Horoscope for the week starting June 05, 2009

Tip of the Week:

            Astrology is the study of natural cycles. These have a cosmic foundation. The cycles begin with our own planet Earth and the Moon and Sun and the remaining planets in our solar system. I use the word cosmic, because from a planetary perspective, we are part of a greater cosmic reality. This is a hint at the meaning of the ancient phrase describing how life works: ‘wholes within wholes’. We can think of a single cell in the body as a whole unit and sure enough each contains the entire DNA code. In turn, each person can be seen as a whole person or being, then each home, community, region or province, country, continent, planet, solar system, galaxy, universe…. Each whole is governed by certain laws and realities that surround it to make it a functional whole. However, each exists by virtue of the other whether you begin with the microcosmic or the macrocosmic. Let’s look at a current cycle we are now concluding, that of Mercury Retrograde, which is a cycle within the greater cycle of Mercury. Mercury did turn Direct again after its usual 3 weeks of retrograde motion, but it then takes another 3 weeks for it to return to the degree it was before actually turning retrograde. This second 3 week period of catch up is referred to as the shadow period and while its effect are not as pronounced as when Mercury is retrograde, it remains a part of the greaer cycle.

            Mercury has a cycle of 88 days. Within each cycle Mercury enters into a retrograde period as it ‘appears’ to cycle around our own planet whereupon the two planets enter into a relationship where the orbital movement of one planet makes the other appear as though it is moving backward, akin to two cars in motion on the highway when one is either passing or being passed by the other. This creates a temporary optical illusion that the slower moving body appears to be moving backward. While this is not ‘in fact’ what is happening, it does create a psychological effect. Although planets do not actually revolve around the Earth, they appear to and this does have an effect on our psyche. Many examples can be given about how less that factual realities are influencing what we perceive, experience, feel and each has or can have a psychological effect.

            With Mercury now direct as of May 30^th, a clearer and lighter flow will become apparent. Some people are more sensitive to such cycles generally and sometimes a cycle can hit hard close to home because of close connections between the planet in question, the cycle considered and one’s own birth chart. This is a basis of Predictive Astrology. People with their Sun Sign in Gemini or with their Ascending Sign Gemini, for example, will have experienced this particular Mercury Retrograde period more strongly than most others signs. This is due to the fact that Mercury retrograded back into Taurus, the Sign that precedes Gemini, and this would in effect put Mercury retrograde into the Solar or Natal 12^th House where Mercury is very challenged by position. In simpler terms, feelings of confusion, emotional and mental blocks, cloudy or ‘mucky’, as one person who’s Sun in Gemini commented, would have been and may well remain prevalent. If your Sun Sign is Gemini, you will now be experiencing some initial reprieve, yet a slow but sure relief from this potentially disturbing state will take until mid June when Mercury finally re-enters the Tropical Sign of Gemini. The exact date is June 13 at 7:47 pm. I offer this as an example of how Astrology works.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You should back on track with a clear and strong focus after the Mercury retrograde storm. A passionate pursuit of money, romance and pleasure are now taking center stage, again. Your willingness to learn and to be trained continues as well. This will increase over the next few weeks, so intend to be alert and ready. New levels of power and the responsibilities that come with it are rising steadily and will be more apparent by late August. In the meantime, enjoy the pace and the chase.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

You passions are peaking and you are eager and determined to assert yourself to get what you want. Variety, diversity, an extra stream of income, a juicy real estate deal and/or perhaps it is a new love interest that has you all excited to ‘go for it’. As conflicting desires is usually the way of we humans, you may also feel somewhat cautious about where and to whom you are making commitments. Whatever the reasons, part of you is green to go while another is yellow with caution. Honour both by moderating your speed.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Though you continue to advance and make good ground, you may still feel like you are travelling through a bit of fog. This will clear somewhat slowly, so be patient. By next week all will be clear again. A call to connect to your higher mind remains important. Some call it the soul while others refer to it as the heart – both are probably right. Either way, set the intention to tune-in to the intuitions that higher guidance is sending your way. Changes in your public and/or professional life are brewing, anticipate it!

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Balancing a busy social schedule with desires to slip behind the scenes is the call now. This trend will continue through to summer. At deeper levels, you are soul searching for ideas and reasons to act, or go and do. All you need is a good reason or offer and off you would go. We need to escape now and then to regain our centre, but the urge to run away should be considered more carefully. Take some needed space, yet intend to face your fears more squarely as well once you feel strong enough.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

Your popularity is growing steadily, hopefully in the positive. Reaching out to share what you do and know remains a central focus. Your ambitions remain high and the time is good to teach and to learn. This includes new skills and tools. Keep an open mind and be ready to take clear notes of incoming insights and constructive criticisms. Learning to express your self in new and better ways is the goal. Be willing to listen and learn yet honour your individuality all the while.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Career interests, ambitions and demands are keeping you extra busy these days. You have been pushing to explore and get a feel for new pastures and horizons. This may be a source of excitement yet you may also feel energetically stretched. Hang in there, supplement your diet and persevere. This is a good time to request favours and earned rewards from authority figures in your life. Certain people and circumstances may be leaving you doubtful, but continue to break new ground and it will pay off big down the road.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Cultural interests and activities are a central theme new. Monetary interests, desires and needs are provoking your passions. Given the many changes shaking in your world, you may be extra eager for some new inspirations. Love and romantic interests may well be a part of the deal as well. Spring is still in the air and you can feel it all through your body. Where it feels right, make efforts to speak your truth and share your feelings openly lest you let promising prospects slip away into the night, without you.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Rich exchanges, mergers and shared interest transactions are gaining your attention. Others are pushing you to take a closer look at the goods and want you decide. Your appetites stimulated, you have little choice but to yield to the pressure and engage. Since pleasure is part of the deal, you may be eager to comply. Visions of beauty are flooding your mind and stirring your imagination. Financial realities are central to the plot. You want your share of the action and the time is right to go get it!

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Communications and stimulating exchanges on relationship fronts are reason to feel inspired. You may feel like your focus is quite stretched as you aim to cover a lot of ground. It is important that you make extra efforts and be willing to give more than usual to activate a steady and realistic momentum. Do so before summer officially begins and you will be on top of your game. After that, you will be too busy to lend your full attention to these more sober tasks. Where possible, ask for assistance and you will receive.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Mixing work and play is strong on your mind these days. The season is too sweet to work too hard. The warm weather is revealing more skin and you are noticing it. A sensual mood is lingering in the air and being in the flow means going with it. So, take off the watch and put down the office work and get out there and play more while the mood remains fresh and hot. The human body is designed to experience sensation and pleasure so make sure you get your full share!

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

The Sun in Gemini spells romance, fun and frolic of all kinds. You are happy to feel closely connected to your body. Dance and languid movements that allow you to move and feel the pulse could prove satisfying. Love and passion may sound even better. Meanwhile, you may feel the desire to dig deep somehow, to access hidden treasures. However you do it, weave playtime and fun into your plans and leave all the serious stuff for another day.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You are happy to remain close to home now. Tending to this, that and the other without overdoing any one thing will prove satisfying. Experiencing a variety of stimulations and allowing for spontaneous indulgence could add some zesty spice to your life. Flirting with new prospects for future consideration all the while should fit in nicely. Your energy levels will be even, not too high or low so pace yourself accordingly. At deeper levels, access your spirit to feel faithful that whatever is happening, a divine plan is involved.