Neptune Retrograde in Pisces

 

From June 9th until November 15th, Neptune will be in retrograde motion. Neptune rules denial, so when Neptune turns retrograde our feelings are more astute at picking up and perceiving the illusive. It is easier to ascertain information about issues that have eluded us while Neptune was direct. It is essential that we do something about the problems that we pick up on while Neptune is retrograde because they can worsen when Neptune goes direct. A retrograde Neptune tends to blur the boundaries between reality and illusion, and makes dreams larger than life. This is therefore a good time to delve into your dreams, to listen to your intuition, to experience music and art, and to seek inspiration. Be sure however to keep a good grip on the practical aspects of life and avoid being cast adrift on the sea of unreality. A Neptune retrograde in Pisces is a good time to refocus or recommit to your spiritual side and attune yourself to pursuits that help grow Self.

It should be noted that with Neptune turning retrograde, it joins Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and four planets are now in retrograde motion. For the next few months, do not expect anything to move at its customary pace.  Life will stall, be prepared.

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer and Gemini

From June 7th until the 17th, Mercury will be in Cancer.  The challenge will be to think clearly when all these emotions are coming up and all we can do is feel. All of our emotional insecurities will rise to the surface and this Mercury retrograde can make us feel like we could easily loose it and emotionally explode. Family issues that we thought we had dealt with will come back again. Old wounds will resurface to be hopefully healed once again on an ever-deeper level. The essence of Cancer energy is to learn emotional self-reliance. To realize that no matter how "bad" or "good" our relationships may be, no matter what gender we are this lifetime, it is still our own responsibility to take care of our own emotional needs. No matter who we think is "hurting" us it is just the mirror to help us to greater levels of emotional self-relating. So this Mercury retrograde will help us determine where in our emotional relationships we need to relate to ourselves better. This is the time period to realize our deepest emotional fears and insecurities and face them, to mentally listen inwardly on how to do this.

Then from the 17th to July 1st, Mercury will move into Gemini.  Gemini Sun Signs and  people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to introspection. Gemini is a Mutable Sign, so the other Mutable Signs, Pisces, Virgo and Sagittarius will also be effected. With Neptune Retrograde as well, the coming weeks will present a tricky time. Bear in mind that, although luck could well be on your side, there are no guarantees that you will make proper use of the information, ideas, or activities you experience. Reality will probably not manage to intrude, as inspiration and instincts rule the day and there is little choice but to reconsider our personal views and opinions about life. We receive, however, an opportunity to gain insight into our own ego. Your imagination and intuition can prove useful, by putting you in the right place at the right time. Mercury retrograde in Gemini tempts us to leap into something new and untried, or to escape to some other place. Although Gemini is the sign of the mind and of communication, this period can see us swamped in a mass of detail, especially if matters that should have been completed in the past return to haunt us. An unduly fluid state of mind can lead to indecision and confusion, mainly through a breakdown in communication. Judgments are unclear and fickle, and it's hard to know good value when you see it. Frustration arises in connection with information and ideas that come your way. Resist the temptation to take offence at criticism, especially if it wasn't meant to be taken personally.

Sun Enters Gemini

Now that the seedling is secure it begins to branch out and interconnect with a complex root system. The Gemini principle is driven by the compelling need to connect objects with one another to form ever greater links. Their job is to experience a diversity of sensations, thoughts and encounters so that they can create systems or theories of knowledge that are then disseminated to others.

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Mercury. When a planet or house cusp is in the sign of Gemini, the planet or house will describe how or where you communicate the most. It also represents the conscious mind and the thinking process. In general, a person born under the sign of Gemini will tend to need constant change and variety in their lives; as well as the need to communicate on all levels. They are the happiest when they have more than one interest to pursue. Sometimes this can lead to inconsistency and irresponsibility because they fail to complete what they start. In spite of this trait, they have excellent memory, quick minds and can be very logical and rational people.

We have set off on a cosmic journey starting with Aries and Taurus. The Aries cycle brought a great burst of life force and initiative, like a seed being shed from the husk of previous journeys. This seed contained an explosion of potential and possibilities in our lives. In the Taurus cycle, we planted this seed and stabilized its growth to ensure it has the fuel and endurance to survive the long process ahead. Taurus provided an opportunity to explore our attitudes about resources. Now we reach the Gemini phase of our journey. In Gemini, we're challenged to increase our awareness and connect this new potential to our immediate environment. Hence, Gemini and the 3rd House are associated with neighbors and siblings, local travel and the vehicles that get us there. They're also connected to the conceptual neighborhood. We are also part of our own neighborhood. Psychologically, Gemini is the beginning of objective self-awareness. This is not to say that Aries or Taurus people are not self-aware; rather, Gemini energy brings the most basic forms of awareness into focus for everyone. Developing objective self-awareness is a long-term process that grows and evolves. In terms of external projects and activities, Gemini is the stage in which we start to become aware of what we're trying to do and what will be involved.  How do we become aware? When we want to look at ourselves physically, we need a mirror. A mirror provides us with a means to observe ourselves objectively, as separate objects. Similarly, to perceive our personality objectively, we need a mirror of some sort in the form of communication, relationships and the community. This mirroring effect introduces the idea of duality. In Gemini, we have our first awareness of the multiplicity of Self. For all of us, archetypal Gemini brings us to an awareness of the many facets of ourselves. The Air Signs form an evolutionary process of observing ourselves through the mirror of other people. In Gemini, we begin with information exchange. Through communication, we increase our awareness of the world around.

This is the quest of the Gemini, to gather together as much information about their world as possible. It is their medium for knowing themselves and their navigation tool through life, gathering and sharing information.

Sun Enters Taurus

The outward impulse to manifest and thrive that was present in Aries now gives way to the methodical and practical shaping of the new life thereby creating a secure foundation for future growth. The Taurus principle involves the practical shaping and formation of value. Their job is to define and codify their values; what they own, so that they can actualize their potential and leave an inspiring legacy for others.  After Aries propelled us into the world of fiery energy and motivation, Taurus brings us back down to Earth and connects us with the material world. Archetypally, it is our first encounter with physical reality and everything contained within it, from material resources to our internal substance. In connecting to the world of reality, we must also start learning to assess, organize and prioritize what we find within it. In Taurus, it is our job to stabilize that Big Bang of exploding life force and secure its sure, steady growth. Without the grounding counter-balance of this Fixed Earth sign, the new Aries life energy would soon burn itself out after all that volatile, fiery exuberance. Like a flash in the pan, our new growth would light up the landscape momentarily and then fade into memory. Taurus is our basic sense of worth, in the broadest meaning of the word; our material worth, as well as our internal self-worth. It is our values: what we consider worth the price, both literally or/and figuratively.

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the planet Venus, which is located in its natural house. When a planet or house cusp is in Taurus, it will describe how and/or where you will seek stability and security. People with the Sun in Taurus are usually very practical and levelheaded; they won’t be easily led by idealism. Risks are taken only if it is absolutely necessary and only after much consideration. This is a sign that’s slow to change and would prefer a steady routine in life. They are not afraid of hard work because they value emotional and material security.

As the first of the ‘Earth’ signs, Taurus personalizes the expressions “solid as a rock” and “down to earth”. There is a true affinity with earth and being in the world of nature and surrounded by the products of the earth is a source of spiritual strength. Productivity and creativity are also appropriate keywords. Taureans are never happier than when putting physical form to their concept of harmony and beauty. For them, there is a real sense of relaxation in just doing without the need to overtax oneself emotionally or mentally. Once motivated to begin a project, they shine through their noticeable powers of endurance and resilience. More than any other sign, this is one of hidden reserves of power and strength, of solidity in form and character.

So, in Taurus we take that Aries seed and plant it. To the fiery Aries energy, this may feel like being buried alive, but it is absolutely essential to its longevity; it enables the impulse to become a sustained force.

Sun enters Aries

Aries marks the transition point from the old cycle into the new one. Aries, therefore, represents the idea of leaving the old behind and launching into new beginnings, new adventures, and setting off into unknown territory. Aries is the seed which projects future possibilities into the unknown. The seed planted now will sprout, blossom and bear fruit later in the cycle, but that's then and this is now. However, before you can grow anything, you must first recognize it, identify it and name it. You can't nurture what you don't acknowledge. The Aries principle is symbolized by the catalytic process and by acts of initiation and innovation. It is not necessarily the job of Aries to follow through! The job of Aries is to spring into action in new and innovative ways using their natural leadership and delegation skills to empower others to become involved

Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and is located in its natural First House. It is associated with the beginning of a cycle. Aries is the wake-up call of the zodiac. As the Spring Equinox marks the start of the new year, we celebrate the birth of new life and the new beginnings that lay in store.  Aries is ruled by Mars, the action Planet of the Zodiac. The 'Red Planet,' after all, should be pretty fiery, and Mars does not disappoint. Energy, passion, drive and determination are all right up Mars's alley. This Planet commands you to stand up, be noticed and get things done. Simply put, Mars speaks to the power and confident expression of the individual. Ambition and competition are also within Mars's realm. Whether it's at work or on the field of play, Mars encourages us to face challenges and to be our best or better. Aggression is part of the plan here, although Mars also values courage and honor. Assertion and a daring, fearless nature please this Planet. Aries turns ideas into action, is spontaneous, competitive and enthusiastic.  Aries resonates to the energy of its planetary ruler, Mars, recognized as the bringer of action and the impulse to attack or strike back. Mars is the defiant spirit; when dignified it will show courage, fearlessness, respected leadership, the propensity to take a risk and the lover of a challenge. In this form Mars is the moral champion, ready to take up arms on behalf of others less able or willing to put their necks on the line. When poorly placed and displaying its less noble traits, it represents needless aggression, violent eruptions, assertiveness to the point of selfishness, and the urge to take from others without due regard to their needs and well being.

The Arian symbol is the self-regenerating ram, representing the ability to arise with greater strength and vitality after periods of loss. The Ram became celebrated in the associated stars as a sacred symbol of resurrection, since its fleece, when shorn, continues to grow and provides a constant, abundant supply.

Being prepared to let go of the unused and the outgrown is essential if you are to develop your full force and potential. The ridding of unnecessary baggage allows you keep re-evaluating your beliefs and needs in the context of the here and now.