Photo: Solstice sunrise over Stonehenge (photo credit:
Max Alexander, STFC, SPL, posted on apod.nasa.gov)
By Pam YounghansHighlighted Aspects this Week
MON: Neptune stations retrograde
TUE: Venus quincunx Saturn, Venus conjunct North Node, Mercury trine Jupiter
WED: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Mercury trine Neptune
THU: Sun enters Cancer/Solstice 3:07am PDT (10:07am GMT), Venus opposite Mars
FRI: Mercury conjunct Pallas Athene, Sun sextile Uranus
SAT: Mercury opposite Pluto, Sun square Chiron
FROM EARTH'S PERSPECTIVE, the
Sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky this week, marking the
solstice and the change of seasons. The word "solstice" comes from the
Latin solstitium,
which means "sun-stopping." If we monitor the Sun's location, we will
observe that the point on the horizon where it appears to rise and set,
reverses direction after this day.
Astrologically,
a chart run for the solstice is said to provide insights into events
that will transpire over the coming season -- for the June solstice,
this means summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and winter in the
Southern.
THE SUN enters
Cancer and marks the solstice on Thursday at 3:07 a.m. PDT (10:07 a.m.
GMT). The North and South Nodes are emphasized in the solstice chart,
speaking to the potential for increasing polarization over the next
three months. During this time, we will have clear choices, individually
and collectively, that can either move us in the direction of
our greater evolution or keep us stuck in old patterns.
The
chart also contains two cardinal t-squares, a fixed grand cross, and a
grand trine kite, so we have lots to explore. But let's start with the
location and condition of the Moon -- Luna is always important as a
barometer of the public's emotional state.
THE MOON is
in Libra for the solstice, bringing forward themes of partnerships and
alliances, and the values of peaceful and equal relationships. Libra
also rules trials and lawsuits, negotiations and diplomacy, so these
issues are likely to be highlighted in our shared experience.
The
Moon is also involved in one of those cardinal t-squares mentioned
earlier, being square Pluto in Capricorn and Mercury in Cancer. This
puts the Moon at the all-important apex of the configuration, which
astrologer Bil Tierney says indicates "hair-trigger emotionality" and
the tendency to "easily take offense." Mr. Tierney writes that our way
through this emotional landmine is to:
"...
exert greater self-discipline or control in the manner in which we vent
our feelings. This can be better accomplished once we allow ourselves
to feel what we feel more deeply, to reflect upon the reasons behind our
actions, and to deliberate before we outwardly respond to these
feelings."
THE SUN
is part of the other cardinal t-square, being opposite Saturn and
square Chiron. This configuration brings out the "mama bear" in
protection of those who are victims of systems and the misuse of
authority.
It usually takes a great
deal of courage to stand up to authority figures, and to break rules,
even if they are clearly wrong-minded. But the Mama Bear is one of the
most ferocious of all archetypes, driven by the instinctive need to
protect those who are young and vulnerable.
And,
with Chiron in the mix, this is our opportunity to heal the aspect of
ourselves that is fearful, lacks confidence, and feels controlled by
those with seemingly stronger self-determination.
THE FIXED
grand cross in the solstice chart involves Jupiter, Venus and the North
Node, Mars and the South Node, and Uranus. A grand cross adds
complexity to any chart, and increases the necessity of change, since
otherwise we continually hit our heads against a wall.
The
alignments of Venus and Mars with the Nodes are particularly
significant. Venus represents the feminine/receptive principle; her
alignment with the North Node in Leo indicates we are at a point in our
evolution where we must learn to express power in more heart-centered,
creative ways. Mars, representing masculine/assertive principles, is at
the South Node in Aquarius, revealing the need to overcome isolationism
and aggressiveness.
Jupiter in
Scorpio complicates matters, exposing more secrets and darkness that may
rile our anger and increase finger-pointing, creating deeper divisions.
And, Uranus in Taurus throws a wild card on the table, activating
sudden or unexpected changes in the status quo.
A
grand cross indicates tension that requires us to bring the best of
ourselves to the situation. All of this push-pull is designed to focus
our attention on the need to embody and express the best qualities of
Venus/North Node in Leo: generosity, warmth, and courage of the heart.
THE KITE PATTERN is
an indicator of potentials for opportunity and success. This
configuration stimulates heightened creative and spiritual
possibilities, while increasing our capacity for empathy. It can
elevate our thinking, helping us to be open to inspiration and creative
solutions.
In comparison to the
influence of a simple grand trine, which is dormant energy until we take
the initiative, a kite is highly activating, propelling us forward. For
this reason, it often seems to manifest situations that are part of our
larger destiny.
Pluto in Capricorn
is at the focal point of the kite on the solstice, at the point that
astrologer Erin Sullivan calls "the exit point" of the pattern. This
means that the opportunities inherent in the kite formation are
catalyzed in "plutonian" ways -- through exposing secrets and revealing
truth, through clearly seeing ways in which we have given our power away
to those in authority, through a willingness to face and overcome fears
and negativity, and through a deep awareness that we can no longer
settle for superficial fixes.
NOTE: Please see right-hand column on this page for news about my upcoming teleclass! Hope you can join us!
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This
year provides you with experiences to heal your capacity for taking
charge of your life. If you have felt overly vulnerable and overwhelmed
by events in the world, find sustenance in the fact that a new courage
is growing within you. Through your determination, you are developing a
new level of self-assurance that cannot be undermined by discouraging
situations. Harness the strength of your convictions, and you will
emerge as a new, more self-confident version of yourself.
In light,
Pam
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