GEMINI LUNAR CYCLE

Fireweek/ Moon’s First Quarter 
June 19 to June 26

This is the second Lunar cycle in Gemini of 2012. (There are thirteen lunar cycles in a metaversal year so one sign always gets two) The New Moon in Gemini spawns a million and one ideas, most of which blow away in the breeze. Yet this lunation presents uncommon opportunities for capturing the best ones and putting them into words. People juggling too many projects can benefit from letting some of those balls drop. Reducing intellectual clutter clears the way for our most valuable notions to turn into reality. On June 24, five days after the New Moon and four days after the Sun crosses the Cancer threshold, Uranus and Pluto click into the first of their seven exact 90-degree angles: the first such spike in a long crescendo. At the same time, Jupiter, fresh from its ingress into Gemini, squares Neptune in Pisces. Four days after that, on June 29, the Sun reaches the degree of the Uranus-Pluto square closing out the month with a bang. Astrology's two most transformational planets make the first of seven world-shaking squares in a series that doesn't end until March 16, 2015. This is the second stage of a cycle that began when these planets were conjunct in 1965 and 1966, symbolizing the liberation movements of the 60s. We can expect social changes of equal amplitude these next few years. Brilliant breakthroughs and cultural chaos are both likely. However, this can also become the starting signal of a new stage of awakening. We have the capacity to evolve as individuals who light the way for a shift of collective consciousness when we take the risk of surpassing current limits and overcome our fear of the unknown. The ingredients needed to transform the Earth into a living and loving laboratory for human growth are already here. Why do astrologers pay special attention to scenarios like these? In general, when transits come all stacked up this way they reinforce each other, creating a force field that squeezes events into being. But as sky watchers know, this is not just any old stack of pancakes. This is the longest arm of the Cardinal Cross, the series of world-altering formations that puts 2012 on the astrological map  Observers of the global scene have been watching the approach of the Uranus-Pluto square very carefully, aware that certain hot spots on the world map will be hit hard.The summer solstice transits indicate an extraordinary juncture point in time; a moment in history when a glimpse of the future is available. It is not that the transits promise to turn us into fortune-tellers; this isn’t about predicting specific events. It’s about discerning the meaning behind them.


Tuesday June 19
Mars' stay in Virgo is extended because it will be retrograde in the sign from January 23 until April 13, 2012.On the surface Mars and Virgo seem very different. Mars is direct , impulsive, fiery and impatient, while Virgo is careful, practical and detail-oriented. However, these two share a certain sharpness that can be combined to enhance productivity and higher levels of efficiency.Neither Mars nor Virgo wants to waste time. Both understand the value of getting a job done with dispatch. This period, then, can help us find out where to cut the fat in our work habits, so that tasks are handled quickly, making time for the development of new skills. Taken to its extreme, however, this focus on results can manifest as ruthless detachment and a lack of concern for the human side of the equation. The critical (Virgo) attack (Mars) is a negative potential for this period. It's easy to find fault and express oneself aggressively. If a situation is getting too tense, it may be that someone is frustrated by a lack of efficiency or are feeling a loss of power. Patiently attacking problems in a systematic way can help restore harmony.The New Moon in curious Gemini normally sparks fresh ideas and connections but scatters attention. Yet this one brings focus and maturity. It's the second Sun-Moon conjunction in this sign in a less than a month, so we benefit from the experience of the earlier New Moon on May 20. Serious Saturn forms a constructive trine to this lunation, adding structure and responsibility. Feisty Mars also gets in the act with a square from earthy Virgo that challenges us to turn concepts into concrete reality. This aspect can tighten nerves with tension that provides the impetus to take immediate action.


Wednesday June 20
Mercury is associated with intellect and Cancer with feelings. This combination offers us an opportunity to perceive and communicate our emotions more directly at this time. Conversation is likely to be more personal than usual, with a greater capacity for intimacy. However, objectivity may suffer as awareness is filtered through the powerful issues of security, family and safety. Every astrological pattern offers its challenges and opportunities. In fact, they are really two faces of the same thing. In this case, the challenge is to articulate emotions without being overcome by them. The opportunity is to soften the separating aspects of the logical mind to connect with others in a more personal fashion.
Cancer is a water sign. The mysteries of water can not be spoken, only felt. Mercury's passage here does not erase the rational aspects of perception, but it broadens them to include information that can not be put into words. Know that silence can be full of meaning. This time is a reminder that real listening is done with the heart, as well as with the ears. The Sun sidles into sensitive Cancer where it spurs a strong desire for security. This solar event is the Summer Solstice (Winter Solstice below the equator), marking a change of seasons as well as signs. There is a sentimental side to Cancer with a hunger for safety and an inclination to seek familiar people, places and experiences. This deep yearning to reconnect with roots is meant to provide emotional fuel to nourish us now and supply sustenance for the future. However, stressful solar aspects to disruptive Pluto and Uranus on June 29 require us to tear down old structures. Eliminating unsupportive habits is required before we can think about settling into a comfort zone.

Thursday June 21
The Day of Jupiter in Fireweek finds the big guy in Gemini. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and optimism. It seeks grand truths and meaning. It is most at home in the sign of Sagittarius, opposite Gemini. Sagittarius gives Jupiter room for its far-reaching thoughts. Gemini, however, is a more crowded neighborhood. Jupiter is in its detriment in Gemini, according to astrological tradition. The planet may be weakened and have to overcome more challenges than it would in other signs. Gemini, the twins, keeps presenting choices, which makes it difficult for Jupiter to find the answer it seeks. A possible misapplication is giving too much meaning (Jupiter) to a simple fact (Gemini). When the planet of "more" is in the sign of information, it's possible to have data overdose and lose one's sense of proportion. Jupiter in Gemini does, of course, have its gifts. If we can keep our mental balance in the midst of a communication avalanche, we will find ourselves inspired with a multitude of ideas. When judgment (Jupiter) is lightened by airy Gemini, we have a chance to step back from our prejudices and accept alternative paths to reality. The roots of the Internet will grow wider and deeper, continuing to weave our thoughts into a collective mind.

Friday June 22
Venus' transit is Gemini is extended this year because the love planet is retrograde in the sign of the Twins from May 15 until June 27. This is a period when revisiting old relationships, tastes and personal values can be expected. Reflecting on previous decisions in these areas should add new meaning to them and help make better choices in the future..
he beauty of Venus entering Gemini is that the winds of attraction may blow in many directions. New perspectives on love become more possible. This is, ideally, a time to discuss relationships with the clarity and openness for which Gemini is known. This air sign supports the objectivity needed to see complex issues of partnership without emotional distortion.
Venus in Gemini places value on words and communication of all kinds. Attraction to gadgets, books, classes and learning tools may be greater than usual now. Depth is not the strong point here. Both Venus and Gemini can be dilettantes, flitting from one thing to another with barely a moment's rest. Lovely Venus in this butterfly sign may be a bit flirtatious. Understand that we all need diversions. Enjoy the playfulness possible now, just don't take it seriously. It's a time of tasting, rather than testing.
The great gift of this period is a willingness to set aside old rules about what you like and dislike. Life is a great cornucopia of flavors, meant to awaken as much as to comfort. You can use this time to drop some of your social and aesthetic rules. Beauty, pleasure and personal values, you may discover, come in an infinite variety of shapes, colors and sizes.

Saturday June 23
Saturn is the planet that says "no" but means "yes." The no comes from Saturn showing us what isn't working, sometimes in the form of frustrating blockages or delays. But these help us see where we need to put in effort to make concrete changes. Saturn says "yes" as the planet of crystallization that brings energy into matter. Saturn's presence in a sign of the zodiac shows us where we are likely to meet limits and how to construct something useful.
Saturn is exalted in Libra, a traditional measure of this responsible planet's strength in this fair-minded sign. Although Saturn is about reality and airy Libra with ideals, a common sense of justice makes this a formidable combination. The necessity to consider others' points of view, to negotiate and meet them halfway is expected now. Relationships have to be put back into balance if they are to remain viable. Maturity, discipline and commitment allow partnerships to flourish while an irresponsible approach to alliances can prove costly.
Saturn in Libra is a time to engage with opposites by challenging ourselves to maintain civil discourse with our adversaries. This is about building bridges by recognizing that there are at least two sides to every story. It's not necessary that we find agreement on every point, or even the most essential ones. This is, however, a period when we all benefit by keeping lines of communication open, being honest and kind, and treating one another as equals.

Sunday June 24
Astrology's two most transformational planets make the first of seven world-shaking squares in a series that doesn't end until March 16, 2015. This is the second stage of a cycle that began when these planets were conjunct in 1965 and 1966, symbolizing the liberation movements of the 60s. We can expect social changes of equal amplitude these next few years. Brilliant breakthroughs and cultural chaos are both likely. However, this can also become the starting signal of a new stage of awakening. We have the capacity to evolve as individuals who light the way for a shift of collective consciousness when we take the risk of surpassing current limits and overcome our fear of the unknown. The ingredients needed to transform the Earth into a living and loving laboratory for human growth are already here.

Monday June 25
Saturn goes direct. Plans have a better chance of crystallizing with form-building Saturn moving into forward gear. Its presence in objective Libra is helpful for repairing relationships. New working alliances can also benefit from greater cohesion as this responsible planet gains speed in the weeks ahead. Jupiter squares Neptune. This broad-spectrum aspect between astrology's two most expansive planets ignites imagination and inspires faith. There are no limits to where our minds can go, which might also become a problem. A tendency to fantasize and let hope overcome reason contrasts with the grounding effect of Saturn's forward turn today. Ideally, the ringed planet's logic gives form to our dreams, keeping us from floating away from reality by falling for faulty assumptions. Mercury enters Leo. Creative thinking and entertaining conversations get a boost from brainy Mercury's entry into expressive Leo. This visit will be prolonged until August 31 due to the messenger's retrograde turn on July 14. Speaking with confidence is terrific when words are backed up by facts and a commitment to action. It's tempting to let positive thinking go too far and to exaggerate when a more critical perspective is needed.