... solar eclipse, a new Mercury cycle and the second hit of Saturn to Uranus …plus the Winter Solstice, all suggest June is a big month.
The last two sections - on the square from Saturn to Uranus and Mercury retrograde - are reprinted from the February and May newsletters as the information is still relevant.
May the Goddesses Bless You
Christine
Christine Rothwell
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
May begins with Pluto, Saturn and Mercury retrograde with Jupiter and Neptune joining them later in the month.
Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
Covid Update
It seems timely to reflect on the virus through the lens of astrology once again as the virus continues its rampage throughout the world and is once more challenging us here in Australia, particularly in my hometown, Melbourne. The following reflects my thinking; other astrologers may have a different take on the situation, but all perspectives have validity.
There are two transits that suggest the virus maintaining momentum this year, and probably into 2022: Jupiter’s recent joining Neptune in Pisces and the ongoing square between Pluto and Eris.
Last month Jupiter joined Neptune in the sign of Pisces for a couple of months, highlighting the Pisces archetype, both light and dark. Mundane astrology associates Pisces with viruses [biological and digital], hence Jupiter’s transit through the sign where Neptune is currently found can be a peak time for the mundane manifestations of the transit to emerge. This suggests the virus may remain active through next year - as Jupiter travels through Pisces - and continue to mutate, especially around April next year when the two planets meet at 24 Pisces. This transit can also suggests the possibilities for breakthroughs and new healing modalities for all immune system deficiencies, including Covid-19. I imagine the MRNA technology that has been fast tracked to develop vaccines to counter Covid-19 will also have wider applications for many other illnesses ...I will have more to say about the wider implications of this transit at a later time, especially when Jupiter re-joins Neptune in Pisces at the very end of this year.
The last two sections - on the square from Saturn to Uranus and Mercury retrograde - are reprinted from the February and May newsletters as the information is still relevant.
May the Goddesses Bless You
Christine
Christine Rothwell
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- Covid Update
- Solar Eclipse
- Saturn square Uranus
- Mercury Retrograde
- 2021 Astrology Classes
May begins with Pluto, Saturn and Mercury retrograde with Jupiter and Neptune joining them later in the month.
Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
- June 2 Venus to Cancer
- June 10: Solar Eclipse / New Moon at close to 20 Gemini
- June 11: Mars to Leo
- June 11: Mercury conjunct the Sun / Inferior Conjunction and the start of a new cycle
- June 15: Saturn square Uranus
- June 21: Sun to Cancer: Solstice
- June 21: Jupiter stations retrograde.
- June 25: Full Moon in Capricorn
- June 26: Neptune stations retrograde
- June 27: Venus to Leo
Covid Update
It seems timely to reflect on the virus through the lens of astrology once again as the virus continues its rampage throughout the world and is once more challenging us here in Australia, particularly in my hometown, Melbourne. The following reflects my thinking; other astrologers may have a different take on the situation, but all perspectives have validity.
There are two transits that suggest the virus maintaining momentum this year, and probably into 2022: Jupiter’s recent joining Neptune in Pisces and the ongoing square between Pluto and Eris.
Last month Jupiter joined Neptune in the sign of Pisces for a couple of months, highlighting the Pisces archetype, both light and dark. Mundane astrology associates Pisces with viruses [biological and digital], hence Jupiter’s transit through the sign where Neptune is currently found can be a peak time for the mundane manifestations of the transit to emerge. This suggests the virus may remain active through next year - as Jupiter travels through Pisces - and continue to mutate, especially around April next year when the two planets meet at 24 Pisces. This transit can also suggests the possibilities for breakthroughs and new healing modalities for all immune system deficiencies, including Covid-19. I imagine the MRNA technology that has been fast tracked to develop vaccines to counter Covid-19 will also have wider applications for many other illnesses ...I will have more to say about the wider implications of this transit at a later time, especially when Jupiter re-joins Neptune in Pisces at the very end of this year.
Eris continues to square Pluto throughout 2021, with the last two exact squares occurring in August and October. For me, the symbol of the virus has always been Eris. Covid is the golden apple that Eris – the Goddess of Strife and Discord - has thrown us in order to create global chaos that awaken us to the need for making some big decisions [climate change] and becoming more inclusive.
The shadow side of Eris continues to revel in the current chaos while Her higher energy exposes hidden truths and challenges us to embrace the disenfranchised. Heart centered leadership can bring people together while ego driven leadership will create deeper divides. The discussion about the transformative power of communities working together feels part of this higher energy, along with the need for transformational leadership. If you would like to refresh yourself on my take on Eris you can read more in my April 2021 Newsletter https://www.christine-rothwell.com/april-2020.html
Mars is currently acting as a catalyst for the transit of Pluto square to Eris [thanks Mel] as it will:
What’s happening in Australia’s chart?
The current series of eclipse are activating Australia’s horoscope, acting as a catalyst for current events. The recent lunar eclipse at close to 5 Sagittarius was widely conjunct Australia’s 8th house North Node and Venus in Sagittarius, but more importantly [to me] the solar eclipse at 20 Gemini on June 10 will be conjunct our Pluto, which falls at 16 Gemini, in our second house – opposite our Venus. This eclipse also suggests issues with trade and diplomacy [China?] as well as the concerns of women.
Why Melbourne?
In past newsletters I have mentioned that I have relocated Australia’s chart to Melbourne to gain some insight into current events. The relocation shifted the angles to reveal that during 2020 and 2021 Eris is sitting on the ASC and Pluto is squaring this point and conjunct our MC, suggesting the possibility [never inevitability] of the virus manifesting more virulently here and creating more strife and discord. The health issues of Dan Andrews are also indicated by the conjunction of Pluto to the MC. Mars is currently triggering these points as we find ourselves back in lock down as it is:
Mars will act as a trigger again early next year [late February/ early March] when it moves through Capricorn.
New Moon / Solar Eclipse
The New Moon on June 11 falls close to 20 degrees Gemini. The eclipse is conjunct Mercury and square to Neptune, emphasizing both the rational mind [Gemini] as well as the imagination and intuition [Neptune].
Solar Eclipses are powerful New Moons that can only occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align with the transiting Nodes of the Moon. A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon shadows all [total eclipse], or part [partial eclipse], of the Sun. This is an annular eclipse where the Moon will shadow most of the Sun, but there will be a slight halo effect as the moon is further from the earth than usual and will not totally cover the solar disk.
Every Gemini New Moon suggests a time when our curiosity may be stimulated, and the eclipse intensifies this. Mercury retrograde is conjunct the eclipse, symbolizing the potential for a major shift in our thinking if we have the courage to dive deep. This eclipse may illuminate outmoded patterns that are ripe for change, especially if it is conjunct a point in your chart, however, any planets or points around 15 to 25 degrees of mutable signs will be activated.
Neptune is making a powerful statement this month as it squares both the eclipse and the inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun which occurs the day after the eclipse. Neptune challenges us to allow our feelings and dreams to offer us guidance while avoiding Neptune’s shadow: confusion, denial, self-delusion, and escape into old addictive patterns that offer the illusion of an escape from anxiety. There is plenty of opportunity for deception and self-deception but also the opportunity to step up and demonstrate more compassion …for ourselves and others. The highest expression of Neptune is to let go our judgements and surrender to Divine Love …or at least start to imagine what this may mean.
Neptune always challenges us to trust our intuition and not let anxiety and confusion force us into making decisions until they feel right.
Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically, but they often bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope. Remember, any personal planet that is around 15 to 25 degrees of mutable signs will be will be in the spotlight. Eclipses can herald a crisis, but they also provide the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. In essence, Solar Eclipses are very potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings. This is the same eclipse as the one 19 years ago - in 2002 - and marks a completion of a cycle that began then.
This is an incredibly potent time for inner work of all kinds. Pay attention to your dreams and find some way to sit still and allow your unconscious to communicate with you. In myth, an eclipse is often depicted as a battle between the forces of light and dark where humanity enters a time of uncertainty. Eventually the forces of light prevail, and life continues.
You may find it beneficial to sit with an open mind and observe the feelings and images your unconscious chooses to reveal. Eclipses can be opportunities to face our demons and the self-sabotaging beliefs and habits that are lurking in the shadows of the unconscious and sub-conscious mind. If we take a soul centered perspective, this can be a time powerful to enter into a dialogue with our ‘demons’ and allow them to transform as they come into the light.
The shadow side of Eris continues to revel in the current chaos while Her higher energy exposes hidden truths and challenges us to embrace the disenfranchised. Heart centered leadership can bring people together while ego driven leadership will create deeper divides. The discussion about the transformative power of communities working together feels part of this higher energy, along with the need for transformational leadership. If you would like to refresh yourself on my take on Eris you can read more in my April 2021 Newsletter https://www.christine-rothwell.com/april-2020.html
Mars is currently acting as a catalyst for the transit of Pluto square to Eris [thanks Mel] as it will:
- Square Eris around June 2 to 3
- Oppose Pluto around June 5 to 6.
What’s happening in Australia’s chart?
The current series of eclipse are activating Australia’s horoscope, acting as a catalyst for current events. The recent lunar eclipse at close to 5 Sagittarius was widely conjunct Australia’s 8th house North Node and Venus in Sagittarius, but more importantly [to me] the solar eclipse at 20 Gemini on June 10 will be conjunct our Pluto, which falls at 16 Gemini, in our second house – opposite our Venus. This eclipse also suggests issues with trade and diplomacy [China?] as well as the concerns of women.
Why Melbourne?
In past newsletters I have mentioned that I have relocated Australia’s chart to Melbourne to gain some insight into current events. The relocation shifted the angles to reveal that during 2020 and 2021 Eris is sitting on the ASC and Pluto is squaring this point and conjunct our MC, suggesting the possibility [never inevitability] of the virus manifesting more virulently here and creating more strife and discord. The health issues of Dan Andrews are also indicated by the conjunction of Pluto to the MC. Mars is currently triggering these points as we find ourselves back in lock down as it is:
- Square Victoria’s ASC around May 31 to June 1
- Conjunct the IC and opposition the MC around June 5 to 6.
Mars will act as a trigger again early next year [late February/ early March] when it moves through Capricorn.
New Moon / Solar Eclipse
The New Moon on June 11 falls close to 20 degrees Gemini. The eclipse is conjunct Mercury and square to Neptune, emphasizing both the rational mind [Gemini] as well as the imagination and intuition [Neptune].
Solar Eclipses are powerful New Moons that can only occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align with the transiting Nodes of the Moon. A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon shadows all [total eclipse], or part [partial eclipse], of the Sun. This is an annular eclipse where the Moon will shadow most of the Sun, but there will be a slight halo effect as the moon is further from the earth than usual and will not totally cover the solar disk.
Every Gemini New Moon suggests a time when our curiosity may be stimulated, and the eclipse intensifies this. Mercury retrograde is conjunct the eclipse, symbolizing the potential for a major shift in our thinking if we have the courage to dive deep. This eclipse may illuminate outmoded patterns that are ripe for change, especially if it is conjunct a point in your chart, however, any planets or points around 15 to 25 degrees of mutable signs will be activated.
Neptune is making a powerful statement this month as it squares both the eclipse and the inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun which occurs the day after the eclipse. Neptune challenges us to allow our feelings and dreams to offer us guidance while avoiding Neptune’s shadow: confusion, denial, self-delusion, and escape into old addictive patterns that offer the illusion of an escape from anxiety. There is plenty of opportunity for deception and self-deception but also the opportunity to step up and demonstrate more compassion …for ourselves and others. The highest expression of Neptune is to let go our judgements and surrender to Divine Love …or at least start to imagine what this may mean.
Neptune always challenges us to trust our intuition and not let anxiety and confusion force us into making decisions until they feel right.
Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically, but they often bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope. Remember, any personal planet that is around 15 to 25 degrees of mutable signs will be will be in the spotlight. Eclipses can herald a crisis, but they also provide the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. In essence, Solar Eclipses are very potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings. This is the same eclipse as the one 19 years ago - in 2002 - and marks a completion of a cycle that began then.
This is an incredibly potent time for inner work of all kinds. Pay attention to your dreams and find some way to sit still and allow your unconscious to communicate with you. In myth, an eclipse is often depicted as a battle between the forces of light and dark where humanity enters a time of uncertainty. Eventually the forces of light prevail, and life continues.
You may find it beneficial to sit with an open mind and observe the feelings and images your unconscious chooses to reveal. Eclipses can be opportunities to face our demons and the self-sabotaging beliefs and habits that are lurking in the shadows of the unconscious and sub-conscious mind. If we take a soul centered perspective, this can be a time powerful to enter into a dialogue with our ‘demons’ and allow them to transform as they come into the light.
The time before a solar eclipse is often a time of low energy when we are called to honour the Dark of the Moon process of letting go. If you have been able to see what needs to be released and have done some work to release your blocks and have forgiven yourself and others, then you are in a good position to take advantage of the New Moon energy that comes after the eclipse. Set a conscious intention to make a new start, especially in the area of your life represented by the house where the eclipse has taken place.
All lunation’s [new moon and full moons including eclipses] have a powerful effect on the earth’s electro-magnetic field that can also affect our personal energy fields. Eclipses intensify this effect and the disruption they produce can create the opportunity to reorganize these fields in a more coherent way. It is possible to see where we are sabotaging or connecting with our soul’s desires and align ourselves with our inner truth. Meditation and quiet self reflection allows both the space for the messages from our soul /unconscious to be heard and the stillness needed to align with the creative / re-organizing potential of these celestial events.
Saturn squares Uranus
for the second ‘hit’ on June 15. [reprint from the February Newsletter with some additions thanks to discussions with my students]
This is the major transit for 2021 and the aspect perfects on:
The Saturn Uranus cycle is said to be the basic engine of western industrial society & free enterprise. It speaks of the practical application of science, technology and invention i.e.: - the New Technology and all its gifts and challenges. It highlights the tension and relationship between:
Constructive application challenges us to embrace:
As this transit has come more into focus it is becoming clear that there are a number of highly significant way this conflict is taking place now:
This continues on the theme from last year that erupted with the clash [square] from Eris, Black Moon and Mars in freedom loving Aries to Saturn and Pluto in more disciplined and law-abiding Capricorn. Where we stand in our view of ‘the truth’ has become very political.
One thing that is so clear in all this is that it is easy to spin this aspect however we want to suit our world view. There are many examples of the shadow of both Uranus and Saturn, however astrology suggests this is a necessary encounter where we need to find a way to bring these opposing principles into some form of meaningful dialogue. Any transit can activate constructive and destructive patterns, usually both.
On a personal level this transit symbolizes an inner conflict between the need to conform and act responsibly with the desire to break out, break free and individuate. Owning this energy could mean taking responsibility for our situation, being willing to make changes to outmoded structures and seeking to become more authentic without falling into the shadow of acting out, running away [Uranus] or blame, judgement and depression [Saturn]. We need to find responsible ways to embrace change, let go our fear of the unknown and be willing to pioneer the creation of new life structures.
Mercury Retrograde: May 30 to June 23. [Reprinted form the May Newsletter]
The new Mercury Cycle begins on June 11 at 20 Gemini, almost the same degrees as the Solar Eclipse that falls on June 10. Any planets /points conjunct or opposite this point, along with the house where 20 Gemini is found in your personal horoscope are being bought sharply into focus and may require attention. Please refer back to the information about the Solar Eclipse to understand the role of Neptune.
As the new cycle begins in Gemini, it intensifies the challenge to re-view and re-evaluate all things connected with this archetype, especially our thinking and communicating and perhaps our relationships with siblings. PLUS, we may be challenged to review the affairs of the house where the retrograde action takes place in your horoscope [16 to 25 Gemini].
The retrograde phenomenon is activated from the time that Mercury enters the loop to the time that it leaves: around May 15 to July 7. The most chaotic times are when Mercury stations – the few days around May 30 and June 23 when Mercury adjusts to the change of direction.
Key dates / degrees
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs.
All lunation’s [new moon and full moons including eclipses] have a powerful effect on the earth’s electro-magnetic field that can also affect our personal energy fields. Eclipses intensify this effect and the disruption they produce can create the opportunity to reorganize these fields in a more coherent way. It is possible to see where we are sabotaging or connecting with our soul’s desires and align ourselves with our inner truth. Meditation and quiet self reflection allows both the space for the messages from our soul /unconscious to be heard and the stillness needed to align with the creative / re-organizing potential of these celestial events.
Saturn squares Uranus
for the second ‘hit’ on June 15. [reprint from the February Newsletter with some additions thanks to discussions with my students]
This is the major transit for 2021 and the aspect perfects on:
- February 18 at 7 Aquarius to 7 Taurus
- June 15 at 13 Aquarius to 13 Taurus
- December 24 at 11 Aquarius to 11 Taurus
The Saturn Uranus cycle is said to be the basic engine of western industrial society & free enterprise. It speaks of the practical application of science, technology and invention i.e.: - the New Technology and all its gifts and challenges. It highlights the tension and relationship between:
- Uranus – the desire for freedom - which in its shadow can become freedom at any cost
- Saturn – the need for structure, responsibility, accountability and stability – which in its shadow can manifest at excessive repression and authoritarian control.
Constructive application challenges us to embrace:
- Responsible [Saturn] application of the New Technology [Uranus] in a way that does not create either chaos [Uranus] or stagnation [Saturn].
- Constructive change [Uranus] of Government, bureaucracy, law and order, financial institutions [Saturn] so they can function more efficiently [Saturn] and reflect the current changes [Uranus] in the world situation.
As this transit has come more into focus it is becoming clear that there are a number of highly significant way this conflict is taking place now:
- Climate change and the impact technology is having on our planet and all life forms that inhabit Mother Earth.
- Issues regarding online forums …how much liberty/ freedom versus how much regulation / restriction
- Pro versus anti vaccination
- Black Lives Matter / racism
- LGBTQI awareness
This continues on the theme from last year that erupted with the clash [square] from Eris, Black Moon and Mars in freedom loving Aries to Saturn and Pluto in more disciplined and law-abiding Capricorn. Where we stand in our view of ‘the truth’ has become very political.
One thing that is so clear in all this is that it is easy to spin this aspect however we want to suit our world view. There are many examples of the shadow of both Uranus and Saturn, however astrology suggests this is a necessary encounter where we need to find a way to bring these opposing principles into some form of meaningful dialogue. Any transit can activate constructive and destructive patterns, usually both.
On a personal level this transit symbolizes an inner conflict between the need to conform and act responsibly with the desire to break out, break free and individuate. Owning this energy could mean taking responsibility for our situation, being willing to make changes to outmoded structures and seeking to become more authentic without falling into the shadow of acting out, running away [Uranus] or blame, judgement and depression [Saturn]. We need to find responsible ways to embrace change, let go our fear of the unknown and be willing to pioneer the creation of new life structures.
Mercury Retrograde: May 30 to June 23. [Reprinted form the May Newsletter]
The new Mercury Cycle begins on June 11 at 20 Gemini, almost the same degrees as the Solar Eclipse that falls on June 10. Any planets /points conjunct or opposite this point, along with the house where 20 Gemini is found in your personal horoscope are being bought sharply into focus and may require attention. Please refer back to the information about the Solar Eclipse to understand the role of Neptune.
As the new cycle begins in Gemini, it intensifies the challenge to re-view and re-evaluate all things connected with this archetype, especially our thinking and communicating and perhaps our relationships with siblings. PLUS, we may be challenged to review the affairs of the house where the retrograde action takes place in your horoscope [16 to 25 Gemini].
The retrograde phenomenon is activated from the time that Mercury enters the loop to the time that it leaves: around May 15 to July 7. The most chaotic times are when Mercury stations – the few days around May 30 and June 23 when Mercury adjusts to the change of direction.
Key dates / degrees
- Exact dates: retrograde from May 30 to June 23
- Sensitive degrees 16 to 25 Gemini
- Full time of influence: May 15 to July 7.
- Time for insight: around June 11 when the new Mercury cycle begins at the Inferior Conjunction of Mercury and the Sun at close to 20 degrees of Gemini.
- Time to act on new ideas / beliefs: June 23 to July 7.
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs.
Southern Sky Astrology Email [email protected] Website www.christinerothwell.com
Cat's Eye Nebula, courtesy of Hubble