June 21 (01.00am): The Sun enters 0º Cancer—The Summer Solstice

The symbolism of this major degree of the zodiac is important for us to discuss in order to see the meaning of this solar passage in each of our lives. This is especially the case this year when the Sun and Pluto have conjoined at 29.50 Sagittarius, just a cosmic breath away from the solstice point. In addition the Sun was carrying the energies of the previous Full Moon conjunction with Pluto at 27.50 Sagittarius on June 18th. These events only serve to highlight and intensify the meaning of the solstice to us.

Mark Edmund Jones in the Sabian Symbols tells us that 0º Cancer indicates “a sailor hoisting up a new flag while taking down the old.” Thus we arrive at a new beginning, especially a new beginning in terms of our connection to the instinctual waters of the Moon, Cancer’s ruler. When we add a healthy dose of Pluto into this matrix, we find ourselves in the waters of transformation, or more broadly interpreted by yours truly as: the need to transform (Pluto) our instinctual waters (Moon and Cancer) into the more conscious light (Sun) of true wisdom (Sagittarius). Quite the on-going evolutionary process! But such transformation is so needed at this time of profound international crises. These horrendous difficulties are based on the instinctual demands of separatist self-preservation, demands that produce the primary selfishness resulting in personal and collective social abuse.

So in what house does 0º Cancer fall in your chart? Where in your life must you “hoist up a new flag” and where must you “take down an old?” What is the wisdom teaching that can help you with this process? Where in your life have things reached a culmination (0º Capricorn) and thus can take you no further except to the “door of initiation” where the regenerating powers of the Self may be found? What is your personal process of renewal? And are you willing to go there?

June 21: Venus sextile Saturn (3.42 Cancer/3.42 Virgo) and Mars opposing Neptune (24.05 Leo/24.05 Aquarius R.): We get a bit of practical support for Venus and Saturn but this is overwhelmed by the unrealistic, idealistic, martyr-oriented Mars/Neptune opposition, which adds quite the challenge to this solstice day. I would not be surprised if announcements of more suicide bombings come with the international news today—sad to say, an all too common occurrence, but very much in keeping with the difficult Sixth Ray dynamics (idealistic blind devotion to religion) that such a Mars/ Neptune aspect indicates.

June 30: Mars trine Pluto (29.34 Leo/29.34 Sagittarius): A bit of a “cosmic vitamin B shot!” If you have any important point in your chart at the last degree or two of Aries, that planet or place in your chart will be getting quite a dose of renewal, a real energy boost, a solid opportunity to express itself in its most direct and assertive manner. This placement has been getting a “upgrade and an overhaul” since Pluto first entered 28 to 29 of Sagittarius (September 2007), but for a couple of day at this time, Mars will give it that “extra push”, so get ready to launch that particular planetary rocket. Just remember, it will run out of its “extra fuel” when Mars passes, so “carpe diem” and have a great time of it.

July 3: New Moon at 11.32 Cancer and Venus opp. Jupiter (18.15 Cancer/18.15 Capricorn): “Officially,” this aspect can be interpreted as “take care not to spend too much money on house-related objects.” Cancer is essentially the sign of foundations, psychological foundations to be sure as it connotes our original matrix—our relationship inside the amniotic waters of our mother. It is therefore most certainly the sign and planet (Moon) most intrinsically related to our instinctual sense of self-preservation. When we grow in consciousness and Neptune takes over rulership of Cancer, we are then left free to grow in the protective, conscious water of The Mother.

Any New Moon in Cancer can be of help to us to awaken further to our subjective life, especially in regards to the area indicated by this solar/lunar house placement. Venus/Jupiter tell us to enjoy ourselves but take care with spending and excess.

July 4: Happy Birthday USA! May your old flag be permanently hoisted down and may the new flag arising be the promise of your true bounty and beauty.

July 5: Mercury square Uranus (22.38 Gemini/22.38 Pisces R.): Jumping Jack Flash! Where are you going and why are you trying to go in five directions at the same time? And as Oprah would say: “Now, what were you thinking?!?”

July 6: Mercury trine Neptune (22.50 Gemini/22.50 Aquarius R.) and Venus trine Uranus (22.37 Cancer/22.37 Pisces R.): A generally good day for social interchanges, meetings, and gathers as ideas may be openly exchanged. Should you have an important position at 22-23º of Libra and/or 22-23º of Scorpio, this should be a very good day for you in the areas mentioned. The house positions of these degrees will be very socially potent and inspirational.

July 10: Mercury opp. Pluto (29.10 Gemini/29.10 Sagittarius R.); Mars conj. Saturn (05.26 Virgo); Mercury 0º Cancer: These aspects can indicate a hard day at any international conference desk as the Mars/Saturn aspect is one which “grinds things out” while Mercury opp. Pluto definitely brings about differences of opinions and the bringing up of past, unresolved issues. Mercury at 0º Cancer is always hopeful of a new foundation for discussion after the issues raised by the opposition with Pluto come to the table.

July 14: Mercury sextile Saturn (05.48 Cancer/05.48 Virgo); Sun trine Uranus (22.32 Cancer/22.32 Pisces R.): This can be a good day for working out the practical details of hopes and plans for the future. If you have 5-6º of the earthy signs and/or 22-23º of the watery signs in your natal chart, today should be a very positive one for you in these respects.

July 18: Full Moon in Cancer/Capricorn at 26.04º of these signs: The house positions where the Sun and Moon fall will tell you much about their effects in your life. A Full Moon is always emotionally stimulating as it brings up the screen of our instinctive psychological patterns. We have a vision of what we are, wish to be or desire to create (the Sun). The Sun in Cancer indicates that this is an orientation to a greater sense of personal security through our create self-expression (or on a more basic level, just being who we are). The Full Moon in Capricorn asks: will society support this sense of self? Do I have the emotional equipment that can bring supply on emotional and physical levels to what I am seeking to be or create?

In Lisbon, the Cancer/Capricorn Full Moon is celebrated by a meditation meeting after which those who wish to do so, go out onto the roof-top garden and view the Moon as she shines over the waters of the Tegus River with a huge illuminated statue of Cristo Rei on the opposite shore on our right, arms out-stretched.

Love and Blessings this month to you from Lisbon.