SENTIENT TIMES June/July 2002

Cosmic Calendar

By Salina Rain

June and July provide an excellent opportunity for us to respond, and adapt, to the revelations, restrictions and radical, re-structuring challenges that came to a head in May. Government, politics, communications systems, education, travel, religion and spirituality are some of the areas that were most dramatically impacted during this phase of our evolutionary process.

Saturn-North Node in Gemini continuing in a separating opposition to Pluto-South Node in Sagittarius compel us to get to the truth of whatever situations arise, as the distractions and manipulations built into our cultural power structure fall away and lay exposed for what they are. The places where the most power is concentrated are the places in ultra-clarifying focus. Extreme actions are typical in times of such great change, so we must remember to respond with as much conscious awareness as possible, rather than reacting. The universal energies are fully supporting growth in consciousness of such major proportions that our problem-solving capacities can expand beyond our wildest dreams. However, to catch that wave of mind expansion we must be diligent about cleaning out the mental/emotional closets where old beliefs and negative, self-defeating patterns still lurk, on the collective and the personal levels.

Uranus turns retrograde as June begins, emphasizing the Aquarian realms of idealism, extremism, communitarian values, and opening up to new possibilities. When our ideals are cut off from our hearts, we, as humans, act out of fanaticism and cold, disconnected righteousness—and there’s been plenty of that going around! Time to align all aspects of ourselves with our ideals, and vice versa, and act from that place of wholeness. With Uranus highlighted, as always, expect the unexpected. Asteroid Pallas turns retro also towards mid-month within less than a degree of Uranus, further highlighting the Aquarian themes and adding even more capacities for brilliance and creativity in our thinking. “Female” wisdom is especially important now, as we understand that heart and mind can—and must—work together.

June 10th the New Moon Solar eclipse works its magic at 20 degrees Gemini. Saturn-North Node conjoin this lunation with Pluto-South Node in close opposition. Be especially skillful with words and even thoughts at this time as they will have more powerful impact than usual. Don’t dwell on negative scenarios and projections for the future. While acknowledging the frightening manifestations of our own past actions around us, it’s best to discipline the mind to focus on creating whatever resonates most true in our hearts. How can we act now to ensure a more positive future? A tremendous amount of potential lies in the energy of this eclipse’s release. Pay attention to what House or Houses of your horoscope Gemini rules. Adaptogen herbs are particularly helpful now for supporting the physical body/psyche through the changes we’re encountering, along with whatever relaxation techniques work best for you.

The clearer our mental/emotional/physical space is, the more receptive we’ll be to the information we need to work with, and the more effective we can be in our stated purposes. Sabian symbol, according to Rudhyar, for 20 degrees Gemini is: “A modern cafeteria displays an abundance of food, products of various regions.” This speaks of integration of a diversity of elements, with full respect for whatever each person or each culture has to offer. Jupiter and Venus are within orb of conjunction in Cancer, and Mars and Vesta join in the Cardinal Water sign also. Family and domestic security are prominent concerns, as well as our shifting perceptions of what family constitutes for each of us. How can we create a social unit that works to support each of its members, without further threatening the safety and well-being of our children?

Summer Solstice arrives on the 21st with the Cancer Ingress at 6:25 A.M. The season will be colored by the symbolism in this chart, with Vesta, Mars and Jupiter also continuing in Cancer, as we delve deeper into the concerns highlighted at the New Moon. Nourishment on all levels, in all aspects of our being, requires consideration with the Scorpio Moon trining Vesta, Mars, Jupiter. Over-sentimentalizing the past can be a problem, a form of escapism with this configuration, but we’re also enjoying the sensual pleasures of Summer and appreciating the great abundance of this planet (which we’re now dramatically aware will not be enjoyed by our progeny if we don’t change our ways). Limitations and possibilities co-exist, with the need to create a delicate balance.

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse of June 24th at 3 degrees Capricorn is joined by maverick, wholistically inclined Chiron, as the home/private aspect of our lives and the work/public aspects face off in opposition. The eclipse energy ensures a particularly intense experience as we work to integrate these areas with greater harmony and ease. Chiron can bring opportunities for solutions to work and career problems, for managing time better so we’re not always feeling there’s not enough. Whatever we’re still tenaciously grasping onto from past experience has another chance for release with this lunation. Venus opposes Neptune as we become more aware of personal love vs. divine love, and the larger bliss we encounter as we dissolve the boundaries. Referring to the degrees emphasized in the eclipses, in relation to your own chart, can be an especially wise use of this information, as these events tend to effect us over long periods of time, with heightened possi-bilities for creative change.

July 10th brings in the New Moon at 18 degrees Cancer, initiating a new cycle from a distinctively female perspective. Five planets and an asteroid inhabit one of the water signs most associated with the vast realm of the subconscious and other unmapped portions of the mind, specifically with fertility and the nurturing instinct that brings forth, and supports, new life. This is a time for us to establish, or re-establish, our most nurturing, emotionally comforting behaviors, for ourselves and those we love. We are especially sensitized to each other’s needs, and the quality, even safety, of our food may be an important focus. “A hen scratching the ground to find nourishment for her progeny; the practical concern with everyday nourishment to sustain one’s outreaching activities” is Rudhyar’s interpretation of the Sabian symbol for 18 degrees Cancer. Venus opposes Uranus and Pallas, emphasizing new developments with women’s groups and collectives in utilizing resources in innovative ways, and encouraging all of us to be more courageous with our creativity. The most important thing now is to allow time and space in our lives for emotional connections and whatever sustains us best.

Full Moon at 1 degree Aquarius on July 24th is joined by Neptune, opposing Sun, Vesta, Mercury, Mars in Leo, and Jupiter in the last degrees of Cancer. Awareness is the keyword with all this creative fire meeting with higher consciousness. The Sabian symbol for the Moon’s degree is: “An unexpected thunderstorm; the need to develop the inner security which will enable us to meet unexpected crises.” Venus and Juno conference together in mid-Virgo, plotting out more practical strategies for our relationships, private and public, but beware the square with Pluto-South Node. Criticism may be too harsh, demands too over-whelming, and past actions will definitely come back to haunt us with this clean sweep through our interpersonal connections. Finances need tending to with some fine-tuning as we may be challenged now to do more with less.

It’s time to play, create, and appreciate ourselves as individuals while joining in with others who share our unique sense of fun and our goals for a better future. Life is a game, a sacred game, that we can meet with a mixture of playfulness and reverence, an attitude to cultivate at this lunation. Letting go with the dissolution of old ways is the movement in this tidal flow, so we might as well surrender to the process. Allow the water to wash away fear, resistance, and hesitation, because the time for change is here.

Salina Rain is a resident of Humboldt County California and has been a student of metaphysics for the last thirty years. Salina can be reached at (707) 668-5408; astro@salinarain.com; or PO Box 571, Arcata, CA 95518.

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