10-10/6/12
Uranus: Aries 3/11/11-5/16/2018
Neptune: Pisces 2/3/12-3/31/25
Pluto: Capricorn until 1/20/24
Chiron: Pisces 2/8/11-4/18/2018

Current Retrograde Planets:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went Retrograde for an explanation.
Saturn Retrograde in Libra 2/7/12-6/25/12
Venus Retrograde in Gemini 5/15/12-6/27/12
Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn 4/10/12-9/18/12
Neptune Retrograde in Pisces 6/4/12-11/11/12

Coming Up: Saturn will turn Direct on 6/25/12 and Venus will turn Direct on 6/27/12 

Keep in mind while you read this Blog that I include the time that a transit will be exact so that you can see when it waxes and then when it starts to wane.  The effects of a transit are often felt as long as a day or two (or even longer).  The energy is usually felt more strongly during the time leading up to the height and then it slowly starts to dissipate after.  It’s important to remember that Moon transits tend to last a shorter period of time than planetary transits.  I will no longer be including every transit that occurs, but rather highlighting the most dominant transit (to make the Blog a little easier to read, in response to reader feedback!). 
     
(Sunday 6/17/12)-  Overnight, the Moon transitions into the communicative sign of Gemini (exact at 1:24am EST).  Good Gemini Moon activities are: communication (including talking, emailing, faxing, writing, etc), working with your hands, interaction with others (especially siblings and teachers), learning something new, diversified interests, mental agility, inquisitiveness, travel, and reading.  Things to avoid are: fickleness, information overload, starting too many things & not being able to finish them, hyper activity, talking too much, and indecisiveness.  These are all themes that will last the next 2 ½ days.  Then, the Moon will form its monthly conjunction with Jupiter both in Gemini (exact at 8:38am EST) assisting us in feeling optimistic and upbeat.  This is an ideal time to work with groups of people.  It also highlights/benefits: travel (especially long distance), other cultures, higher education, law, publishing, advertising, sales, horses, and spirituality.  Next, Mercury in Cancer forms a slightly uncomfortable sesquisquare with Neptune (R) in Pisces (exact at 10:07am EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Be careful (especially) with business dealings around this transit.  If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!  Review all fine print closely and if possible put off signing any contracts.  We will want to idealize people/situations around this time.  On the positive side: creativity, intuition, and imagination could be increased too.  

Later, the Moon in Gemini will form a positive sextile with Uranus in Aries (exact at 6:09pm EST) helping us to break out of our rut and even do something that may be somewhat unconventional.  Technology (like computers), inventing, New Aged ideologies, and friendships are favored around this transit.  Next, the Moon will conjunct Venus both in Gemini (exact at 8:13pm EST).  We will want to experience love on a visceral level.  This is a great time to: pamper ourselves, decorate, shop (because we will have an “eye” for things that look good), artistic endeavors, creativity, and be in the company of loved ones.  Sometimes this transit can have us feeling a little indolent; it is actually a favored time for finances.  Then, the Moon in Gemini forms an uncomfortable square with Chiron (R) in Pisces (exact at 9:06pm EST).  Past issues may resurface at this time.  It may be possible to run into someone that will tell you how to do something (even if they have never done it themselves…annoying!).  

(Monday 6/18/12)-  There will only be two Lunar transits later in the day!  This is a good time to remind you that Moon transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits.  The majority of the day will be under the influence of the Gemini Moon….   

Late in the day, the Moon in Gemini will form an uncomfortable square with Mars in Virgo (exact at 11:11pm EST).  As with all Mars transits, I recommend doing something physical or exercising around this time (gardening, housework, working on the car, etc. all count!).  Sexuality can be enhanced around this transit.  Did you ever have a moment where circumstances seem like they are conspiring against you?  Often, this transit results in a culmination of things that can be annoying.  Sometimes small irritations or quarrels can result.  Just after, the Moon in Gemini will make a flowing trine to Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 11:16pm EST).  This is a great time for organization, house cleaning, filing, recycling, and being disciplined.  This is also beneficial for starting a diet or health regimen (like quitting smoking).  Sometimes others will ask for help around this transit, but it won’t be burdensome, we will be happy to assist!  

(Tuesday 6/19/12)-  I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 3:00-6:00pm (I take my last reading at 5:30pm).  This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount-$30 ½ hr.  They are located at 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT (across from the fire station).  Walk-ins are welcome or you can call me for a time.  The store’s number is 802-660-8060. 

Today may be one of the more pleasant days this week!  Then, the New Moon will be at its height in the sign of Gemini (exact at 11:02am EST).  If this seems familiar, it’s because last month the New Moon was in the sign of Gemini and it was accompanied with a Solar Eclipse as well!  Last month, it took place at 0 degrees and today it will be at 28 degrees.  It’s fairly unusual to have the New Moon in the same sign two months in a row!  All of the Gemini Moon themes will be highlighted/amplified.  The New Moon is considered to be a highly auspicious time for starting new things, new ideas, new projects, and manifesting.  I personally like to do space clearing and meditating around this time.  The New Moon is always accompanied by a conjunction with the Sun (also in Gemini).  This usually makes us feel connected & supported by loved ones.  It’s easier to talk about our emotions during this transit.  Just use caution however, because there may be so much energy that we could encounter feeling frazzled and scattered.  It would be helpful to know where the Moon/Sun/Gemini are located in your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level.  This will start a long 2+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into the sensitive sign of Cancer tomorrow morning.  When the Moon makes no major planetary aspects to another planet, before it switches into the next sign, is call “void of course”.  It is best to not do anything new during these times because it has a decreased chance of working or will have delays.  

In the afternoon, the Moon will transition into Cancer (exact at 1:34pm EST). Good Cancer Moon activities are: anything to do with home and family, cooking, maternal/mothering, being emotional, crafts, sensitivity, empathy, finances, savings, and care-taking.  Things to avoid are: holding grudges, feeling slighted (possibly with little or no cause), over sensitivity, emotional eating, stubbornness, and being grumpy.  All of these themes will be highlighted over the next 2 ½ days.  Laslty, the Moon in Cancer will form a flowing trine to Neptune (R) in Pisces (exact at 7:40pm EST) causing our imagination/creativity to soar.  This transit is also beneficial for daydreaming, idealism, intuition, romance, music, poetry, abstract ideas, mysticism, etc.  It is possible to be more charming (or to meet charming people) around this transit.  (I wouldn’t make a big decision around this time).  

(Wednesday 6/20/12)-  There is so much astrological energy today it's almost hard to know where to begin. The Sun will be shifting into the sign of Cancer which is also when we celebrate the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere).  Then, the Moon and Venus will be aspecting the Uranus/Pluto square that will be coming to a height on June 24th.  Remember that Venus is Retrograde right now and we may encounter lessons pertaining to love and relationships around this time. You might as well add a dash of communication lessons while we're at it with Mercury's influence.  There will also be for planetary transits!  Whenever there is this much cosmic energy, it is best to remain grounded.  We may feel pulled in many different directions and not understand why…just know that we are writing the wave of cosmic cycles!  

In the morning, the moon will highlight the Uranus/Pluto square that will be coming to a height on June 24th when the Moon in Cancer uncomfortably squares Uranus in Aries (exact at 5:57am EST).  This is a time where someone around you may challenge tradition.  You may also want to buck the system.  An unexpected event or surprise could catch you off-guard.  It is possible to experience issues with technology or mechanical issues.  This could cause disturbed dreams and/or sleep (possibly inspirational or vivid dreams).  Then, the Moon in Cancer will form its monthly opposition to Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 6:16am EST).  This can signify a (short) period of intensity.  Someone could challenge you in an area where you are sensitive.  Another possibility is that you may spend too much time analyzing instead of acting.  Avoid underhanded tactics because someone will be more apt to notice.  Next, Venus (R) in Gemini will form an annoying quincunx with powerful Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 7:18am EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Quincunxes usually bring an obstacle or delay.  This is will bring trouble on the love/passion forefront.  The object of our affections may be inaccessible around this time.  If the energies are harnessed properly, there could be true transformation in these areas.  Pluto brings intensity and there is a possibly of obsessing (or being too intense) about love/finances.

In the afternoon, Mercury in Cancer forms an uncomfortable square with Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 12:05pm EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  This will not be a good time for communication or travel.  There may be delays or obstacles with both.  It is possible to experience solidarity.  Stick with the facts if you need to communicate.  Don’t try to tackle too many things around this transit.  A slow and steady approach is called for.  Focus on one thing at a time, otherwise there is a good chance mistakes will be made or it will need to be done over anyway.  It may be possible that we are slower than normal in learning something (people with learning disabilities may have trouble around this time).  

Happy Birthday Cancers!  We start the day with the Sun transitioning into the sensitive sign of Cancer (exact at 7:09pm EST). This is also the Summer Solstice and it is the longest day of the year! It will be hard for you to work today.....it's nature's way of saying, "get outside"! Attached is a Web Site that has GREAT information on the Solstice's significance. Please read: http://www.crystalinks.com/summersolstice.html.  Words and phrases to describe Cancer (the Crab) are: “I Feel!”, Cardinal/Water, sensitive, emotional, holds grudges, moody, intuitive, “chicken soup”, caring, tenacious, family, defensive, nurturing, conservative, frugal, empathic, maternal/mothering, cooking & complex. It is associated with the stomach, breasts, elbow joints, and pancreas. Its metal association is Silver. Stones: Pearl, Opal, Emerald, Moonstone, and Ruby.  Since Cancerian energy is going to be prominent over the next month (and it’s the Solstice), it is a good time to take a walk down memory lane (Cancers love to reminisce about the old days). Unfortunately, this also means that they can really hold onto a grudge, so try to let go of unhealthy patterns (keep it positive). Reorganize family photos and certainly take time to honor/remember your ancestors.  Did you know that according to the most recent data from the United States Census Bureau, that the most common zodiac sign in the American population, are born under the sign of Cancer?  Most Cancers are very sensitive and emotional, even when they try to hide it behind their crab shell-like exterior. I am always talking to my Cancerian-clients about the need for protection and also the need to trust; often a tricky balance. Over the next month, we may be a little more moody and a little bit more sensitive than usual.  Just remember we are being pulled along with the cycles of the Moon. Pay close attention to Moon are cycles and you'll be able to understand the astrological energies a little bit better. Cancer also rules the stomach area. It would be a good time to eat fish, violet colored foods like grapes, and greens. Try to avoid yeast (like breads and sorry, beer). Cancers usually love to cook (and eat) so go ahead and have that BBQ! Herbs/flowers/scents that are favored are jasmine, magnolia, chamomile, lemon, rose, and carnation. Lastly, take time to honor nature and its cycles by getting outside or bring in some fresh cut flowers to honor the Solstice! Some famous Cancer’s are: Meryl Streep, Prince William, Robin Williams, Calvin Coolidge, Giorgio Armani, Tom Cruise, Phyllis Diller, Harrison Ford, Forest Whitaker, Princess Diana, Ringo Star, Tom Hanks, Bill Cosby, Nelson Mandela, Donald Sutherland, the Dalai Lama, Liv Tyler, Willem Dafoe, Tobey McGuire, Deborah Harry, George Michael, Kathy Bates, Dan Ackroyd, Pamela Anderson, Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Jeff Beck, Geraldo Rivera, George W. Bush, John Cusak, Carly Simon, Cyndi Lauper, 50 Cent, Hellen Keller, Mel Brooks, Mike Tyson, Estee Lauder, Courtney Love, Carlos Santana, Natalie Wood, and Ernest Hemingway.

Then, Venus (R) in Gemini will form a positive sextile to Uranus Aries (exact at 8:55pm EST).  Remember, all of these are planetary transits and their effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Routine is so boring!  Desire for independence and freedom.  Looking for your muse?  If you are single and looking for someone that is different from the usual types, then go out tonight!  You might be up for anything that is progressive and new.  Strange and unusual artwork or music may catch your attention.  If you are in a relationship, take a break from your rut.  Do something exciting with your partner!  Lastly, Mercury in Cancer will form a slightly uncomfortable semisquare with Venus (R) in Gemini (exact at 9:19pm EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Artistic and social endeavors are favored.  The only caveat could be a foot-in-mouth situation or uncomfortable silences.  Your idea of what is beautiful might not be the same as your friend/partner.  Your friend may actually love that bright orange shag carpeting!  If you’re single, you could meet a slightly awkward yet intelligent & witty person.  Have fun laughing with your partner!  

(Thursday 6/21/12)-  While today might not be quite as intense astrologically speaking as yesterday, we will still have three astrological transits that will involve Mercury. Mercury tends to influence communication and travel. Keep in mind that the planetary transits that occurred yesterday may also still be felt even though they are beginning to wane. It starts in the morning when Mercury in Cancer will form a positive sextile with Mars in Virgo (exact at 6:14am EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Sextiles often present themselves through opportunity that will require some action on your part to come to fruition.  This transit will be beneficial for mental agility, technical skills, writing, hand/eye coordination, quickness, fast-talking, debating, and even possibly speeding…don’t get a ticket!  This is a good time to put your thoughts into action!  Write out a list…and start crossing things off!  This will give us pep in our step.  Then, the Moon in Cancer will form an uncomfortable square with Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 9:58am EST).  Luckily the duration of this event is short.  Sometimes this can give us a feeling of loneliness or isolation.  We may feel passed over or possibly not getting the recognition that we deserve.  It is better to work on organization around this time.  

In the afternoon, the Moon in Cancer will form a positive sextile with Mars in Virgo (exact at 12:18pm EST).  As with all Mars transits, I recommend doing something physical or exercising around this time (the energy will need a constructive outlet).  Sexuality can be enhanced around this transit.  Our feelings will be in alignment with how we act.  Make sure to put your actions toward positive pursuits!  Shortly after, the Moon will conjunct Mercury both in Cancer (exact at 12:48pm EST) assisting with communication, short distance travel and feeling supported by others.  It will be very easy to express feelings and emotions around this time.  This is a great time to write (like journaling) or to express emotions.  This will be the start of a long 11+ hour long void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until this evening when the Moon will transition into the sign of dramatic Leo.  Then, Mercury in Cancer will form a slightly uncomfortable sesquisquare with Chiron (R) “Wounded Healer” in Pisces (exact at 8:38pm EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Past memories may come flooding in around this time.  Reminiscing? Forgiveness (or the need to forgive) often accompanies this transit.  This can increase sensitivity, so please choose your words carefully. Lastly, the Moon will transition into Leo (exact at 11:47pm EST).   Good activities to do when the Moon is in Leo are: anything to do with performing or theater, seeing a show, dressing up & looking nice, managing, feeling proud, entrepreneurial endeavors, gambling, playing games, routing for the underdog and taking care of children.  Things to avoid are being too bossy, acting egotistical, and going over the top.  All of these themes will be highlighted over the next 2 ½ days.  

(Friday 6/22/12)-  Today will consist entirely of Moon transits. Three out of the six will be positive; sort of a mixed astrological bag! This is a good time to remind you that Moon transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. It starts early in the morning when the Moon in Leo makes a positive sextile with Jupiter in Gemini (exact at 4:19am EST) helping us to feel optimistic and/or lucky.  This is an ideal time to be with friends or to work with a group of people.  It is also beneficial for spirituality/religion, higher or continuing education, horses, law/legal matters, advertising, sales, and publishing.  Then, the Moon in Leo forms an annoying quincunx with Neptune (R) in Pisces (exact at 5:37am EST).  Neptune’s influence can cause us to be fuzzy and idealistic.  It is therefore, not an ideal time to make bold moves and big decisions.  It is possible that we may have trouble accessing our intuition around this time.  If sleeping, it would be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams.  

In the afternoon, the Moon in Leo will form a positive sextile with Venus (R) in Gemini (exact at 2:50pm EST).  It is likely that we could receive compliments on how we look or dress.  It will be easy to interact with others.  This transit is positive for both relationships/love and finances.   Next, the Moon in Leo will form a flowing trine with Uranus in Aries (exact at 3:38pm EST) helping us to step up to the plate and do the right thing, even though it may be somewhat unconventional.  We could get sudden revelations or ideas, so write them down!  Technology (like computers), inventing, New Age ideologies, and friendships are favored around this transit.  Just after,  the Moon in Leo will make an annoying quincunx with powerful Pluto (R) in Capricorn (exact at 3:45pm EST).  Certainly this can bring up jealousy issues, power struggles, hidden fears, and obsessions.  It is best to keep things a little superficial.  This transit could cause frustrations on blending work and family time (especially if you have children).  Lastly, the Moon in Leo forms an annoying quincunx with Chiron (R) in Pisces (exact at 6:08pm EST).  Past issues may resurface at this time.  It may be hard to forgive & forget around this time.  Remember that forgiveness gives you peace within yourself and is not necessarily for the other person.  The remainder of the day will be under the influence of the Leo Moon……  

(Saturday 6/23/12)-  The astrological day starts in the afternoon when Venus (R) in Gemini will make a slightly uncomfortable sesquisquare with Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 4:34pm EST).  Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  Saturn’s influence is sobering to Venus.  Attaining long-term goals, finances, and relationships may feel strained around this time.  We may feel shy or hindered in expressing love or with our romantic feelings.  Another possibility is that we may want to put our relationships into a category, but remember that emotions don’t always need to make sense!  Then, the Moon in Leo will form a positive sextile to Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 6:26pm EST).  Time to tap into our inner discipline, goal setting, organization and attention to details.  We may want to make long term plans in our close relationships.  This will be the start of a long 13+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into Virgo tomorrow morning.  Later in the evening, the Sun in Cancer will form a flowing trine with nebulous Neptune (R) in Pisces (exact at 11:54pm EST).   Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit.  All aspects of music, film, arts, creativity, abstract thought, dreaminess, intuition, escapism, and idealism will be highlighted.  This is a good time to follow your gut feelings, as intuition will be high.  We might be more introspective and contemplative.  Serendipitous moments abound!  Being near water may be soothing and regenerative.  We may suddenly feel attracted (romantically) to a friend or a friendship could become a more spiritual connection.   
 
Mark your calendars! On Sunday (6/24) Uranus will square Pluto, Monday (6/25) Saturn turns direct and Mercury moves into Leo, and on Wednesday (6/27) Venus turns Direct in Gemini!

The above transits are often felt collectively but you would need to know where within your chart that they would fall.  As always, I am available for a professional astrological reading.  I now have a variety of charts to choose from (relationship, life path, time-line, etc).  I can do readings in-person, Skype, or over the phone.  Or if you’re not into having a reading, I can just supply a chart.  Please feel free to contact me for more information!  Have a great week!  Bye for now……

Peace & Light,
Gretchen A. Hidell, Astrologer
Intuitive Counselor, Reiki Master, Gem/Crystal Work
Master NLP Hypnotherapy Life Coach
Ordained Minister (Interfaith) & Certified Spiritual Healer
(802)-999-4677