February has the unique situation of being a month where a super stellium of planets all transit Aquarius; pulling focus, emphasising the Aquarian elements of your chart . The Sun, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and for a short time La Luna all transit Aquarius. The peculiarity of this? Saturn, is only in Aquarius, every 27 years, Jupiter only transits every 12 years. Mercury’s Retrograde of Aquarius, give this stellium extra length and an interesting flavour, allowing for great depth for revision of the Aquarian elements of your chart.
A sign by sign breakdown of Mercury’s Retrograde can also be found on the link above. Not since 1962 has there been this much planetary focus or energy in Aquarius, meaning this area of life is firmly on the agenda this February. If you have planets in Aquarius, or Aquarius is in an important sector of your chart, the pull is stronger, and yes, so is great opportunity, thanks to Venus and Jupiter conjoining at the New Moon 12th February.
Monthly highlights below xx enjoy.
ARIES / ARIES RISING
February provides an unusually large emphasis on your community and social networks, providing great opportunity to connect and engage with these groups. Mercury’s retrograde within this context may bring old groups or networks back into the frame, adding to the uniqueness of this time period. The full moon, late month offers breakthrough’s with finances or helps establish more confidence and self-worth.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
February offers an abnormally large focus on your career and reputation sector. Not since 1962, has there been this much planetary influence in this sector. Be open to opportunity or new information as it presents; in potentially indirect ways thanks to the Mercury Retrograde. The 27 February full moon offers a culmination point around health and work routines. Highlighting surprising ways to make positive changes.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Mercury’s retrograde of your philosophies and belief’s sector helps re-establish connection to core beliefs, teachings and lessons. Other influences in this area, indicate some form of courses or education, can really boost your skills set and confidence. The full moon on 27February in your family and home sector, offers innovations. Making the home more dynamic and stimulating or sees yourself or family members embracing their individuality.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
February sees a strong focus on your external resources, with re-evaluating and restructuring part of the process. New modes and methods are being constructed, so investigate all options. Mars adds a potential volatile element to your social groups and networks, so be mindful of any bull in china shops action as it might pop up. The full moon on 27 February adds a surprise or boost from your local surroundings.
LEO / LEO RISING
The unusual amount of energy in your relationship sector, points to the advantages of tending and nurturing allyour one-on-one relationships, regardless of what part of your life they inhabit. Building, assessing, reviewing, nurturing, expanding and integrating allthese relationships is key to your success this month and beyond. The Virgo full moon in your financial sector, offers resolution or an ability to see with more clarity, how best to enhance finances and/or self-value.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
February offers strong assessments and modifications to your health and work sector, with such breakthroughs having a lasting impact. Mars motivates and gives momentum for any potential study or education you seek out or start. The full moon on 27 February is the culmination point for individuation and setting yourself apart from others.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
February sees a strong focus on your children and/or creativity and your engagement with both topics. Reflecting and re-establishing frameworks and structures; alongside your dreams and ambitions occurs simultaneously. Mars motivates you to deal with external resources and how you manage them, while the full moon on 27 February offers some surprising insights, to things that have been away from view.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
February has an unusually large amount of energy in your home and family sector. The last time this much energy was in this era of life, was 1962. Re-assessments, re-structuring and evaluation will all be part of this process. Upgrading your relationships to home and family allows for a stronger base to connect from. The full moon on 27 February offers some pleasing and surprising connection to your social networks, helping to distract from the busy home life upgrades.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Your local surroundings and neighbourhood have a real zing this month, thanks to the planetary energy surrounding it. Focusing around rituals around the home could be of real benefit and joy. The full moon highlights your social networks and community allowing you to see the support they offer. Showing your appreciation has its own special rewards. Mars also, gets to task in motivating your routines, with extra strength to tasks with a Venusian quality.
. CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
For the first time since 1962, your financial sector receives unusually strong planetary influence. Some of it is re-assessment and restructuring and the rest of it is evaluation and vision planning. February provides opportunity for strong groundwork for finances. Mars in your creative sector offers motivation for enjoying the things you find creatively stimulating, especially any Venusian style projects.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
The energetic focus of February is very much on you. Not since 1962, has there been such a strong line up of planets in Aquarius. The opportunity to develop your identity, your health and your beliefs is strongly supported. Helping to move you towards the life you always dreamed for yourself and providing strong inspiration. February is a month of decisive insights and opportunity.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Your subconscious sector is the planetary focus of February. Helping to resolve or untangle things that might be holding you back or addressing things you don’t have a handle on. Opportunity to explore and find resolution is abundant in February. Mars helps with motivation for any redecoration or renovations around the home, giving strength the any Venusian modifications. The full moon highlights close friendships the joy they bring.
Venus makes her way out of the strong and choppy waters of Cancer on the 7th of September, after having a difficult time fending off both Mars and Saturn on two fronts at the end of her transit in Cancer. Leaving the late degrees of Cancer brings much relief to Venus as she enters a fire sign for the first time since she transited Aries (8th February – 6th March).
Venus whilst not completely comfortable in fire signs, it is perhaps in Leo that she has her best expression of her fire self, thanks to its connection to creativity and performance and its connection to audience and bringing people together. Venus in Leo is never shy about expressing her creativity and being seen, making it the opposite quality of the last 4 weeks with her time in Cancer. Finally, the extroverts have their astrology back!
Venus in Leo is social, she is loud, she is not afraid of getting attention or the spotlight, all activities or social events involving performance, creativity, children or individuation is super supported right now. Not bad timing as we begin to crawl out of our homes post winter and make our way towards the Spring Equinox. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, Venus in Leo pulls together for the last of the Summer flings and soirees making it one to remember and enjoy.
Venus in Leo also further extends the lessons we gained from her retrograde phase in Gemini allowing us to leave the dust and remanence of that time in far in the background; accelerating forwards. This allows greater distance after an almost painstaking integration and realisations. New relationships are forming, under new terms and conditions, allowing greater cohesion and more connections with things and people whose values are more aligned with yours.
Venus is leaning into extrovert extremes in Leo allowing and encouraging all the pleasures ensue! It’s also the perfect time for ANY form of glamourous maintenance or presentation, for Venus in Leo, appearance and putting your best foot forward is EVERYTHING. Venus in Leo sure knows how to attract a crowd and be seen !
Enjoy xx
SIGN BY SIGN : VENUS IN LEO
Aries / Aries Rising
I am fully supported and seen in all forms of creative expression.
Taurus / Taurus Rising
My home is my stage for fearless glamour and luxurious pleasures.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
My schedule and local neighbourhood is a source of joy and creative physical expression.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
Only I command my self-worth and value, and it’s time to be seen.
Leo / Leo Rising
I am the Empress, perfect timing for any and all makeovers, and people noticing my magnetism.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
I show courage and grace as I tend to the internal fires that inspire.
Libra / Libra Rising
My hopes and dreams get a full makeover and I exude glamour at all social engagements.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
I am not afraid to stoke the fire of magnetic leadership and being seen for it.
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
I present and engage with all my lesson’s both fearlessly and with magnetism and charm.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
I hustle and draw in all the resources I need to make my dreams happen.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
I am not afraid to delve into my magnetic quality when I socialize and enjoy the repport and connection.
Pisces / Pisces Rising
My health and wellness is a place of fun and leadership, setting the pace for joy and pleasure to ensue.
Venus shifted into Cancer on August 8thwhere she will stay until September 7th , this shift after 4 months in Gemini, instead of the usual 1 month is moving Venus away from social & intellectual focus and connectivity offered by Gemini (yang) into a more nourishing and comfort focused (yin) Cancerian setting.
Venus enjoys the cool moistness of Cancer’s waters elementally, especially after spending an extended time period in a dry detached air element of Gemini. Her retrograde is officially over in Gemini for another 8 years, insights gleaned from her Gemini phase (April – August) is what Venus in Cancer is slowly helping integrate. Venus now extends her beneficence thorough Cancerian themes and topics like comforts, food, home, family, ancestors, nourishment and nurturing yourself or others. Connecting to mother or those that you see and feel as mother energies is beneficial.
Things may get a little bit bumpy as towards the end of this transit, as she meets up with Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn by opposition, however what Venus is trying to do is heal and tend to these old wounds, by showing benefits, of such processing. Venus will not be shy and will do her best to smooth it over as best she can, as she continues her quests of beneficence, that now grace the Cancer sector of the sky & your birth chart, whist integrating new lessons from her retrograde cycle, even if things get a bit confronting by months end.
Image: Harmony in Grey and Gold, The Dancer by James McNeill Abbott Whistler 1893
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The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 3rd/4th is the first non-eclipsed Full Moon since 5th June, hurrah ! we finally get our ritual moons back, on the moons day. The Aquarius full moon is lighter and better for ritual work, as it’s without the heavy, unseen and shady qualities, created by the tight connections to the Nodal points; which were dominant features of two recent full moons making any moon or ritual work problematic and unpredictable*** due to strong unseen variables. This full moon provides a lighter and freer manifestation of moon energy.
Today’s Full Moon also forms a tight T-Square to Uranus a planet full of Surprises, which is constantly pushing for change, development and evolution. Uranus is a planet that likes to explore new pathways and isn’t afraid of traveling the road less travelled, much like the Fool card in the tarot. Uranus is offering up some new ideas or situations at this lunation, making for an interesting 2-week cycle. The Aquarius full moon is a breath of fresh air and full of potential moments of genius, strongly bend towards innovation and change, be open to the ideas when they come flooding in ! Be open to the call !
Image : From Public Domain Review “Cyrano de Bergerac’s Comical History of the States and Empires of the Moon” 1687
*Personalised readings available
*** an example of what was unseen during these previous eclipsed full moons ? In Melbourne what was unseen, was that the loosening of social restrictions at the Full Moon on June 5thwould be reimposed with more force at this Full Moon in Aquarius …
📸Isabelle Hubbert as Madame Bovary By Claude Chabrol
Deep in darkness, restriction and burdens weigh heavy. Hours after the New Moon in Cancer, its effects are heightened with the Sun’s opposition to Saturn. The Sun’s light revealing the cracks, as it pours light from an opposing angle, allowing a new view of what has been bound together and constructed.
This occurring deep in the darkness of the ‘new’ moon, IS hard. Waiting for the moons first crescent of light to hatch, is uncomfortable. When this light is shed La Luna is finally able to help, lessen the intensity of feeling and emotion. Until then, this is where we will be.
The cracks and stress fractures are currently well-lit and obvious. The Sun opposite Saturn makes any weakness apparent, any regrets glaringly obvious. We will be sitting with this, waiting and wandering, lamenting as we gather ourselves for the Sun to progress into Leo on July 23rd.
When the Sun enters Leo, we are welcomed with its warmth and more inspired to play in its light. It is at this time that the first of the moon’s new light begins to shine down upon us. Allowing us to move forward with the insights gleaned over this challenging dark moon cycle. Until then we sit and a wait, processing as we anticipate the return of the King, and the Sun’s entry into Leo.
28th June 2020, Mars moves into Aries, a sign that it rules; for just over 6 months, rather than the usual 8 weeks. That’s an extra 16 weeks of Mars, an active, hot-headed, volatile, aggressive, and sword welding planet, in a sign that it’s super charged in, fun times.
Mars’ elongated transit of Aries is due to his retrograde in September to November 2020. The Mars Retrograde is the trickiest, out of all the planetary retrograde phases. Retrograde Mars is volatile and unpredictable, more so than any of the other planets. The other planets have a more predictable and regular retrograde cycle, not so in Mars’ case. Mars when Retrograde is notorious for its tendency towards extremes and a willingness to engage in hostilities. In most cases it tends to backfire, due to Mars when retrograde, acting in an extremely erratic nature being unpredictable, mis-directed and mis-guided. Aggressive or hostile acts during this time, generally tend to be the undoing of a person or situation. When active and fast-moving planets, like Mars; are forced to slowdown and move in motions and speeds they don’t like or are not used to, they create problems and manifest in unpredictable or unique ways or manners. Mars Retrograde if worked correctly, can give an opportunity to redefine, the rules of engagement, but to what purpose, is important, and it’s still very risky business, especially since it’s so strong in Aries.
The last time Mars was retrograde in Aries was September to November 1941, which was during WWII. During this 1941 Mars Retrograde Period, the decree that all Jewish people in Germany were to wear the Gold Star of David on their clothing and to not have contact with Non-Jewish People was signed and in-acted. The Polish Concentration camp Majdanek opened. The Siege of Leningrad began, which lasted 900 days, with the aggressor eventually defeated. In India, Mahatma Ghandi, urged his followers to begin a passive resistance against British rule in India. (a new technique of resistance, from a person who themselves, had an exceptionally strong Mars). 1941 saw no shortage of very key events, in human history occurring during this Aries retrograde. Addressing or creating extreme violence, repression and hostility, towards innocent and persecuted people, was a strong theme. As intense as these examples are, this was the last historical recording of such a retrograde in Aries. Mars also went partially Retrograde in Aries in 1988, it was slightly tempered with its retrograde back into Pisces. 2020 is the first time we have had a full Mars Retrograde in Aries since 1941.
What makes the 2020 transit of Mars in Aries, especially volatile and hostile, is the continuous aspects, that Mars will make to Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. Jupiter is weak in Capricorn, so bringing any big vision plans or positive humanitarian focused values; struggles for any influence at this time. Jupiter’s optimism has been dimmed. Saturn and Pluto are coming back online, with Saturn moving back into Capricorn in the first week of July, re-activates the Saturn Pluto vibe and events of its exact conjunction in early January 2020. We saw what a strong Mars can do, when it crossed Saturn and Pluto in February – March 2020, in Capricorn. Things quickly began to spiral out of control at this time. Now were moving into a time where Mars will again be in a strong position to continually activating this, from July – January 2021, rather than merging with this energy, it will be activating it from a more aggressive square angle.
If you have Mars retrograde IN your birth-chart, this is your time to shine. People who have it in their natal chart, tend to get activated and achieve a lot of positive things, during the retrograde time period. This is due to their natal placement being unlocked and ignited. They finally get to harness the energy they have nataly, that is usually hidden, repressed or locked away. Mars retrograde nativities tend to avoid conflict, but when the sky mirrors their natal placement, they finally get to express their strength and might. It’s almost like they build towards each retrograde cycle, to accomplish the next phases.
Things to keep in mind during this upcoming Mars in Aries Period. Watch the burning of the midnight oil and running yourself down. Overextending yourself at this time is a real possibility. This will be a marathon, not a sprint. Making up for any lost time or ground from early 2020, will be ill advised in this next 6 months, things are very much still influx for the rest of 2020. Curve balls will come, so be ready.
Mars is energetic, active and loves to assert this strength via brute force. Saturn, which Mars meets and is also strong in its rulership of Capricorn. Saturn likes to keep a routine, make long term plans and working towards them. Mars is spontaneous energy and exertion, Saturn is calculated, cautious and conservative with its energies. Saturn also likes fiscal responsibility and doing the admin. Mars, is too busy making things happen, bulldozing large areas and thinks about the consequences after. This will be the constant push and pull over the next 6 months. Making sure you keep these two squaring energies in check is very really important for the next 6 months. Saturn’s influence during this time, does however have the upper hand.
Over extending or gambling on an offer or bet, will most likely see you come off second best. Do expect some out of the blue surprises, or any hostilities that do pop up, register and keep a track of it. There could be something more to it. Don’t shy away from or ignore gut instincts. We are getting into some pretty gnarly terrain and staying on guard, without being overly defensive or hostile is extremely helpful. Managing how you exert and replenish your energy is vital. The next 6 months is some of the trickiest terrain we have had to navigate in decades. Keeping all this in mind as we enter the next 6 months will be really helpful as we enter the next phase of 2020.
MARS THORUGH THE SIGNS
ARIES / ARIES RISING
Having your ruler activate your house of vitality, being seen and how you present, might be a double-edged sword. Being aware of not burning out and watching your health and energy will be of great assistance over the next 6 months. Be conscious of how you do and say things, making sure you aren’t seen or interpreted, in an overly aggressive or hostile way, especially when things get a bit heated or stressful. Mars being so visible, may put any anger or frustrations on show, in ways you may not be aware of. Monitor it. How you manage your health and conduct yourself, is of great importance over the next 6 months, as the triggers and frustrations will be there. Don’t take the bait. Conservative approaches, will have the upper hand.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
Mars spending so much time in your subconscious, and private realms may see under the surface agitation. Sleep disruptions, maybe a thing, as well as an increase in frustrations, of things you thought you have forgotten about or want to avoid dealing with. Knowing that your subconscious will be activated and churred up over such a long-time frame will be helpful, as you learn to untangle the fuse. You may feel irritable and frustrated, that things or angers you tried to supress, pop back up. But using the determination and energy of a hot Mars to cut through the tangled cords, will be of great assistance. Mars has a severing effect and getting rid of old cords and things that hold you back, might be greatly assisted at this time, but it will unfold over a longer than wanted time frame.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Mars will give a blast of enthusiasm and great momentum to groups, communities and shared activities. Having so much energy in a such a social area of your chart, means this area will be extremely active and energized. You will have lots of reserves to pull from, but it’s easy to burn through it all when your running on adrenaline. Watch you don’t over commitment or bite off more than you can chew. Keep an eye out for hostilities or aggressive behaviour from community and groups. Don’t get dragged into them, as they will pop up. Remember this is a marathon not a sprint. Longer time frames will allow for more success overall, there might be a strong drive to do it all at once. Tempering and thought out action is a lot more productive long term, than running yourself into the ground, because you found a new well of energy to tap into. Boundaries will be important when dealing with community, groups or networking activities.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
Having Mars make its home in your Career, Ambitions and Reputation sector, will make for a hot and active 6 months. Mars in Aries has its advantages but making sure you wield his energy at appropriate times is the key here. Being engaging, active, energetic and enthusiastic around Career and Reputation is important. You are worth it, and you are an asset for any team. But being cool, cautious and calculated (Saturn like) will help balance all this Mars energy, which can be exhausting in itself. Solid friends and one on one relationships will help anchor you as you traverse the next 6 months. Mars will be hot and fiery, stoking passions and maybe resentments. Be mindful of the rays you hurl around any career or reputations that relate to your career. Mars in the 10thcan be difficult but keeping the right checks and balances as well as keeping a positive active role in what battles you want to forge on the Career front are important. Just make sure you aren’t dragged into the wrong battles or the wrong side of opinions. Use Mars to help drive your ambition, without taking anyone else down or out, in pursuit of your ambitions.
LEO / LEO RISING
Mars will spend 6 months burning though your beliefs and Philosophy sector of your chart. Now you have a real chance to get rid of any self-limiting beliefs of things you didn’t think you could do. Mars is set to challenge, your belief systems, allowing them to be re-formed or moulded into a way that allows you to become more aligned with such an abundance of Mars energy. There may be challenges or glitches along the way but proving your own strength and abilities to yourself is one manifestation of this energy. Also powering through any research, study, education, books or publishing would be a positive use of Mars in Aries for so long. Just make sure that you don’t become the hostile one and being overly aggressive in challenging such beliefs in others. Not really the most positive use of this energy, but a possible manifestation.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Mars will be spending 6 months in your area of shared resources and external money sources. Everything needs to be done by the book, with the potential for the odd miscellaneous expense to pop up. Managing outgoings and keeping on top of the admin is of great importance right now. Mars might feel like you are wanting to push forwards with external financial investments. Do your homework, don’t rush in. There are many other unseen variables at work. Mars might make you feel a sense of urgency and momentum around debt and resource. Keeping a conservative view, doing the groundwork as well as not hedging bets on gambles or high-risk ventures right now are good things, to keep in the forefront of your mind for the rest of 2020.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
It will be challenging having Mars activating your one on one relationships for 6 months, but don’t let the agitation break your cool. Mars is quick, swift, fastmoving and energetic. You may find yourself surrounded by these kinds of people for the next 6 months. Do beware, low vibe Mars people may also crop up. Hostile, Angry, and Short Tempered, manage your relationship to these people accordingly and make sure you check yourself in these roles as the rest of the year progresses. Keeping a cool head and a good check on your one on one relations keeps you in good stead. Expect challenges, but be the cool detached one in the relationship, no matter how difficult it might be at the time.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Having Mars sitting in the house of its joy, as well as being your ruler means you probably have some of the best pickings from this challenging 6 months. Mars rev’s up your day to day & health routines. A great time to smash through the to do list, as well as get physically active and work that body. Just be very mindful of burn out or going to hard. We are in quite an active time, so you might not need to do as much as you initially expect to get good results. Looking after yourself health-wise is essential, and don’t make the to list, do big, to be successful over the next 6 months. It’s all about bite size portions, and not over committing, though over estimation of energy sources.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Mars gives good momentum for you over the next 6 months, to pursue and engage with things that bring great joy or creative outlets to you. Making sure the fast momentum and energizing doesn’t get overtaken by frustration or burn out by over committing to such projects. Deadlines and timeframes may need to be longer than usual. There is a lot going on, so make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Just because you love doing it, doesn’t mean you should forget about other commitments over this time frame. Balancing what you love doing and find creatively rewarding, along with the daily grind is key to keeping in balance for the next 6 months. It will do wonders for you overall.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Mars spending so long in your home and family sector, will be something that needs to be managed and monitored. Mars going through the base of your chart, which also includes your ancestors stirs and agitates the depths. With Saturn in Capricorn in your 1st house, trying to establish boundaries and authority around “Who you are” and “What your identify as/with” vs Mars in your home sector, agitating and stirring up the waters of where you come from and how these things sit together, will be a tricky balancing act. The retrograde, may have you feeling like you’re challenged or moving backwards. Make sure you check your aggression and hostility towards family as you work through all this will be important. Mars in Aries is a pretty big trigger, and with it spending so long in such a sensitive and personal place in your chart, will need management. Making good with it, and using its power wisely is of the upmost importance right now.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Having a strong Mars, in your local neighbourhood and resource sector, will see hot flashes or little micro aggressions pop up in your local neighbourhood, as you go about your routines. Mars also activates your relationships with siblings. Beware of these flashpoints. Not all aggressions, frustration or challenges need to be brought into. There is a lot going on for the rest of 2020, working out if what pops up in these areas is really worth putting your energy into will be part of the process. Upshot? Getting out and engaging and being active in your local community through sports or exercising in your neighbourhood, is a positive use, of all this physically strong and mobile energy. It may help take the stress off as we make our way through 2020. Be extra cautious when driving over the next 6 months, anything with strong fire power in your day to day neighbourhood should be treated with care, as its all on high rev for 6 months.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Mars spending 6 months in your Money house, will be challenging. Watching how you spend, manage, invest or earn your money will be where Mars edges his sword from now to January 2021. Mars in your money house, may see more out goings as things you don’t expect pop up, with those annoying one off’s. Expect some unexpected expenditure, keep this in mind so you can monitor the essential and non-essential spending, before these things pop up. However, leaning into a strong Saturn in Capricorn, will be of great assistance. Use your networks or community to help establish strong structures around Money, and how you earn it. Mars maybe pushing you to get out there and earn it. Using your solid network of friends and connections, is how you end up doing it.
Today’s Winter Solstice, coincides with a Solar (New) Moon Eclipse. The Last time this occurred on the June Solstice was in 2001, that turned out the be quite a defining year for Geopolitics, it would be accurate to say, unseen powers were at work at the 2001 June Eclipse.
To answer the question of, is this a common occurrence ? This coincidence of a Solar eclipse on the same day as the June solstice will only happen once again this century: on June 21, 2039.
Today, it could be said is the middle point of this unfolding story. Like in 2001, this years configuration of Saturn and Pluto, created difficult and unsettling terrain to navigate, for the rest of 2020, creating a new 38 year era of changing power structures. 2001 was a half way point. Pluto and Saturn were opposed in 2001, they conjoined in January 2020), kicking off 2020 and a new decade. 2020 is a year of continual and potent change geopolitically, this Eclipse is part of the story, of which only time will reveal. Eclipses operate and highlight, blind spots or hidden activities, which later get revealed.
Today’s eclipse being another beat in the story arc. Remembering Eclipse energy doesn’t tend to reveal itself for at least 2 weeks, taking up to 6 months to manifest, stay tuned, and stay alert and stay connected … 🤔2020 isn’t going to go back to “normal” anytime soon …
On Sunday 21stof June, we have a large Solar Eclipse on the auspicious Cancer Solstice 0° point. With half the inner planets now retrograde, and Mars moving into position for its retrograde, later this year; a strongly aspected Solar Eclipse on the Solstice point reflects the power of unseen and imbalanced energies at work. When it comes to harvesting, good energy, this Solstice is not the best pickings.
Eclipses are when the Sun and the Moon are literally overshadowed by each other. Looking like they are either eating or swallowing each other. It’s not great for a relationship based on feeding/reflecting each other with each-others light. The relationship of the Luminaries is the basis of seasonal cycles, time keeping as well as seeding and harvesting foods and crops all things we are dependent on as a Society. Eclipses are when this relationship is not its usual self and where the unseen is at work, eclipsed from vision. What is being formed is literally shadowed, blocked, unclear, or shady. Eclipses are the definition of shady business.
This shady business occurring, at the point of greatest imbalance of light, whether it be greatest light, or greatest darkness, it’s a double down on this imbalance of light and what is seen and unseen. It’s a good time to reflect on issues of the Cancer / Capricorn axis, as they are at the heart of this Eclipse. Cancer (Home, Family, Ancestors, Nourishment, Tending to Emotional and Physical Needs and Instinctual / Protective Qualities) vs Capricorn (Power, Work, Government/Governance, Autonomy, Career, Money, Reputation, Being Seen). Focusing on getting these topics balanced, so you are not dominated by either sphere, helps in working with what 2020 is offering up.
This eclipse is on the Rahu or North Node side of the Eclipse equation. Meaning it has a Moreish/ Materialistic / Consumption quality about it. With both the Sun and Moon, in such tight aspect to Rahu/North Node, our 2 luminaries, will be getting a lot of pressure, to consume, desire and ingest, with no off-switch button attached. So, looking after yourself, not overdoing things, not putting too much expectation on what you should be doing, whilst not ignoring your external obligations would be good eclipse energy management. Remembering to take time to digest, over the next 2 weeks – 6months, this is critical to managing this North Node / Rahu energy. Stop and digest!
Things may feel a little out of control right now, but trying to keep some balance with all the obvious imbalances around you, centring on commitments to yourself, your home and nurturing your personal needs, without neglecting your current commitments to Society and your working sphere, is all being strongly emphasised at this eclipse. With the Eclipse falling on the Solstice, it’s a striking reminder about potency of 2020’s Astrology. Blindly consuming things or solutions that feed either the Cancer or Capricorn equation, is where we can get in trouble, moving forwards from this eclipse. Stopping to digest will be of great assistance at this time, rather than blindly doing and consuming products, content, or old beliefs, in the hopes that the solutions will be found. The aim is to not add to the confusion, that this Solstice Eclipse and 2020 has on offer, and creating time to process rather than blindly pushing forwards, will be of great assistance in such an unstable and increasingly volatile time.
April 4th, 2020, Venus will ingress into Gemini for its longest stint since 2012, thanks to the upcoming retrograde. Venus is usually in a sign for 1 month, this ingress will see Venus occupy the sign of Gemini for 4 months (April 4th– August 8th).
When Venus transits a sign, it brings its nature and adjusts to the environment or sign/topu/place, it’s transiting. Venus is a planet whose focus is on bringing people or things together, harmonizing, having fun and pleasure, as well as gaining materials, tools or moments to enhance life. Venus is the pleasure seeker. When Venus is stressed out, or in a sign that is not so supportive of her ways, this generally creates a bit of tension, frustration or alteration of her style and signature, sometime dramatically. However, in this instance, Venus in Gemini is without doubt one hell of a charmer!
Gemini, being an Air Sign whose focus is to divide, multiply, dissipate with mental agility and quick wits, gives Venus a mental boost. Venus is now acting with pace, quick thinking & doing, in her expressions. Perfect for groups and social connectivity, via technology (also a Gemini/Mercury signature). Technology has been so vital to our connectivity in the current Covid 19 climate. Ruled by Mercury, Gemini is inventive, but also flippant. Venus, entering Gemini at such a time is interesting, considering how dependant we are on communications and being able to connect to each other. This gives our current situation a real lift, as we investigate new ways of being present in the world, while self- isolating (quite the Gemini duality). Computer Technology and the Internet spaces being our new crutch to stay “normal” and connected to values and community. Venus in Gemini needs constant stimulation and sociability.
Venus’s tour of Gemini could start off as a really positive or attractive transit. The main challenge to this transit, is confusion and frustration, with the Retrograde phase. This is when all the charm factors might fall-down or slip and we see a more dualistic or double edged side to our relationships. As Venus slows to create her Retrograde (13 May – 25 June) this slowing process will be extremely frustrating for a sign so used to quick pace; whose main focus is on its ability to constantly problem solve & its ability to quickly communicate or absorb lots of information. This slow down of Venus, could create some real drawbacks. Technological hitches or social unpleasantries. The issue of frustration, challenges to people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, in our current Covid 19 climate, could also become more apparent during the actual retrograde. This retrograde may also present a situation of Information overload.
Venus’ transit of Gemini presents the struggles with a usually fast-moving planet, slowing down and retrograding, like the Mercury Retrograde. In this instance, re-evaluations, re-assessments and re-groupings of your relationships with others, is highlighted. I would expect to see a backlash or frustration with the need to continue to self-isolate, coming through via the internet & communication channels. Without the smoothest of graces or some social divisions presenting. Two faced people and disruption on the net, definitely! Perhaps even people deciding to get off the net, to create more solid relationships with themselves at home at the actual retrograde, as we reach peak information overload.
The need to really connect and be present with people, could well be where this Retrograde really warps out. Or the issue of mis-information and lack of social graces really shows who you do and don’t want to be involved with. Remembering Gemini’s not adverse to splitting off or creating dual systems and methods. Mercury during this retrograde, will give some support to Venus in Gemini, as it works its way out of the months of confusion created by its Pisces Retrograde earlier this year. Mercury’s transit through, Aries, Taurus, Gemini and entering Cancer, will lend some assistance for Gemini style operations. The Nodal Shift into Gemini and Sagittarius in May will add more weight and pressure to what Venus is trying to achieve in Gemini at this time, personally and collectively.
Venus’s retrograde occur every 8 years, and it can be interesting to look back to those times to see what changed, was seeded, broke down, or was sparked. Venus in Gemini last transiting around the same point in your chart on 15 May 2012 – 28thJune 2012 & 17 May 2004 – 29 June 2004.
Venus’s retrograde, can be a bit shaky, they can be introverted, they can be times of change and redirection. Gemini having an intellectual and information bent to it, does lend it to a headier rather than emotional response to the qualities of Venus are trying to evolve, remembering that this is a process of change and introspection, around connection, information, communication and social settings and groups. Looking at the data and having a sharp eye on the information coming in will help you as you live out this timely transit, in extra-ordinary times.
Venus in Gemini through the Signs:
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Changes to how you present to the world, your health & vitality may occur at the retrograde. How people interpret you, is also high on the agenda, as you navigate how your relationship and representation to others works and what it is founded on. Is it authentic & genuine? or do people have the wrong impression of you? Either way, you will have plenty of time to really pull it apart, with the end result being mutually beneficial for you and your presentation to the world. Sculpting your charm factor is exactly what this transit is calling out for.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
Venus in Gemini, will be re-configuring your most personal and private spaces, helping move or shift things deep within your personal secret’s realm. You could call it your inner psychology, spirituality or fears. However, Venus is Gemini gives you the opportunity to really turn the soils over and help get a handle on things that are mostly left untouched. Venus gives a more supportive planetary influence, in comparison to other inner planets that could have been doing this retrograde. Venus will help reassess your relationships with and to your private and personal of spaces. Information will be presented to help with the processing, its vital intel, that is being unlocked. Don’t be afraid to use it.
LEO / LEO RISING
Leo’s have a reputation for being people’s people, entertainers, or just great people to have in the social sphere. As the retrograde is occurring literally in your most publicly seen social house, your participation and social relationships are under full examination this retrograde. Some of this is occurring in lockdown circumstances, adding a bit of a fruity twist. Remembering who your tribe is, and how you connect with them is under re-assessment. Social Relationships may increase or lessen over this retrograde. People or social groups from the past may comeback, to reconnect with. Why, how you represent in social settings is a bit warped at the moment, due to the retrograde AND the current pandemic setting, but it is still reforming. Technology could either help enormously or become hinderance at this time. All this is under-going an 8-year re-examination. Your social groups, communities or your social relationship’s as a whole, is being re-evaluated. Don’t be surprised if old groups or contacts come out of the woodwork. Letting go of outdated social networks, also heavily part of this 4-month course. Out dated dreams and hopes, are also heavily under the microscope at this time.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
The Venus Retrogradation in fellow Mercury ruled sign Gemini, will be something you are more easily able to hook into, like the other Air Signs. However, as it is occurring at the highest point of your chart and in your reputation and career sector, this retrograde, might also be a bit slippery. Use your eye for detail to watch the patterns and identify situations as they change and evolve. Don’t take the confusion at the actual retrograde point at face value, as deeper things are at play. Do be honest & genuine to yourself about and relationships especially on the work front, or where your reputation is on the line. Use the retrograde for getting intel, from yourself and others. Its end-game, is to be in authentic and help develop supportive relationships where your Career and personal reputation is involved. Don’t be surprised if people from your past who in some way are connected to this pop back up. Discern if it’s to help let go of past obstacles, or to help develop future you.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
Venus’s Retrograde will see your ruler doing some interesting mind games around your life philosophies and your relationships to international landscapes. Gemini brings an added mental focus, to look into all available options. Also, a fellow Air sign, this will help restructure and bring new ideas and options to the table. Remembering it may not always be pleasant having your ruler feel like it’s working against your main wishes. It helps go back over and release things, which in turn helps lighten the philosophical or worldly load. People from overseas, or strong mentors/teachers might come back into your life. Your job is to work out if it’s to address past issues to release, or if it’s there to help you move positively and safely forwards. Potentially throwing you a wonderful and encouraging lifeline of support.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Venus spending so much time in your Money and Resource sector might be draining, but it is also a genius time to audit and assess where your external money sources are at, and what your relationships to those resources are. Venus being a benefic is helpful, but scrutinizing and going with any insights at the actual Retrograde will be very helpful for future investments, even if you feel like you are going backwards. Any strong urges to splash out are to be resisted at this time, as you might regret it when Venus exits Gemini. Blending the grace of Venus and Mercurial acumen of Gemini, has the potential for some positive results. Venus retrograde, is where you untangle the threads, or people from your past many come to your assistance or inspiration.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Venus’s retrograde in your house of relationships, will see a more traditional manifestation of this transit. Literally your connections to those you’re in one on one relationships with, is being re-evaluated. Connections of dots will become clearer to see, or its absence of connection also clear. Don’t be surprised if people you once had close relationships in your past also come back. This is to either to reconnect with or finish off for closure, take it case by case. Reconnections and dis-entangling the web of one on one relationships will be where this retrograde energy is heavily focused over the next 4 months
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Your day to day routine, exercise, health and wellbeing, will be where this retrograde is occurring. Bright ideas, inspiration and re-assessments of this will be continuing to evolve and change. Don’t be put off, it this routine is disrupted or challenged. People from your past connected to such topics may come back during the retrograde to help you get closure or develop your relationship to these topics in some way. Venus is a benefic, she is a positive blessing. Any challenges or adjustments will end up being for your benefit, it’s all about the end game, and getting those daily routines sorted so they bring joy and happiness as you go about your day to day life.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Having Venus, going retrograde in the house of her Joy, might be a little more deflating than you would initially expect. The upshot – is she will come out on top, by the end of the retrograde process. Venus will be, re-assessing, re-evaluating and pulling apart, your true loves, relationships with children and creative activities you usually go to for creative release. Venus is looking to help create better relations between you and the above topics. Go with the insights and follow their threads. Valuable information is stored there. People from your past who are connected to these topics in some ways, old teachers, old flames, old childhood friends, old creative or physical passions may also pop up at this time. Helping assist with this period of cleansing and clearing.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Venus’s Retrograde in your house of Ancestors, Physical Home and Family, may see a little stress or strain around these areas of life. Pre and Post the retrograde, things may feel connected and ok, with moments of genius leaping out at you. It’s the actual retrograde, when these topics might become a bit more skewed. This whole time generally is a great time to get familiar with your ancestors /family or do some ancestor/family work, especially during the actual retrograde (if you’re that way inclined). Hot tip for the actual retrograde. Perhaps delay and home re-decorating or changes that are permanent. Why? Post Venus’s Retrograde, you might run the risk of changing your mind. Try and go for home décor changes, that can be easily reversed, after this Venus Retrograde season. Changes of minds post retrogrades, it’s a thing.
ARIES / ARIES RISING
Your day to day errands and life around your neighbourhood or daily life, might end up having a couple of curve balls thrown at it during the retrograde. Perhaps you are tired and bored of it and you might seek a joosh up of it all. Seeking new areas or new connections in areas that are familiar with you, might help create the small changes you are looking for. Relationships in your neighbourhood also might get a bit hairy at the retrograde. Exploring and re-connecting with any devotional activities around the home, would be great to explore. It could be any kind of activity as long as its purpose is to be devotional (to your body, your mind or your spirit). It could help create a lasting impact and harmonious connection to self and your immediate neighbourhood.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
Venus (your ruler) will be spending an extra-ordinarily long time in your money and self-worth sector. It will give you a nice boost, either side of the retrograde, and may allow for some positive developments and changes. One big thing is to watch what you purchase at the retrograde period, you may change your mind later, which is not great if it’s a big-ticket item. Changes to how you see yourself and your self-value will also be influx at the retrograde part of the cycle. Just know its influx and any unsureness at this time, is there to be worked with, not ignored. Changes of mind around money and purchases, maybe be strong at this time. So, keep that in mind, when something attractive pops up. Coming out the other side with a more secure sense of personal assuredness & value along with self-confidence is what this entire process is striving to achieve. As well as not regretting that really large impulse buy a few months later.
April invites you to focus on your Relationships and one on one connections. This month’s Full Moon in Libra shines brightly on your one on one relationships. Allow this ripening and maturation to feed both sides of the equation. This only occurs once a year, the next 6 months focus is on releasing or letting go of any negative aspects or traits.
Taurus
Aprils New Moon in Taurus is the perfect time to focus on yourself by creating rebellious acts of Self-Love. The New Moon snuggling up to Uranus, a planet all about revolution and changes. Are there any secrets you been harbouring, any acts of nurturing, self-worth building and love, you would like to explore? If so, don’t be surprised it the impetus is suddenly upon you.
Gemini
With Venus spending four months in your sign instead of its usual one month, Venus is front and centre in grabbing your attention. Venus brings together, allows pleasures and harmonizes people and connections. The Venus retrograde (in May) slows things down and turns things inside out. This month the real focus is on Venus, and what she means to you. Is Venus bringing all that you really desire your way? Are all your relationships healthy? Focus on that.
Cancer
The 12thHouse is a private and very personal space, Venus focusing her energy there for the next four months, stirs up some deep waters. Venus is pleasure and she has a binding affect, a drawing together. Focusing in on what your deepest desires are, and what you want to attract, from your deepest and most personal space. This is April’s focus is for you, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a passing inquiry.
Leo
Leo’s love to engage and are social creatures at heart. This April Venus in your social house, for four months, instead of the usual one month prolongs your focus. Venus loves to bring together and engage, April begins a long focus and assessment on this. This month’s focus is about going out, enjoying the company of others and social groups and engagements. If something isn’t pushing your buttons, follow that thread. It’s vital information, for the months to come.
Virgo April’s focus is on your Career and Reputation at large. Venus love to bring blessings and attract helpful people to your world. April begins this energetic focus, as she spends four months instead of one month, in your Career sector. Your Focus, to enjoy any gifts, offers or compliments. However, any doubts, niggling suspicious or not quite right feelings … follow it, as Venus is evolving. It’s not as clear cut as it might appear at first.
Libra
Mercury enters your opposing sign of Aries in April, after months of being stuck in Pisces, a water sign. Mercury in Aries allows you to focus on clear, passionate, innovative and directive communications with your Partners and those you have a One on One Relationship with. After feeling like so much misunderstanding or confusion, Mercury in Aries, allows you to be clear and decisive of what you want in Relationships, focus on that!
Scorpio
April’s New Moon occurs in your 7thhouse of relationships, it’s a wonderful time to focus on letting go of any old baggage from the past year and clean the slate to draw in more aligned partnerships. Uranus being involved could make it much easier than anticipated. Venus moves into your house of resources and other people’s money, where it will stay focused for the next four months. Do proceed with caution, any large investments with people or any loans from April, might end up being more complicated that initially intended.
Sagittarius
The New Moon in April offers new focus or opportunity around your health, fitness, daily routine as it pertains to daily routine. As Uranus is involved, it might help revolutionised your day to day living or come out of nowhere. Small changes can have big impacts. Venus moving into your Relationship house for four months means, your relationships are evolving.
Capricorn
April sees Mars enter your Money house, focusing on your Money and what you do with it is very important this month. Mars can see your money disappear as quickly as you earn it. Venus begins a long elaborate journey through your health and work sector. Focusing on your day-to-day routine, will help signal where any changes need to be made. This is a longer journey, than initially expected. Focus on physical and mental wellbeing as the end result
Aquarius
The New Moon next to Uranus, a planet whose focus is to change and individuate, occurs in your Home, Family, Ancestor sectors. This is a yearly event, to help clean the slate and re-focus your relationship to your Home and Family. Mars is visible to all, as your motivation and actions make your intentions clear. Focus on individuation and using your strength and determination to move you forwards.
Pisces
Venus makes her presence felt around your Family, Home and Ancestors. It’s an intensive focus which lasts four months, instead of the usual one. Focusing on this area of life will help bring through what is being asked to be born, built or accepted. Mars activates your subconscious and private sectors. It is important to not brush aside fears or stresses that arise. Mars is about stirring and ending. Ending any stress or anxiety is positive, although its focus might be unpleasant. Focus on the irradiation, not the process.
Luminary Astrology 