June 2019 Forecasts

June has the potential for being especially challenging; with an increase in mental tensions, arguments and travel and business setbacks, as Mars transits the north node and eclipse degree, while in opposition to Saturn and the south node. Generally, these transits highlight the gap between fact and fiction; between Gemini and Sagittarius; the stories we tell ourselves versus truth. What beliefs do you hold that are no longer true? June may be a good time for some fact checking thanks to Mars and Mercury joining the party.

​The Moon is placed in Aries from the end of May and beginning of June, transiting Gemini by June 4-6, triggering Mars as it does so. ​As a 'malefic' planet, Mars tends to challenge, but it doesn't mean you cannot make use of this transit in a productive way, as you make the necessary adjustments. Saturn opposes Mars, so there is likely some delays in doing what you need to say or do. However, if you leave things too long it may build into an unavoidable argument, or worse still, an accident - if you are not aware of the underlying frustration. Be especially mindful in your communications and while travelling, leaving plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Don't wait too long to say what needs to be said. Do it sooner, in a calm and collected manner. You will be glad you made the effort, as the Mars - north node conjunction occurs in Ārdrā - a lunar sign that represents the power to make efforts, while Mars represents our will power. This sign is the domain of Rudra, the god of storms, so these transits show the potential for verbal warfare, at the very least. 

June is a month of conjunctions and oppositions; when things come to a climax and reach an impasse, but thankfully there are other indications of easier transits to help this critical situation. Venus is placed in Taurus which will assuage much of the volatility of the Mars - Saturn opposition and nodal conjunctions. Venus is opposite Jupiter in Scorpio which adds a feel good factor, but perhaps with some overindulgence. When you are in a good mood, it becomes easier to have that conversation, but you just need to be mindful of overdoing it with sensual and mental stimulation when attempting to overcome your stresses. 

​Mercury's transit in Gemini is helpful too, in that it will increase communicative efficiency. Be aware that it's conjunctions with Mars and Rahu make for exaggerated speech and sharp speech, leading to a lot of debate in June.  ​
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Mercury in Gemini and Cancer
Mercury is strongly placed in Gemini for the first 3 weeks of June, speeding ahead of the Sun as we get ahead of circumstances with our big, crazy plans as it joins with Mars and the north node. Although this is a good time to plan ahead, be aware that Mercury's speed is telling us something important: whatever we are planning now will be up for review in July as Mercury retrogrades.

Mercury enters its shadow phase (the point to which it will return to) on June 19 as it reaches the end of sidereal Gemini. It will return here on July 30, so there's no rush in working it all out. Make the most of the first 3 weeks of June which increase the potential for debate and excitement, while more emotional considerations and miscommunications are apparent from the end of June - once Mercury enters Cancer.

Mercury is strong in Gemini because it is not about emotional considerations, just plain facts. Mars helps to push to point home. When we're too emotional, we get attached to certain points of view and lose perspective. 
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Looking ahead, July has two eclipses, in Gemini and Sagittarius, along with Mercury's retrograde in Cancer/Gemini, so there is much to figure out and change our minds in the coming weeks. Be mindful of this when stating facts in early June, as, Nietzsche said, 'there are no facts, only interpretations'!

Although Mercury is strong in its own sign and we can enjoy the stimulating debate and interaction, it is severely hampered by its conjunctions with Rahu and Mars, while opposing Saturn and Ketu. This creates much mental tension which needs to be alleviated. 

Mercury and Rahu meet first, on June 15, just as the Sun enters Gemini, and we must not get too caught up in what we're being told or thinking about at this time. Rahu adds an element of untruth, on some level, exaggerating and distorting perceptions, while the Sun is weak when transiting from Taurus to Gemini. 

Mercury then opposes Saturn, on June 16, which brings a need to be more objective. This may be a challenge as Mars is close by egging us on and increasing the potential for outbursts. This is especially the case as Mercury meets Mars on June 17-19, opposing Pluto. All of this points to a few very intense days. 

We are likely to see this play out in ramping up dialogue. As mentioned, we are unlikely to be clear in anything we say, or being told, but as Mercury is about to enter Cancer and retrograde here there will be plenty of time to work things out intellectually afterwards. 

Mercury enters Caner on June 20, and does so alongside Mars, which enters Cancer on June 22. This on and off conjunction between Mercury and Mars, due to Mercury's upcoming retrograde in Cancer, is fuel for many outbursts. More on this next month. 
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New Moon in Taurus
The Moon reaches the Sun's degree at 11.01 GMT/UT +1 on June 3, in the lunar mansion, Rohiṇī, the Moon's favourite, by all accounts. Although strong in this lunar sign, the new Moon is always a period of inner reflection and a reset point for a new lunar month. 

​Rohiṇī brings themes of nourishment and growth, seduction and desire. 'Work hard and play hard' is one expression that comes to mind in June, as there are transits that are helpful for both. Rohiṇī is also associated with the god of creation, so a good time to plan for something new creative pursuit for this new Moon. 

Venus in Taurus and Gemini
Venus enters Taurus on June 4 and we can be thankful for the simple pleasures in life that make the conjunctions and oppositions in Gemini/Sagittarius more bearable. Without Venus would be too intense, too hard. Venus adds pleasures and joys that make it easier. Venus in a strong transit makes everyone feel good, especially if you're in a Venus cycle yourself, and this feel good factor is our saving grace in June. As Venus opposes Jupiter in Scorpio, Jupiter is very bright in the night sky due to its retrograde phase, and this adds more meaning in pursuing our safety and comforts in Taurus. 

If you have slept well and have eaten well, as well as feeling secure in your family/community, you are less likely to loose your cool as Mars gets closer to the north node by mid-month. Sounds like the most obvious thing, but an important part of what June has to offer. If you can pull off the balance that's required you're using the best of what these transits have to offer.

Venus is opposite Jupiter on June 23, which gives a certain level of indulgence and sense that there must be something more to all the partying and good times. Certainly, there is, but there is value in good times too!
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Venus makes it to Gemini by June 29, and gets involved in the eclipses that are occurring in July; shaking things up. Until then, Venus in Taurus can give us the feeling of stability and comfort. 
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Mars conjunct Rahu
This transit is challenging. Mars and Rahu don't mix well. Rahu is said to block Mars, scattering our energy and focus, depleting us in the process. Added to that, Mars is opposite Saturn and Ketu, which adds further tension. Does tension have a place in life? Of course it does, but when there is too much, we must be aware of the negative effects. Use this tension to change these areas of your life in a productive manner, avoiding the possibility of overdoing it and needing to withdraw completely. Mars and Rahu combinations don't have an off switch, and when in Gemini, the mental tensions can lead to headaches and arguments that we would prefer to do without. But that doesn't mean you should avoid that conversation. 

The Mars - Saturn opposition is challenging because, on the one hand, Mars says, 'I want it yesterday', while on the other, Saturn's opposition asks you to, 'Wait, wait, can you see the long term plan? One pushes us (Mars), while the other slows us down; even pulls us back (Saturn retrograde). So, we can feel torn, between moving forward and being pulled back. 

I recently observed one expression of the Saturn - Mars opposition in a very disturbing way. I saw a young man shouting at an elderly lady in public. The elderly lady began to cry. This kind of thing is an extreme expression, I realize, but it points to a very important point. If we have something we want and do not feel able to get it, we can lash out - at anyone. Mars is like our spoiled brat and, although does well when disciplined and focused on a goal when influenced by Saturn, is just as likely to lash out if we feel we are not getting our way. 

I wish I could simply say 'slow down', as would be the case with a Saturn - Mars opposition. However, because Mars is with Rahu at the same time, it's going to feel like we need to go into hyper-speed. Not an easy conjunction/opposition, but now that you are aware of the potential stress, you can at least blow off some steam and stay balanced. 
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Sun in Gemini
The Sun moves into sidereal Gemini on June 14; a section of the sky which is conducive to enjoying parties and outings, festivals and intellectual stimulation through others. While this should be encouraged at this time of year, all of the previous warnings are warranted as the Sun meets with Mars, Mercury and Rahu. 

This means we are going to experience the eclipses very soon, and it's not going to be the usual kind of party. It's a time to reconsider this area of our lives, the area you experience the signs Gemini and Sagittarius. While they represent facts and meaning, in a general sense, these play out in your own life in specific areas. 

Are you clear on all the facts? Are there false beliefs holding you back? These are a couple of questions to ask yourself in the coming weeks, as you search for meaning for yourself, while figuring out the details. 
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Full Moon in Sagittarius
The Moon reaches the opposite degree of the Sun at 09.30 GMT/UT +1 on June 17. This occurs in Sagittarius and the lunar mansion Mula. Mula, meaning 'root', is all about getting to the root of something, where we find the tail of the Scorpion; the poisons and treasures available through penetrative insight. 

The Moon is full at the very beginning of Sagittarius and Mula, at just 1 degree, which means it is a sensitive juncture for the mind and emotions, while the full Moon heightens the experience, for good or ill. 
June 17-19 are mentally and emotionally challenging days as the Moon joins Saturn, Ketu and Pluto, while opposing Mars, Rahu and Mercury, once again setting off all of the indications of these conjunctions and oppositions.

Don't lose the very thing that Sagittarius is all about: faith, even while presented by all the apparent facts in Gemini! These challenging conjunctions and oppositions are removing something from your life that is no longer necessary for your journey onward. 

Solstice and Neptune Retrograde 
On June 21, the Solstice, Neptune stations retrograde at 24 degrees of sidereal Aquarius and the lunar mansion called Pūrvābhādra. This is the visionary sign that bridges sidereal Aquarius and Pisces, as we negotiate the rules of the game, before setting out on our quest. But it is also a deceitful sign and very passionate. The recent revelations of Martin Luther King's sexual behaviour have been disturbing, but we must move beyond the fantasy and see that we are all capable of good and bad. This is what Pūrvābhādra is all about. 

One of Pūrvābhādra's symbols is a sword, implying there is much that is to be removed in our quest. Saturn's aspect to Neptune is challenging you to get real about this area of your life, while Neptune creates a certain vagueness about it, perhaps even fantastical. Saturn's aspect brings out the truth, no matter how disturbing. 

Humanitarian issues are complicated by Neptune's presence in Aquarius. How you personally experience this is dependent on the house position of Aquarius in your birth chart. Have you noticed an area of your life that feels like there are big dreams and visions, but at the same time you may be struggling to get real about? Your vision about this area of your life is likely going to take some circuitous routes in the coming years, until 2023, as Neptune transits back and forth over the last degrees of Aquarius, before it enters Pisces.

Neptune represents the impulse for life to survive, in some form or another. It's just that we can sometimes get confused when forms are constantly changing. 
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Mars in Cancer
​Once Mars has done it's thing in Gemini, perhaps leading to a fallout or a clearing of the air, or both, it then moves into its sign of debilitation and we all need to rest and recuperate. Although those with Aries or Scorpio rising signs feel the need to rest more, we all have a sense of recent energy fluctuations taking their toll. 

Give yourself some time to wander about with less direction, as Mars in Cancer is better spent with some down time at home or on holiday. Mars is in Cancer from June 22 until August 8. 

I will write more about Mars in Cancer in July, as there are the eclipses to deal with while Mars is less than happy at dealing with emotional issues. You may see either a tendency to overdo it, or a lack of drive in the coming weeks; the former being an overcompensation which leads to its own problems. And while its not necessarily a time to simply sit back and do nothing, it is a good time to take a break if you can. 

Even if you cannot take a break at this time, take some time each day to relax and be mindful of any underlying tensions building which need an outlet. Physical activity is always a good expression of this, particularly in water, as Mars in Cancer expresses itself in swimming to cool down. 

Another expression of Mars in Cancer is a childish reaction to everything, unfortunately. While you may be able to rise above it, be mindful of others who struggle with this. This is heightened due to Mercury's transit alongside Mars in Cancer. If Mars behaves like a brat in Cancer, Mercury is overly emotional. Be patient with yourself and others. 
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Saturn and Ketu Conjunct
​Saturn and Ketu (true node) come to exact conjunct once again by June 28 and into the beginning of July, at 23 degrees of sidereal Sagittarius and Pūrvāṣāḍhā, the lunar sign that is governed by the goddess of the waters. 
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Water issues are more prominent, quite literally, but also what water represents symbolically. Our sense of going with the flow is hampered by this conjunction, as is our lack of going overboard with exuberance. This conjunction challenges us to get real and to stay the course, even when the rivers have run dry and we have to pick up our boat and drag it the rest of the way!

Read an article I wrote about Jordan Peterson and the Saturn - South Node conjunction, published on The Mountain Astrologer website here
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Sidereal Transits
Mercury enters Gemini June 2
New Moon in Taurus June 3
Venus enters Taurus June 4
Mars conjunct North Node June 12-14
Mars opposite Saturn June 14
Mercury conjunct North Node June 15
Sun enters Gemini June 15
Mercury opposite Saturn June 16
Mercury conjunct Mars June 17-19
Mercury opposite Pluto June 19
Mars opposite Pluto June 19
Full Moon in Sagittarius June 17 
Mercury enters Cancer June 20
Neptune stations retrograde June 21
Mars enters Cancer June 22
Solstice June 22
Venus opposite Jupiter June 23
Saturn conjunct South Node June 28
Venus enters Gemini June 29