AQUARIAN ZONE ~ Sky Watch, from the 'Eye of Rose' at AstroLink

SUPER NEW MOON, June 3: 12:32 pm, 13:34 GEMINI

FULL MOON, June 18: 10:30 am, 27:50 SAGITTARIUS

Mercury completes retrograde: June 19: 7:31 am

Key dates to watch: June 3, 10, 14, 15, 16 – 19, 20, 21, 26 - 28

All times listed are PDT

Monthly Overview:

June opens with Mercury retrograde operating at an intensified frequency, thanks to the Super New Moon in Gemini on June 3. (Super Moon: an astronomical high tide.) We can feel like the decks are stacked and rising; we can also look forward to unusual occurrences and uncanny synchronicity. The typical Mercury retrograde shenanigans can be easily observed, i.e.: plans or agreements falling through, miscommunications; computer, transportation, or schedule problems, paperwork snafus. Weather or health turns can give us a run for it too. Watch for rumor mills, sales pitches, trends, fads, media hype and mergers or splits to captivate our attention. Stories or news can resurface or repeat.

With the Super Moon intensified tides now activated, whatever is set into motion is sure to have a vibrant momentum; we’ll witness faster/greater circulation, mobility, and turnarounds. Chiron’s influence on the North Node can bring an awakening, illumination, messages/messengers, special recognition or the extraordinary; watch for striking introductions or inductions via destiny’s hand.

This particular Mercury retrograde has a bevy of stellar allies to spur greater risk taking now; we can be more game to try avenues or relationships that we might not normally choose. Off the beaten path, alternatives, or even extreme moves could seem quite normal, natural, and logical. On the positively note, this game mood can help us make important breakthroughs; for some it can be a mild cycle, for others, great creativity and potential is energized; opportunity appears. Still, it must be noted, Mercury in retrograde intensifies a higher degree of subjectivity, which can lead to blind spots. When we get overly caught up in our own one-sided concepts, opinions, and projections, selective hearing and seeing can lead to great folly.

Mercury retrograde will station direct on June 19 but we will continue to work through this cycle (first begun around May 22) through the July 6 threshold point, when Mercury direct will finally surpass a square aspect to Uranus (not previously reached/perfected). At this time Mercury will complete the trine contacts with the North Node, Chiron and Neptune (regaining the original degree of its station retrograde.) Watch for the synchronistic creative force of these planetary energies to be evident in the collective climate as well as in our personal journey.

The North Node (of the Moon) has been within close conjunction to Chiron in Aquarius throughout this last month. The two will perfect aspect on June 2 and move into a New Phase relationship, suggesting we can be opened by or exposed to more than usually comes our way. The Now energizes an exceptional opportunity to revolutionize the course of our lives – at personal, social, and collective levels. It’s the right time to experiment with the maverick’s path, to liberate a freer conscience, and to adopt a new lifestyle.

Pluto retrograde backs into Sagittarius on June 14. In this final re-visitation and grace period, we are asked to check in with ourselves one more time, to revamp where necessary and to take an active hand in re-setting the pointer on our life’s compass. Many of us can be prompted to uproot - hopefully, it will be to higher ground.

While Pluto in Sagittarius can bring more hopefulness, Jupiter’s current tour of Capricorn can bring the reality check into plainer view. Added seriousness or soberness can permeate our consciousness, prompted perhaps by a greater awareness of the ceilings or sense of time running out. It is a key time now to pick your “race horse”– and to implement practical and concrete steps to reposition where necessary. Time is of the essence. Don’t waste it.

Uranus stations retrograde on June 26. The archetypical intention of Uranus is to shatter through the conditioned consciousness and its crystallized judgment patterns, to cut cords with that which does not allow for progress. The retrograde cycle acts as an intensified catalyst in this regard, by creating the necessary environmental friction, shake up, or shockwaves, by awakening creative capacities and by supplying the revolutionary tools (circumstances or people). The outer planet retrogrades tend to be less noticeable in our individual lives unless they specifically make contact on our charts, but still they continue to be influential to our discovery process and internal evolution.

We can expect added emotionalism to be evident as Venus ingresses into Cancer on Wed, June 18, the same day the Moon becomes Full in Sagittarius. Mercury station’s direct on Thurs, June 19, the Summer Solstice (the Sun ingresses into Cancer) occurs on Fri June 20, Mars opposes Neptune on June 21. This should be an intense clearing and moving forward time. For some the threshold crossing may come tinged with fear, uncertainty, and insecurity, but know that whatever is dissolving has reached beyond its due-date. There are no guarantees in life; security is really an illusion at best. Uranus stations retrograde on the Third Quarter Moon June 26; the shift of gears will be felt by all. Disengage as best possible. Past mid July and into August, dynamic new cycles will call each and all to task.

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^ Aries ~ March 21 to April 19

Life can get even busier throughout the Mercury retrograde cycle. When you reconnect - as you’ll do more frequently this month – it’s as though you haven’t skipped a beat. Something you have said or done could be played back to you; you could get double mileage out of something that worked well previously too. Among the top red flags for this Mercury retrograde, don’t open suspect emails and don’t ignore your vehicle’s warning signals. June 6 - 8 dishes up a great weekend to plan something social. In fact Venus, Mercury retrograde, and the Sun keep people connections upbeat through these first two weeks of the month. Signaling the start of vacation season, Pluto’s return visit to Sagittarius (a lighter, more hopeful sign placement) is likely to come with a sense of relief, especially if you have just gained your freedom from a recently grueling schedule. June 13 – 18 brings you through a key transition, which also smacks of karmic repetition. You could severe ties, be challenged to take a decisive/defining step forward, be confronted by a piece of news, or find yourself revved up by a hot new prospect (business or personal.) Then again, these key dates could simply signal an end to the way things have been.

_ Taurus ~ April 20 to May 20

Contradictions and question marks abound while Mercury retrograde tours Gemini. The month ahead can put you through a personal review or soul-searching cycle. You’ll become more aware of the dualities of your current circumstances; sometimes you can feel like you that you are leading a double life. Do actions and words convey the same meaning? Financial resources or people that you have come to rely on can become inconsistent or less reliable than you need them to be. Once Pluto returns to Sagittarius, you can expect to see things mushroom, both plus and minus. Relationship alienation can resurface/grow again. Then again, you can find yourself squeezed into a corner or suffocated by a particular relationship or circumstance. Expenses continue to pile up; Mercury retrograde brings one thing after another. Plans usually change during this cycle; you’ll need to adopt greater flexibility. Temporary measures, temporary work, or trial runs can be ideal. Positively, Mercury retrograde can bring second chances and bodes well for tightening relationship bonds that are already well anchored to a same-page base. Pluto’s return to Sagittarius (through November) can refortify you. You should be able to gain better control over relationships, career and financial matters.

~ from the Eye of Rose ` Gemini ~ May 21 to June 21

Time to spare can be short through birthday month! Mercury retrograde can keep you coming and going and find you especially wrapped up in the moment. Is it time to reinvent your wheel? Divine timing seems to be on your side, so don’t hesitate to scrap the less than satisfactory. Test-drive a new ambition; work on carving out a new niche for yourself. If you didn’t gain satisfaction or reach the goal the first time ‘round, the second shot could be the charm. Aim for it or not, you are sure to be an attention getter, especially from New Moon to Full Moon. June 13 through Father’s Day can be particularly eventful, watch for surprise. Pluto’s return to Sagittarius (mid June through end of November) can see partnership and/or financial matters thrust forward to the next level. The next five months can be a critical stage-setting time in both these essential departments. Be resourceful, aim for maximum effectiveness. The Full Moon, June 18, could bring you more than you bargained for.

a Cancer ~ June 22 to July 22

On a positive note, this Mercury retrograde cycle can help you to tap into a rich creative reservoir; a new romance can bud too. You can feel more alive and awake than ever. With such facilitating stars, you are likely to be more willing to open your heart or your wallet, to entertain possibilities and to take bigger than usual risks. While your intuitive faculties can be very well ignited, the trick is to take action when the insight or warning signal peaks within your awareness. If you are on track, you are likely to see smooth and quick progress. When you aren’t on track, confusion or uncertainty can grow, even though you thought you had it all figured out just five minutes ago. It can be easy to get swept away with emotion or to over-project. You may feel a sense of “almost but not quite”; in some cases, the gap can feel like a gulf. Perhaps you’ll feel a nagging sense that you should be doing more than you are, that there’s more going on than meets the eye, or that you should be elsewhere – but guesswork continues to be a formidable stumbling block. Items, interest/momentum, or time can be easily misplaced or lost, but know that it’s a temporary influence - once Mercury retrograde completes, we usually we find what we have lost. As Pluto backs into Sagittarius, more can surface, especially re health or work related matters. June 7 – 18, Mars and Uranus put you on a much faster track re relationship or financial matters. You could cross a major threshold around the time of the Full Moon. When uncertain, delay to let circumstances play themselves out.

b Leo ~ July 23 to Aug. 22

The month ahead can put you into a social whirlwind. Expect to bump into people you know everywhere you go. Out of school, or ending a project or relationship? Freedom can feel exhilarating. Mars and Chiron keep life exciting; watch for the exceptional, the sudden or surprising, June 6 – 18. Jump on the opportunities, but please use caution when traveling, competing, risking, or handling weapons or using sharp instruments. Pluto’s return to Sagittarius (an empowering and attention getting influence) provides you with an extended bonus cycle, mid June through Nov. Travel, a celebration or special event, or the opportunity to set yourself free comes around June 17 – 20. This is a great time to make a break for it! June 20 onward, you may want to cut loose, hide out, simplify and enjoy more. Explore all options; a new relationship or lifestyle could be in the works.

c Virgo ~ Aug. 23 to Sept. 22

While Mercury’s retrograde cycle brings the usual added challenge, facilitating stars help you to find creative solutions, especially regarding work or health related matters. Your special talent for multi-tasking and recycling (good ideas and more) is in full force. Seize all the advantages you can; a temporary stopgap or in-charge person could help you to get around an impasse. That which usually seems difficult for you to manage could be a cakewalk this time around. If you can, do the work once and use it/apply it everywhere you can. Mercury retrograde is not a good time to be finalizing contracts or signing leases, so if possible negotiate now and delay until after the Full Moon, June 18. As Mercury retrograde completes (June 19) more will come into view. Pluto’s return to Sagittarius, through November is a refinement cycle; this supportive influence will help you to work out the kinks and to clean up unfinished residues. You’ll learn not only how to manage your grand essentials, but you’ll become an adept at creating advantages for yourself too.

d Libra ~ Sept. 23 to Oct. 23

Mercury’s retrograde tour can find you wanting to take the easy way out and/or grateful for a reprieve moment. As this planet backs further away from Uranus, anxiety, uncertainty, and pressure diminishes further. June 9 – 13 can set you free; in fact, once you are let loose, you could be ready to go wild, especially with spending or play. June’s stars coincide beautifully with the end of the school term; it seems we are all in the mood for a change. A predominance of planetary energies in the element of air makes for pleasant social connections throughout most of the month. Relationships in general seem to run smoother. Mercury retrograde can bring a time to revamp your plans, to review your advertising or marketing strategies. Travel or entertainment costs are simply the new fact of life, but you could feel the pinch even more throughout Mercury’s retrograde cycle. The Full Moon, July 18 can dish up another eventful week; with plenty of arrivals, departures and thresholds crossed. A special event, a visitor, travel, or a personal milestone could set you on a high. As Mars and Chiron unite; watch for a reappearance of special note. Pluto’s return to Sagittarius can help you to expand your social network or client base. Now through Nov brings a key time to get better connected, informed, educated, and/or resituated. Don’t stop here; keep in motion and focused on the future.

e Scorpio ~ Oct. 24 to Nov. 22

A financial agreement or arrangement may need to be renegotiated while Mercury is in retrograde. More paperwork may need to be filed, more phone calls, talks, or steps could be necessary too; you could be called in for a second interview. Explore your options, but if possible, don’t finalize until Mercury completes retrograde, June 19 onward. Don’t assume people are on the same page or that everything is straightforward, even though appearances would suggest they are. You may still have more hoops to jump through or find that you need to take extra precautions. For each undertaking, there are likely to be added factors to consider, more people to include or consult with, and more than one way to play it too. Dualities are simply a part of life; interpretations are as varied as the players involved. Family relationships and home-related matters can be on a good roll for most of the month. June 13 – 17, Mars and Chiron can bring a severing of ties or catapult situations into a much faster forward. Anger or initiative can easily ignite. Once in motion, you aren’t likely to hold yourself back. These dates could see you gain a second wind, achieve special recognition, or bring added freedom. Then again, outside influences could have a direct bearing on what comes next in your personal life (watch the socio-political-economic climate and the weather as well.) Please be extra cautious and take note of potential fire hazards or destructive tendencies, explosive people, or volatile or dangerous situations. The Full Moon June 18 can bring everything to a head, plus or minus. Finances or intimate relationships can be two areas where you will feel the greatest impact. Once Mercury retrograde completes, and both Venus and the Sun advance into Cancer (June 18, June 20 respectively) you should feel a sense that life is moving along rather well.

f Sagittarius ~ Nov. 23 to Dec. 21

Venus, the Sun, and Mercury retrograde put the attention on partnerships, camaraderie, the importance of cooperative efforts and of finding your middle ground or niche market. Reconnections can be both delightful and lucrative. It can be easy to find ways to keep your clients or adoring public coming back for more. Pick up on a fad or current trend and run with it. It could be fleeting, but catch the wave while it’s going strong. Mars in Leo could bring you spotlight attention, invitations, added luck and opportunity, good news, or visitors; that which occurs could be beyond your expectations, especially around the Full Moon, July 18 (life delivers plenty between July 11 and 22.) Pluto’s return to Sagittarius keeps you searching for even more. Mid June through November, brings a time to hustle.

g Capricorn ~ Dec. 22 to Jan 20

Put added flexibility to work for you; Mercury retrograde can play havoc with your daily routines. Transportation or health issues can arise; your communication devices or networks could give you a run for it too. Try to keep as open-ended/open minded as possible, and when in a quandary, get a second opinion. (Still, in the end, it’s your opinion or take that you should rely on first.) More than one test or interview can be necessary. If you are looking for a second job or part-time one, it’s always a good idea to go back to familiar territory or to call people who know you and whom you’ve worked for in the past. Co-workers or neighbors can feature more prominently; sibling issues may take you through another go ‘round too. This Mercury retrograde may be a milder one than other cycles, thanks to supportive planetary influences. Think out of the box; unique or interim solutions can do the trick. Also, rely on spontaneity more; it can deliver better than the rehearsed or preplanned. Entertain all possibilities, but try to be non-committal until after June 19 if possible. If you have to make a choice, try to set up temporary or trial run terms. Pluto will back out of your sign, June 13 and will not return until Nov 25. Consider this as a grace period for getting back in touch with that which is most important to your soul’s evolution; tie up loose ends and take time to heal, to observe, to replenish, and to formulate your next game plan.

h Aquarius ~ Jan. 21 to Feb. 18

Your kids can keep you coming and going plenty more than usual; your creative projects, social life and love life can also draw spotlight attention through Mercury retrograde. Overall, you are likely to feel that things are coming along very well; the stars can be wonderfully revitalizing. Still, Mars in Leo can bring competition or competing needs, so you can also feel pulled or stretched (perhaps even rebellious.) Mars, Chiron, and Neptune can bring high expectations or expose you to factors you had not previously noticed, particularly in the days leading up to the June 18 Full Moon (June 11 – 22 will keep delivering more for you to see; realizations, opportunities, synchronicity or inspired flashes.) Pluto’s dip back into Sagittarius can bring a time to explore better options and to revamp your lifestyle. This can include veering off in yet another new direction and leaving friends or old ways behind. Relocation can be a good idea.

i Pisces ~ Feb. 19 to March 20

How do you begin a new chapter for yourself? Mercury’s retrograde tour finds you questioning even more. Need to find a new place to live or to settle plans with family? Don’t force what isn’t coming naturally and put yourself under extra pressure while Mercury is retrograde. Take direction from synchronicity and rely on spontaneity. Still, if you sign a lease during the retrograde cycle, consider it a temporary arrangement; you’ll move on, sooner, more likely than later. June 6 – 9 is a good time to host a family celebration, a party, or an open house. If you need to pump up your income base, it may be time to considering renting part of your home, or hosting students. If you are already doing so (or have extra people to living with you/to deal with) you could find you are somewhat challenged; Mercury retrograde can cause annoyances or inconveniences in this regard. Family and friends who seem like family are sure to resurface during Mercury retrograde. Take it moment to moment, June 11 -13; Uranus can keep you wired and/or guessing; expect an intense over the top couple of days. Expenses can also add up. June 18, the Full Moon takes you over a peak threshold. Once Mercury retrograde completes (as of June 19) and the Summer Solstice launches (June 20), you can feel better supported and more confirmed within yourself too.

Rose Marcus
Director, Jeffrey Wolf Green School of Evolutionary Astrology, Canada
Columnist for SELF Magazine (NY)
& Shared Vision Magazine, Vancouver