Astrology Column


Belinda Dunn is a professional astrologer, trained at The Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago, and has more than 35 years experience. See her bio and contact info at the end of this column.

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What's UP: June 2009

June begins with the Sun in adventurous, curious Gemini. This zodiac sign is known for its youthful approach to life no matter what the age. Gemini have a remarkable ability to remain open minded and ready for the next adventure. Thus, they love to travel, learn, study and grow.


Gemini/Sagittarius Full Moon
June 7 @ 2:12 pm

Summer Solstice
June 21 @ 1:46 am

Cancer New Moon / SuperMoon
June 22 @ 3:35 pm

A Deeper Purpose
At some point, Geminis realize that knowledge is infinite, how can anyone know everything? At this point, they begin asking the deeper questions of life, refine their search and engage in the quest for purpose.

On June 7, Sun is in Gemini, and the Moon is in Sagittarius. Known as a Full Moon, this planetary alignment is restless, active and conversational. Information comes to light that changes perspective, and enhances wisdom. Additionally, Mercury, the planet of communication, is completing six weeks of indecision.

Discernment & Clarity
Areas of life that seemed cloudy and confusing in May are now clear. The mind is more adaptable, astute and able to grasp ideas in a practical way. Utilize this important Full Moon to clear the air, gather any further details, make plans and be ready to move forward.

Saturn, the planet of challenge and discipline, engages this Full Moon. This brings us to an ongoing planetary dynamic that started last year, November 4, to be exact. We all know the outcome of the election. This country was due for radical change.

The full spectrum of this shift will continue to unfold for years to come. But, there are some bumps in the road, and this Full Moon is a time when opposition tends to surface.

Innovation
Watch June 5 - 18 for a tremendous flow of information, some of it contradictory, but most of it illuminating. Many different points of view will be tossed around as the past tugs on the future, and the future beckons the global community to embrace innovation.

On a personal level, this Full Moon brings to light areas of your life that feel stale, cumbersome, worn out. You may find that habits, attitudes, people and circumstances stand in your way, blocking clarity, drive and progress.

In fact, for many of us, the way forward is unclear without a deep relinquishment of personal preference. A willingness to serve, and be a channel of Divine providence becomes the only aim.

In essence, the astrological energies of this Full Moon tests discernment while furthering the evolution of consciousness.

Time for Change
Add to this dynamic, a significant alignment of Jupiter and Neptune. In Aquarian skies, these planetary giants are opening the doorway to a new era. Because of retrograde movement, Neptune went retrograde on May 29 and Jupiter on June 15, their influence is stronger, more potent and tangible.

The magic degree of 26 Aquarius, is further impacted by the planetoid Chiron at the same point. Setting aside the astronomy of it, this powerful alignment sets up a profound awakening of Aquarian consciousness in 2009.

It is helpful to know where this alignment occurs in your chart. Astrologers look at houses of influence. For example, some people have this trio activating the area of self, thus they are called to make huge changes in character. Others have this alignment in the area of partnership, and they are urged to communicate more openly with others.

For some, the practical side of career goals, income and work are due for an update. And for others, the boundaries of temporal awareness are dissolving to reveal an eternal expanse of love and beauty.

Deep Transformation
From specifics to the big picture, Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune join to stimulate flashes of insight, inspiration, imagination and innovation. These flashes can range from dizzying complexity to pure and pristine knowing beyond intellectual speculation.

Because Chiron brings wounds to the surface for healing, this alignment encourages each of us to drop all baggage around being different, not fitting in, etc. etc. to embrace our unique gifts, once and for all.

These planets favor meditation, spiritual insight, personal growth, science, technology and human relations. This alignment is fueling a planetary awakening and revival of community. It will be exciting to see the many forms this trend takes as the year progresses.

Summer Solstice
Summer solstice is June 21st at 1:46 a.m. Daylight has been growing since winter solstice. This longest day encourages the nature spirits to come out and play as Mother Earth displays her bounty. It is glorious time, an excellent time to set intentions for the next seasonal cycle.

Astrologically, Sun leaves the zodiac sign of Gemini and enters Cancer. This shift is palpable. While Gemini is the social butterfly, always on the go, Cancer loves to land in the safe haven of home and garden. Naturally, we find our attention going to family gatherings, home improvement, garden projects, rest and rejuvenation.

This solstice day also hosts a joining of Venus and Mars. Most of us are familiar with the book, "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." Written in 1992, this book shines light on the similarities, differences and complexities of gender.

Mars tends to be more masculine in expression, while Venus tends to be more feminine. These planetary archetypes represent the yin and yang of existence. Each astrology chart shows the placement of Venus and Mars at the time of birth.

Appreciate Doing & Being
On June 21, when Venus and Mars join in transit, they favor love, romance, artistry, and relationship. This is also Father’s Day, a real chance to express appreciation in a very grounded way for fathers and family.

In its most positive manifestation, the nature of masculine energy is to protect, guide and support. This is an excellent day for reflection, healing, emotional clarity and celebration.

The day after solstice, Mother Moon joins Father Sun. Known as a New Moon in Cancer, our attention turns to balance, how to keep it all together in our busy lives. The inclination of Cancer is to be like the crab, and retreat to the quiet and safety of home. But, this lunation has some interesting aspects to it.

SuperMoon
First of all, it is a SuperMoon, a significant astronomical alignment that intensifies emotion. Secondly, Pluto opposes this New Moon, making this day and week extra volatile.

Responsibilities can feel burdensome, people demanding, and tension hang in the air. Emotional reactivity brings hidden agendas to the surface. Issues center around domestic life, but long term career and financial goals add more pressure.

It may be difficult to take back unkind words, but genuine expression of real feelings is a catharsis for all involved. While care and caution is recommended, this New Moon provides direction and resolution to many practical matters.

Staying Grounded & Grateful
Thus, the focus for the remainder of June is how to stay grounded within change, and maintain balance between home and work. While the majority of the planetary influences pull our attention to earth plane responsibilities, be sure to create space for reflection.

Know when it is time to be like the crab, and withdraw into your shell for rejuvenation. The "in between" place is hidden from most people in the hurry and worry of daily life.

For those receptive, the "in between" place is sacred ground where the healing balm of forgiveness, release and tranquility is ever present, always precious, always welcome.

Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with over thirty-five years experience. She is available for classes and consultation with individuals, couples and groups. She can be reached at 888-215-8595 or 828-215-2101. Check out her site for services and articles: www.astrodelight.com