Number 51                                               christiner@netspace.net.au

 June, like April and May, is a potent month for introspection as Mercury, Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune and Pluto are all retrograde and Uranus will join the crew by late month.

 June 21 marks the Solstice point and the Solar New Year for those of us who live Down Under.

  Venus marks the mid-point of its two occultations of the Sun during June, inviting us to refocus on our values and what is of most importance to us and Pluto slips back into Sagittarius for a few more months before it continues its transit of Capricorn.

 Solstice Blessings

Christine

 Christine Rothwell

' 03 9584 6532

Email: christiner@netspace.net.au

Website: www.christinerothwell.com

 Contents

1. June Overview
2. Winter Solstice
3. Courses and Workshop Information

      Heart Awareness Workshop

      Astrology Classes

      Consultations and Gift Certificates

1.    June Overview

 

 

 

At the beginning of this month Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune, Pluto and Mercury will all be retrograde, emphasizing the process of review and reflection.  Mercury turns direct just before the Solstice, suggesting this is a perfect time for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere to set intentions for the new solar cycle that will be birthed on June 21.

The traditional interpretation of retrograde planets suggests that they become weak, inhibited or repressed. Psychologically we can see this quite differently: the planet is no longer functioning in its usual mode and can offer us a new angle or perspective as it moves over one area of the zodiac three times. Retrograde motion always suggests a time for introspection, review and revision. [See last newsletter for more information about the retrograde energy.]

Uranus joins the throng when it turns retrograde on June 27, intensifying the Uranian urge to change and break free of limitation and restriction. While Uranus is retrograde we will have the opportunity to see more clearly what limits us, and more importantly, see how we limit and restrict ourselves. As these limitations come into focus, resist the urge to rush into change and spend some time reflecting on how you can manifest change that is personally meaningful and an authentic expression of the person you are now, not just a knee jerk reaction to situations that you find too restrictive.

 

Pluto retrogrades back into Sagittarius on June 14, where it will remain until November 27.  This is a final curtain call to let go out-dated and self defeating beliefs that prevent us accessing the inner fires of faith and confidence. These qualities will be needed even more powerfully as Pluto enters the business like and often critical and pessimistic energy of Capricorn. Economically this may inject a little optimism back into financial markets but when Pluto moves back into Capricorn and Uranus squares Saturn in November this may all seem illusory. 

 

Mercury turned retrograde on May 27 and will remain retrograde until June 20 but within the retrograde influence until July 4. The most intense part of this process will be between June 1 and June 15 when Mercury is lost in the blaze of the Sun. Esoteric writers suggest that the retrograde phase of Mercury creates an opening that allows access to the wisdom of our soul.

 

 

Key dates

·        Exact dates: May 27 to June 20

·        Sensitive degrees: 12 to 21 Gemini

·        Full time of influence: May 11 to July 4

·        Time for  insight: June 7 when New Mercury Cycle begins

       [Mercury conjunct the Sun]

·        Time for action: between June 20 and July 4

 

Concerns may arise over the first few weeks and the answers and insight can appear when the new cycle begins on June 7.  Sit with your insights until June 20 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to express your insights and put new plans into action.

 

 

Venus is currently invisible – lost in the blaze of the Sun – and will remain so until mid July.  On June 9 Venus will conjunct the Sun at 18 Gemini, marking the exact half way point between the Venus Occultations of June 2004 and June 2012. Venus occults –or crosses over – the Sun, every 121 years [and then again 8 years later] then again 101 years later [and 8 years later]. The last time this happened was in 1874 and 1882.

 

The window of time between occultations that we are currently experiencing is challenging us emotionally, psychologically and spiritually to define our values and align ourselves and our actions with those values. I believe it is also challenging us to embrace the feminine energy that Venus symbolizes; to listen to our hearts and become more heart centred. Science is now suggesting what metaphysicians have known for a long time; the heart is a sentient organ that connects us with the field of non-local space and time and therefore with our Higher Self and whatever form we believe this energy takes.  June therefore becomes a very potent time to take some time out and reflect on WHAT WE VALUE and HOW WE CAN LIVE THOSE VALUES MORE CONSCIOUSLY.

 

There are two brief but potent Mars transits this month. On June 22 Mars opposes Neptune, indicating the potential for confused and even deluded actions. Try to stay grounded and double check any information that comes your way. Make sure any sources you quote or base decisions on are legitimate. This is a great time to dance and meditate or indulge in some spiritual or artistic endeavour.

 

On June 30 Mars trines Pluto, harmoniously blending the ego based will of Mars with the soul based higher will of Pluto.  This is a supportive alignment that suggests the ability to access reserves of inner strength and courage, especially to face our fears and the controlling habits of our shadow.

 

2.  The Winter Solstice:  10am on Saturday June 21 AEST

 

The Winter Solstice or Cancer Ingress of the Sun marks the time of the longest nights and shortest days when the Sun is reborn from the darkness. The times of sunrise and sunset appear to stand still for two weeks before and after the peak time of June 21 before the time of light begins to lengthen markedly.  The Solstices are currently aligned with the Galactic Plane and for us here in the Southern hemisphere the Winter Solstice is near the Galactic Anti-Centre.

 

The Winter Solstice symbolizes the rebirth of the light and the divine spark within us all. It marks the beginning of a solar new cycle and is time for those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere to celebrate this rebirth and reflect on what we want to achieve in the coming year. This is the logical time to create our New Year resolutions and intentions. The timing is perfect, coming just after Mercury turns direct and Venus reaches the mid point between occultations.

 

If you would like to discover more about this event and share a ritual with like minded souls Lucy is offering a Winter Solstice Ritual in North Balwyn at 7pm on Sunday June 22. For more information ring 0418 382 924.

 

 A Simple Solstice Ritual

 

The most traditional way to celebrate the Solstice is to arise early on the day of June 21 to observe and honour the sunrise. Ideally you will find a place where you can observe the horizon free of buildings and welcome the Sun as he appears. Allow yourself to be filled with wonder and gratitude for the rebirth of the Sun. As the Sun gains strength and power, feel your self being blessed with his light and vitality. Ask for the blessing of the divine masculine for the year ahead.

 

A special Solstice meal is another wonderful way to honour this energy. This is the time for roast dinners and a roaring fire where a special Yule log was burned to honour the Sun and bring his warmth and radiance into the home. If you don’t have a fire then light gold candle to honour the Sun.

 

If you want to create a more intimate ritual, create a sacred space with candles, incense, meditation and intention. Tune into your inner guidance to find the seeds of new potentials that are stirring within your inner darkness. When you are ready, record the seeds in red or gold ink [as long as they do not seek to influence or harm and individual] and then burn them in your fire or from your candle. As the paper burns, see your seeds flowering and your potentials manifesting. Give thanks and light your candle whenever you need to refresh your visions and intentions.

Blessed Be!

 

 

Courses, Workshops and Classes

 Contact Christine on 9584 6532 or christiner@netspace.net.au for a brochure.

 

 

Heart Awareness

  Sunday September 14 & October Sunday October 12

This workshop will introduce you to simple yet powerful meditative techniques that will allow you to access the intuitive wisdom and healing power of your heart.

Heart Awareness gives you the tools to use throughout the day to manage stress and feel more peaceful and heart centred. The optional second day will introduce you to a process to work through old negative patterns and problems, see them in a new light and discover creative solutions.

Ring or email for a brochure

 

2008 Astrology Classes

First Year Classes: 7pm Monday

Second Year Classes:  7pm Thursday

Correspondence classes available for first year – start anytime

 

Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. This course is suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves, as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.

 Classes can be taken on a term by term basis and CD’s are available for any classes you can’t get to. CATCH UP CD’S ARE AVAILABLE FOR LATE ENROLMENTS. Classes are also available by correspondence – start anytime and work at your own pace.

 

First year covers all the basics that you need to begin to understand a birth chart. Second year goes deeper and looks at predictive techniques, relationship astrology and much more.

 Please ring or email for a brochure

christiner@netspace.net.au

 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell