Broken and broken again on the sea the moon so easily mends. –Chosu
Isn’t it wonderful how every month we get a New Moon, a fresh start, another new beginning, a different perspective? This New Moon is in Gemini, ruled by Mercury; both sign and planet are associated with communication, information, language, learning, teaching, technology and travel. In mythology, Mercury (the Greek Hermes) was a multi-tasking, wheeler dealer; a magician, trickster, entrepreneur, patron of merchants, travelers and thieves. He guarded crossroads and thresholds and presided over transactions that took place there. Known as “the messenger of the gods,” he delivered dispatches from Pluto to the other gods on Mount Olympus and to mortals as well. Oh, and in his downtime he guided souls in and out of the underworld. No wonder Geminis are so active, busy and curious; they often juggle two jobs, two homes, tons of friends and a myriad of interests.
Red-hot Mars, the planet of assertion, anger, courage and action is also in Gemini and conjunct the New Moon turning up the volume on all things Gemini. Mercury, retrograde from May 18 until June 11, is now direct and moving forward in its own sign. It will remain in Gemini through July 24. Clearly, this New Moon carries a big message about communication.
As a culture we are obsessed with food, dieting, and health. Just look at all the books, blogs, websites and articles on food plans, diets (Paleo, non-gluten, vegan, organic), juice fasts, and cleanses. We’re vigilant about what we eat but are we equally conscious about what we feed our minds; the violent images, the casual texts, the gossip, the constant flood of information from the internet? This mental snacking messes with us as much as junk food and GMO’s. And what about our own inner chatter; the stories we retell, the harsh criticism of ourselves and others, the petty thoughts, the secrets and the lies? Scientists say we think up to 50,000 thoughts a day but, let’s face it, most of them are stale and the expiration date is over. We could all probably benefit from a digital fast, spending time in silence, or engaging in some mental feng shui.
Whatever we think about we speak about, whatever we speak about we bring about. – The Law of Attraction
The Sun, Moon, Mercury and Mars, all in intellectual Gemini, invite us to become conscious of our mind, examine our thinking and how we express ourselves, as well as the beliefs that shape our thoughts and influence our communication. Words can heal or hurt; thoughts can set us free or imprison us. Forgiving Chiron makes a confronting square to the New Moon and Mars, urging us to heal old mental wounds, verbal abuse, and old stories. “Wounding becomes sacred when we are willing to release our old stories and become the vehicles through which the new story may emerge through time.” –Jean Houston
This is how it always is when I finish a poem. A Great Silence overcomes me, and I wonder why I ever thought to use language. – Rumi
In addition, watery Neptune, the planet of the invisible and the unseen world, turned retrograde (in fuzzy Pisces) on June 14 within days of Mercury going direct. These two planets make an uncomfortable square (exact on June 23). Real growth comes from being able to allow room for both energies; the intellect and the intuition, the heart and the mind, the details and the dream. Working together they have the potential to bring about great art, poetry and music. This New Moon reminds us that communication isn’t always verbal, listening is as important as speaking and being is as valuable as doing. As Bene Brown says in her book, Daring Greatly, “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.”
Tough-love Saturn, our favorite sober companion, re-enters obsessive Scorpio from June 14-September 17 compelling us to face old fears and complexes; another opportunity to clean up our act; another chance to grow. Luckily, brilliant Uranus, the higher octave of Mercury and the planet of freedom, makes a positive trine to generous Jupiter (exact on June 22) giving us an opportunity to expand our mind, embrace new thoughts, experience peak moments and fresh visions – providing we are willing to take responsibility and make genuine changes. The inner work we do this summer will plant seeds for positive manifestation in September when Saturn sails back into Sagittarius.
Summer Solstice – June 20, 2015
At Midsummer nature spirits are visible and magic is most potent.
Welcome to summer! The Summer Solstice or Midsummer is the apex of the masculine and solar energy. It is also known as Litha, named for the Celtic Goddess of Abundance, and is the solar festival that celebrates the longest day of the year. It is also the first day of Cancer, the sign most associated with home, family, and nurturing. At Midsummer our pagan ancestors lit Midsummer fires for purification and protection, hoping the Sun would remain powerful enough to ensure a good harvest. Couples who wanted babies ran through the fires holding hands. It is a Midsummer tradition to clean the home, decorate it with flowers, burn sage and cedar for purification and light sun-colored candles for meditation. Litha is the perfect time to cast spells and prepare charms for matters of the heart. Because Litha is associated with abundance it is also an excellent time to do a spell for prosperity or creativity. What is your vision for this summer season? What do you want to create over the next few months? Now is the time to set you intention.
I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful happens, but just those that bring little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string. – Lucy Maud Montgomery
Dear Friends, Enjoy this luscious summer season. Get out of your head and your house and into nature. Spend time near water (or in it). Flood your senses with beauty. Enjoy the company of family and friends but also take pleasure in some solitude. Most of all; feel good, be happy (for absolutely no reason) and love yourself! You are worth it! Love, Virginia
Mysteries, Yes
By Mary Oliver
Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous
to be understood.
How grass can be nourishing in the
mouths of lambs.
How rivers and stones are forever
in allegiance with gravity
while we ourselves dream of rising.
How two hands touch and the bond will
never be broken.
How people come, from delight or the
scars of damage,
to the comfort of a poem.
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
