Earth Spirit Tarot

Visit the main Readings page, where you can choose between Tarot, Runes, Animal Totem, and Oracle readings. The Energy Work page is where you will find Reiki and Chakra-based sessions. If Astrology is your cup of tea, be sure to stop by the Astrology section for some insightful Natal charts, Compatibility reports and Transit reports. These charts are a great gift for birthdays or just as a special way to treat someone to a bit of astrological insight.

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The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has an official day on which fathers are honoured by their children. On the third Sunday in June, fathers all across the United States are given presents, treated to dinner or otherwise made to feel special.

The origin of Father's Day is not clear. Some say that it began with a church service in West Virginia in 1908. Others say the first Father's Day ceremony was held in Vancouver, Washington.

The president of the Chicago branch of the Lions' Club, Harry Meek, is said to have celebrated the first Father's Day with his organization in 1915; and the day that they chose was the third Sunday in June, the closest date to Meek's own birthday!

Be sure to let your father know how much he is loved and appreciated this Father’s Day. I would like to honour the Dads in my life who have inspired me as well: My Dad, Tim, for his wicked sense of humour (which I have inherited), his ability to view things from a different perspective, teaching me how to never giving up, and still letting me be “Daddy’s little girl” at 54. My Step-Dad, Joe, for teaching me and getting me started on my spiritual path when I was young. My Ex Dad-in-law who passed from this world a few years ago – Geoff you had the patience of an angel, even if you were a bit quirky!

For some Father’s Day facts and origins, click here: Father's Day: Father's Day

Litha/Mid Summers Eve (Summer Solstice) - The Solstice falls on the 21st and Litha on the 24th of June

MMidsummer, or Litha as it was known by the ancient Germanic peoples, refers to the period of time centred upon the summer solstice and the religious celebrations that accompany it. Also called "Midsommar" in Swedish, Midsummer-related holidays, traditions and celebrations, many of which are non-Christian in origin (apart from the designation "St John's Day"), are particularly important in Finland and Sweden, but found also in other parts of Northern Europe, Britain and elsewhere.

Solstitial celebrations still centre upon June 24, which is no longer the longest day of the year. The difference between the Julian calendar year (365.2500 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days) continues to move the day associated with the actual astronomical solstice forward approximately one day approximately every seven centuries.

For more information on Midsummer click here: MidSummer

Knowledge and diversity motivate us with the Sun in Gemini. We are more sociable, intellectual, and insatiably curious under this influence. We tend to scatter our energies as a result of this curiosity and awareness of all of our options. We are more communicative and versatile, but we can also be unreliable. Picture it as sunbeams shining in many directions at once.

When the Sun is in Gemini, communication of all sorts becomes an effortless, instinctive and enjoyable activity, even for those of us who would usually feel reticent about speaking up or sharing our feelings. This Air Sign instils in us a restless energy and a thirst for new knowledge and experiences. Love initiated at this time will certainly be based on an intellectual connection; sparks will fly as freely as witticisms and ingenious ideas. While thoughts will flow easily, the Gemini Sun also brings with it a keen scepticism. This isn't cynical scepticism, though -- it's motivated by an urgent need to know the truth. The Gemini Twins are curious seekers. Gemini's influence also grants us some much-needed flexibility and a playfully realistic attitude about ourselves. Careful not to get irritable if everyone's not moving as quickly as you -- and watch for idle gossip!

The Sun in Gemini is a good time for:
Getting your point across, writing letters or speaking in publicInitiating flirtatious new friendshipsTaking short trips

The Sun then moves into Cancer on June 21st

The Sun's entry into Cancer marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of Winter south of the equator. It's a major turning point of the year in which we grow more conscious of our roots and the family patterns that continue to shape our lives. The point, however, is not to reinforce fearful habits by constructing barriers to the world. It is, rather, a reminder to give birth to ourselves, to connect the past and present and create a future appropriate for tomorrow instead of clinging to the limits of yesterday.

When the Sun is in Cancer, things may get a little moody and emotional. While Cancer motivates us to reflect on our pasts, to draw our loved ones near to us and nurture others without asking for nurturing in return, this Moon-ruled Water Sign can really make us grumpy. That said, Cancer could be a time of heightened emotional sensitivity, a time when the cerebral connections forged under the Gemini Sun move to a more intimate plateau. Flirtatious affections take on a greater gravity during this time as the Cancer Sun exposes our emotions and lays bare our vulnerabilities. Socializing takes a backseat to nostalgic memories and quiet nights at home. Food and family become very important at this time, as they provide us with an opportunity to nurture one another and give us the most basic and unconditional of loves -- the very thing we need most right now.

The Sun in Cancer is a good time for:
Taking personal relationships to more substantial, serious levelsStaying in and looking through old photo albums and scrapbooksPerform nurturing, domestic activities like cooking or gardening

This morning starts the New Moon lunation in the sign of Cancer, where we crave connections, a good system of support and strong bonds. It’s also a creative energy, one where we are seeking stability and some structure. Cancer is a water sign and we could use some earthy energy to ground things a bit. Unfortunately, the only planet we have in an earth sign right now is Pluto…and that means a less than gentle way for the Universe to show us what we need.

However, there are other planetary factors that help this New Moon in Cancer out, and this, in turn, gives us a lunar cycle where we can make plans, create new goals or stabilize old ones, and find the resources we need to make all of the pieces of the puzzle fit. The Cancer New Moon is a nurturing one and can assist us in planting the seeds for future growth. We have a chance to take those first steps towards the changes we want and by nurturing these things at an early stage, we have a better chance of seeing them prosper. We need to make sure that our emotions are aligned with our desires if we hope to make stable, long-term changes now.

New Moons are a good time for new starts but we also need to make sure that we aren’t holding onto old issues. So if old issues or difficult emotions arise, don’t hide….let these things flow freely through you so that the healing process itself can be speeded up. This New Moon is a time for refreshing ourselves and for focusing on what our needs are. The Moon is at home in Cancer and can help us to connect with the Divine Mother. Some may notice Mother issues rising to the surface as well that need to be tended to.

June 1st - Jupiter conjunct the North Lunar Node (Both in Taurus)
Today Jupiter makes a conjunction with the North Lunar Node. The North Node symbolises our forward momentum point along our life's path, what our overall life lesson is and, for some, it represents our destiny. This transit can be a time of spiritual awakening, possibly causing us to rethink our beliefs.

Under this transit, we may feel optimistic, idealistic and visionary as we began to see and understand life past the usual horizon that we have become so familiar with. The downside to this transit is that we could also feel a rise to feelings of irritation, judgement, criticism or blame towards ourselves or others who we feel are not living up to their best potential.

This can also be a time when we find a teacher, mentor or advisor or become one of these to someone else. Travelling and experiencing other cultures is also a highlight of this transit, whether we are travelling ourselves, planning on taking a trip or meeting someone who has experienced such an encounter.

June 2nd - Venus trine Neptune (Venus in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces)
The love and money planet, Venus, is trine Neptune today which can bring about a time of romance, creativity, and feeling a sense of oneness with the beauty of nature. This can be great socially and intimately because things tend to run more smoothly as well as adding a touch of magic to the pot. It’s important however to be very clear about what we truly want!

With romance planet Venus mingling with Neptune, we find that we are more intuitive when it comes to dealing with others around us now. It's like we can instinctively read the mood of an individual or a situation, which can help us to detect any signs of dishonesty. We also tend to feel more inclined to think about the welfare of others more, putting friends and loved ones first when they need some comfort.

Where money and material things are concerned, this can be a time of abundance and blessings for many. Opportunities could seem to come from nowhere (Ace Of Pentacles comes to mind with the hand coming from out of the clouds). Since Venus rules over love and money, our intuition could pay off in making decisions in these areas too, although those of us who are more idealistic could get pulled into projects that seem worthwhile and sound great, but promise unrealistic or impractical rewards. It may be a good idea to get a second opinion if you feel uncertain. Many see this as a time of abundant blessings and resources may seem to come out of nowhere. BUT…yes there is always a but….it can also be a time of overindulging and overspending then leaving us to ponder where the money went. So try to keep it balanced! It's ok to treat yourself to something nice but don’t go on a wild spending spree.

Our creativity gets a boost as well with this transit, allowing it to flow freely. This can make it hard to focus on those technical details right now though. It's a good transit for letting go of worries and allowing ourselves to really feel the connections we have to life and to others. It's a transit that makes happiness infectious-especially with people we enjoy being around.

Being a time of creativity, romance, and a sense of our oneness with the natural beauty we find all around us can make this a very positive time for social and intimate times. Another positive aspect of this transit is that it allows our natural and unique beauty to shine through. So go on and take a peek from behind that façade of mystery and illusion you may have created. This is a time when we can see the very best in others, and they in you as well. It’s a great time for negotiations, interactions, and attractions which all seem to flow effortlessly.

Another warning here as well! This can open us up to seeing wonderful traits in a person that are not really there. It can be helpful to get a second opinion from a trusted friend or family member though.

So allow your inner warmth and beauty to radiate under this transit. You may even see some wonderful qualities in others that you haven’t noticed before. Make sure that you are being clear about what it is you truly want though and with any important choices, be sure you use a good dose of reality.

June 4th - Mercury conjunct Uranus (Both in Taurus)
Another aspect of the Cardinal Cross, this transit brings about spontaneous, radical, and unusual means of thinking and communicating. It may compel us to speak our mind or say things that we felt unable to say before. It can also cause us to speak without first thinking our thoughts through. Our perceptions are more flexible and open-minded, and this can have us seeing things with our eyes wide open...which can be a bit of a shock to the system for some. On a positive note, this transits energy can set lose our creativity and inspire us, especially when we are looking ahead at our future. It’s a good energy for gatherings which can include community, family, friends and groups.

June 5th - Venus enters Leo
Love is magnificent and grand. We take pride in love, and we are generous with our money as well. This is a warmhearted, teasing, expressive, proud, and extravagant placement for Venus. Love is a bit of a game--a game that is perpetual, as Venus in Leo is forever stuck in the romance stage of a relationship. We feed on attention, acknowledgement, validation, and adoration. Venus in Leo loves to be adored, pampered, and admired. Pride and passion are hallmarks of this cycle. We have a strong ego investment in our love lives during this period. The negative expression of this placement is overstating our feelings simply for the effect, as well as extravagance.

This can be a very creative time, as Venus' love of beauty combines with Leo's creative flair for the dramatic. Find ways to feel good by making your surroundings and yourself beautiful and reflective of your inner spirit! High fashion and vogue style are "in," and crudeness and ordinariness are out...unless you want to turn them into a fashion statement. ;-) However, it's probably wise not to become so identified with the outer appearance of yourself or others that you lose sight of the person, situation or context that it's all happening in. The aim is to pamper yourself with pleasures that enhance your quality of life, without inflating your ego with synthetic self-esteem and glamour without substance. Relationships, interaction, finances, values and resources all need to include ways to express your identity, valour and "heart." Some light-hearted fun and play can be a good place to start.

June 5th - Venus opposite Pluto (Venus in Leo, Pluto in Aquarius)
Today we have an opposition between a protective Venus in Cancer and a disruptive Pluto in Cancer (and a side of Uranus thrown in there for good measure) going on that can work by pulling us apart in order to allow a transformation within our value system. Use this energy to look at who and what is supportive of you at this time and release what needs releasing. We could see power struggles being provoked as well as spur of the moment surprises

With these two planets in play we could experience challenges or feelings of great intensity for those areas mentioned above. Now is the time to dive deep into those personal issues that are associated to our values, finances, resources and relationships. However, doing so means that you will have to delve beneath the surface of those issues in order to discover any patterns that you may not have noticed before. Such patterns can be an indication that we need to acknowledge and come to grips with our shadow shelves such as obsessions, hidden agendas and our most secret desires. This give us a chance to learn how we project our shadow selves onto other people via the way we interact, our expectations, fears and hopes.

June 8th - Venus square the North Lunar Node (Venus in Leo, North Node in Taurus)
With Venus in this challenging square to the North Lunar Node we may start noticing that the people in our lives are not giving us the encouragement and support we need where fulfilling our life purpose is concerned. We could run into situations where someone who was giving us support suddenly backs away. Or we find that their actions interfere with what we are trying to do. Disagreements and upsets with others at this time could make us feel less positive about our life and if this is the case, we need to look a bit more closely at what it is that we are disagreeing about. We need to step back and ask ourselves if our responses to these things mirror our true values, or do we need to tweak our values at this time. Renegotiating our priorities in order to create balance may be needed as well. Venus also rules finances and resources so we could run into issues around possessions, resources and finances that call for adjustments now.

This isn't a very long transit, lasting only a few days. So the things we come across may not be major issues. But if something significant does rear its head at this time, it could be a sign that we have something that needs to be looked at more closely.

June 9th - Mercury sextile Neptune (Mercury in Taurus, Neptune in Pisces)
Intuition runs high with Mercury sextile Neptune. We may feel more sensitive artistically, our imagination is stirred, and we have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We feel inspired and feel able to inspire others as well. It’s a very creative, where our ideas seem to flow magically and makes a great time for literary and artistic projects.

We do need to take care, however, because it can be all too easy to get caught up in fantasizing and yearning for our hidden wishes. In some instances, we may want so badly to reach that stage where our outlook is magical and our intuition is inspired, that we allow ourselves to be deceived rather than let ourselves fall short of the things we are hoping for.

This is also a time when we are able to listen to the troubles of others in a more sympathetic way or receive a compassionate response in regard to our own problems. There is a risk here though of finding it hard to draw firm and clear boundaries with others as we get drawn in by the gravity of their troubles.

Mainly, this is a good time for creativity, optimism, intuition and hope. We just need to make sure that we stay grounded.

June 10th - Sun sextile Chiron (Sun in Gemini, Chiron in Aries)
Today the Sun is in a harmonious transit with Chiron, the planet of wounding and healing. Wherever Chiron falls in our natal chart will show us where we have been wounded and the key to healing. Having the Sun shed its light on those wounds can lead to a release from our bonds to our past bringing healing and wisdom.

Look at the chronic struggles you have had going on in your life. This transit can help us to find new inspiration, motivation, or the confidence to rejuvenate our waning enthusiasm. While this may be a gentler aspect, we still will have to make the effort to bring it all together. One of the positive effects of this transit is that it can bring us the opportunity to walk on our own path but in a new way. It also could allow us to take a deeper look at our worries and discouragements to bring new insight into how we may be sabotaging our conscious efforts on a subconscious level.

Of course, this means having to face our fear of failure and low self-esteem before we are able to move past those feelings. The thing to remember with this transit is that we are not tapping into its benefits because we are failing in our life. It’s the new potential that becomes available under this transit that brings a response to these new concerns that are rising to the surface.

June 11th - Pluto Retrograde enters Capricorn
Today, we have Pluto, which is currently retrograde, moving into Capricorn. This little dwarf planet packs an awfully big punch! With Pluto in Capricorn, it's all about the destruction and rebuilding of the established order. While we may feel that things are falling apart around us, we need to remember that a new and better situation will rise from the ashes. Pluto represents death, endings, and the breakdown of the structures in our life that are required in order to bring transformation and fresh beginnings.

Pluto's transits tend to include a breakdown phase, where structures that no longer serve us are dismantled to make room for new structures that are more in line with our spiritual evolution. We can either choose to understand and accept this process, making this a time of empowerment and transformation, or we can choose to resist as we hold on to the past, causing us pain and tragedy.

Pluto in Capricorn, the sign of the builder, means we should expect a transformation in all areas ruled by this sign, such as government, religious institutions, and political structures. Pluto will be in Capricorn until 2024 and, with the way the world is at the moment, we are in need of some transformation! Pluto entered Capricorn back in 2008. In May, Pluto began its retrograde from Aquarius into Capricorn today. It will move back into Aquarius in January of 2024.

The last time that Pluto was in Capricorn was between November 1762 and December 1778. This timeframe marked the end of the seven years war. It also saw a reconfiguration of many nations in the world. Catherine the Great acceded to the throne after the murder of her husband. She presided over wars with the Ottoman Empire, which resulted in the Russian acquisition of much of the Turkish lands. The first partition in Poland occurred during this period which split Poland into three sections owned by Russia, Prussia and Austria. Britain traded Cuba to Spain in exchange for Florida; Parliament passed the Stamp Act to pay for the wars that began the Colonial rebellion that resulted in the American Revolution.

Before this period, Pluto was in Capricorn between 1516-1533. This saw the original exploration of the New World that gave rise to the later Colonial ideals. It saw explorers returning home with their findings and the courts of Europe setting out to conquer the New World and create new colonies that were subservient to the European rulers.

So, what should we expect as we move forward? We will see extremes and compulsions in the area of life associated with the sign through which Pluto travels, and with the Capricornian association with governments and government buildings I would expect a worldwide attempt to solidify a global government and minimize individual liberties. We are already seeing drastic changes with the war in Ukraine and how countries have come together to oppose Russia. There is unrest in many countries at this time with people fighting for their liberties. Hopefully, the changes made will be for the better.

June 11th - Mercury enters Gemini
Messenger Mercury enters talkative Gemini to double the mental energy! Mercury is the planetary ruler of Gemini, so the mind wants to fly fast and free. Our perceptions and communications can come blowing through like a fresh breeze and this can create a variety of ideas in our heads, but not necessarily the productive application to putting those ideas in play. We can find it easier to articulate our words, collect and analyse our thoughts, and sharpen our focus.

Our minds are going so fast now that our hands and mouths can't keep up. And this can result in sloppy handwriting and even sloppier dialogue if we are not careful. The tendency to just blurt something out without thinking can happen more under this transit.

On the upside though, this transit turns our brain into an information super highway! A great time for any project that needs attention to details to find solutions or thinking outside the box. Just keep in mind that it will be important to give your brain some time to turn off from time to time under this transit. Let this be a time to explore possibilities and enjoy social interaction, rather than jump to final conclusions. Collect the raw data and exchange ideas, but be aware that understanding the broader meaning will likely come later.

June 11th - Mercury trine Pluto (Mercury in Gemini, Pluto in Capricorn)
With Mercury and Pluto in this positive trine, we know how to get to the heart of things. It's a great time for mental activities which involve research, concentration and investigation. We want to explore what’s under the surface and won’t be satisfied by superficial explanations. It's a good energy for focusing on ideas that require stages of development to be planned out. This is also a time when one can experience a breakthrough if they have been trying to understand the dynamics and deeper motivations going on in their lives. It’s like having that sudden light bulb moment that sheds light on the dark corner where those answers were hiding away. We also have the chance to shed and leave behind all of those outworn perceptions and forms of communication that have been ineffective for us up till now. During this transit, it may be a good idea to write down our thoughts and ideas so that we can review them again once this transit has slipped by.

June 11th - Venus square Jupiter (Venus in Leo, Jupiter in Taurus)
When the romantic planet Venus squares Jupiter, the planet of luck, we tend to want to take pleasure in doing things in a very big way. We become more generous and may spend money on others to make them happy. But there is a need here to set boundaries or we could end up overspending and overdoing it. By all means, let yourself have some fun! But be wary of depleting your resources or wasting time on superficialities-leaving you hungry for something more substantive.

The optimistic nature of this transit can lead us to expand on projects too quickly and an over-inflated sense of optimism can have us over-estimating where financial dealings are concerned. It’s also more challenging to stick to your budget and it really is not the best time for self-discipline or limiting our pleasure. We also need to take care that we don't over-indulging in rich or sweet foods and drink or be excessively lazy.

June 15th - Mercury square Saturn (Mercury in Gemini, Saturn in Pisces)
Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge during this transit due to obstacles and delays. Communications may be blocked or delayed, and negative thinking could dominate at this time causing feelings of irritation. Projects we thought were complete may need revision, and others could appear overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. In truth, we are likely more efficient than we actually feel right now because we tend to really pay attention to detail and feel a real need to be accurate and precise in all that we do. The trick is to not take everything so seriously that you end up looking for problems where there are none.

It's important to keep things in the proper perspective in order for us to get the necessary stuff done. By concentrating on learning one thing well today, you will retain it. You may be critical-especially of yourself-as you tend to seek perfection from everything you encounter. Words spoken may challenge what you have long accepted, causing you to deny their significance. Stay focused yet listen carefully; important information is available.

June 17th - Saturn goes Retrograde (In Pisces)
From an astrological perspective, Saturn going retrograde is pretty significant. Saturn is considered the planet of karma, so when it starts its backwards journey, it brings a phase of karmic rebalancing. Saturn retrograde can bring delays, obstructions, chronic health issues, and debts to the fore. However, how it affects us varies from one person to the next depending on where it sits on our birth chart.

This can be a period where we go through certain events that can be good or bad, but that are also necessary for us to realise our higher power. This is taking place in Pisces. Pisces is a mutable sign, sometimes referred to as a shapeshifter sign. This means that this retrograde cycle will have more fluidity. It's important to note that unlike the often sudden changes brought about when Mercury goes into retrograde, Saturn's annual retrograde is usually felt with less of a jolt because of its length, though the magnitude of change that can happen is comparable. But with Saturn entering retrograde in a mutable sign, the changes might be a little less subtle this year and you may feel Saturn's encouraging push to take action in respective areas of your life fluctuate from June to November.

Given the shapeshifting characteristics of Pisces, the energetic effects exuded by Saturn's retrograde will be felt most by both Pisces and the other mutable signs, which include Virgo, Sagittarius, and Gemini. Saturn in Pisces is known to have a hard time committing to a situation. The reason is that Pisces is somewhat wishy-washy and doesn’t have structure because this zodiac sign represents water in its purest and rawest form.

When Saturn is retrograde in Pisces, it wants to create the structure that this sign lacks without pushing this water sign against its will. Therefore, we can expect to experience moments of certainty in which we feel aligned with our karmic destiny. This also signifies a happy time in which we may feel like we are on the right path.

June 17th - Mercury sextile Venus (Mercury in Gemini, Venus in Leo)
Mercury is in this beneficial aspect with Venus today which brings us the possibility of benefiting from our social connections, a more open awareness, and harmonious communication. It doesn’t mean that it will all just fall into our laps though! We still need a bit of effort to make all of this happen.

Venus is all about pleasure, beauty, and sensuality and under this transit, we get to appreciate these things a bit more. It’s a good opportunity for getting closer to someone we have an interest in, or that we want to build a stronger foundation with. We are more able to give and receive and with Mercury this means listening well and speaking gently. Creativity also gets a boost as our ideas are more able to find a route to expressing them.

One thing we do need to be careful of with this transit is trying to manipulate a person or situation to our own advantage and vice versa. If you keep your communication clear and to the point, as well as throw in some diplomacy, you will find that you can deal with anyone who may be using manipulative tactics.

June 18th - Sun square Neptune (Sun in Gemini, Neptune in Pisces)
This is a tricky challenging transit to work with because it has the tendency to take those wistful ideas and wishful thinking and make them seem more realistic than they actually are. What tends to happen then is that we become disillusioned and prone to disappointment. Some may want a fantasy to come true so badly that they disconnect themselves from any actual obstacles that get in the way. Really we need to be paying attention to those obstacles because they are needed and serve a purpose for our own self-growth.

On a positive note, this transit makes our imagination very active. It can be a creative time if we are able to harness our imaginations and creativity in a productive way. The negative side is that our active imaginations are harder to control or balance with what is real. Energy levels can be a bit low both physically and mentally. It's important to pay attention to our bodies if they are needing rest. Emotionally we may feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and plain confused. And on a spiritual level, we could discover that our desire for enlightenment is not as straightforward as we had thought.

We do have the chance to observe that deeper part of ourselves, the part that is usually under cover during our day-to-day activities. If used right, this can be a creative and healing transit. We just need to listen to our inner voices a bit more now.

June 19th -Jupiter sextile Saturn (Jupiter in Taurus, Saturn in Pisces)
Jupiter’s transits to Saturn test the balance between your desire to grow and to expand, and your awareness of your personal limitations. You become more aware of opportunities, and your desire is to grow, but at the same time, you are reminded that there are limitations to what you can do.

When transiting Jupiter sextiles Saturn, life seems simpler and more straightforward – rather orderly and predictable, barring other major factors. You are a little more lenient on yourself and others, but you still prefer to follow most rules. There is a good balance between your need for growth and your need for security. Responsibilities feel easier as you see their value. Finances can get back on track or they are status quo. It’s easier to save and regulate spending. Practical projects advance. It’s a good time for legal outcomes.

When transiting Saturn sextiles Jupiter, your expectations and outlook on life are considerably more realistic now as you naturally seek a balance between too negative and overeager attitudes. It’s a strong time for realigning your projects and getting your life priorities straightened out. You are concerning yourself with the long term now, and practically preparing yourself for a better future. This is a fabulous time for working on, developing, and strengthening your projects, ideas, business, and plans.

June 21st - Ceres enters Libra
The asteroid Ceres enters the balancing sign of Libra today. Ceres represents the nurturing we received in our early years as well as how we tend to nurture others. It also rules the areas of clothing and food believe it or not! Where our natal charts are concerned, where Ceres falls in the signs will show, not only our nurturing styles but those things which make us feel nurtured. Where Ceres falls in the houses of one’s chart shows where we are more likely to express that nurturing side as well as where we can best receive nurturing from others.

With Ceres in Libra, it is beauty that nurtures our souls. Libra loves the small, subtle things in life so this is a chance to look at those small things in our lives that bring us joy, balance, and a feeling of comfort. We may also feel drawn to doing small things for others, random acts of kindness, for example, just to make someone smile or feel better.

Libra is the 7th house of astrology (not necessarily your 7th house in your own natal chart though). The 7th house is that of relationships, partnerships and public relation work. So on a broader scale, this is where Ceres’ energy will be focused. It’s about bringing balance into all types of relationships so that there is an equal amount of give and take. Without this balance we get co-dependant relationships and resentment forming.

It’s a good energy for anyone who works with the public, especially in nurturing roles like healing, therapy, and counselling. We can approach these areas in graceful and diplomatic ways. There may also be some grief-related issues that arise at this time such as grief over losing a partner. Some may notice rising feelings of disharmony and dislike of people who are rude and use crude language. Some may feel a power struggle where finding one’s identity is concerned, especially in relationships where one person has been overpowering the other. With these issues rising from the shadows we get a chance to right what is wrong and focus nurturing on these areas to heal and balance them.

June 21st - Mercury sextile Mars (Mercury in Gemini, Mars in Leo)
This is a transit where we have the potential to dig down and find the courage needed to speak our minds and stand up for ourselves and what we feel is right. Thoughtful actions will produce positive results and by planning ahead for possible consequences we can minimize any potential conflicts.

This is a time when our ideas and words come so swiftly that we may find it hard to stop them from coming out before we have had a chance to think about the best way to present them. It's an opportune transit for some creative problem-solving and testing out our decisions to see if they will fit into our plans and goals.

If we want our communication to flow more easily and be most effective then we need to be direct and to the point, especially in cases where we are faced with having to confront another about a difficult situation. However, we can tap into the courage of this transits energy and find a clear way to express what we need to get across. We just need to be careful with the more delicate situations that require less force.

June 21st - Mercury sextile Chiron (Mercury in Gemini, Chiron in Aries)
Mercury sextile Chiron brings us the opportunity to think and reflect on our pain as well as to talk about it. And sometimes that is all that is needed to get the ball rolling on healing ourselves. However, we will need to put a bit of effort into healing if we want something positive to come from this transit. It’s a time when our spirits feel a bit more uplifted and buoyant because we feel, for once, that we can actually see that light at the end of the tunnel…and no it isn’t a train coming to run us down either!

We can see a light that will guide us forward helping us to see the path before us. Just keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that path will just go away without effort. We still need to walk it. With this transit, however, we have a bit of a bounce in our step and our mental perspective allows us to be more accepting of all of those niggly inconsistencies and frustrations we need to face. It helps lessen the stress levels in order to make that journey forward a bit smoother. It’s also a transit that allows us to help others because we are able to listen and understand, to offer just the right thing to say that will help them on their own healing journey.

June 22nd - Vesta enters Gemini
I’ve written about Vesta previously. She was worshipped by the Greeks as the Goddess of the Hearth. The Romans associated her with the chaste vestal virgins who were devoted to service and keeping the fires of the temple burning. She is the Guardian of the Sacred Flame, the passion and joy that lies within our own souls, the fire of our spirit. She teaches us how to renew ourselves, how to cleanse, revitalize, and repair our minds and bodies. She is associated with the sign of Virgo.

In our natal charts, her placement shows how and where we are dedicated and how we can focus our energies to get the best effects. Vesta also indicates where and how we need to withdraw to recharge our batteries. Vesta has an effect on our sexuality but hers is more of a reasoned choice as opposed to the raw and animalistic drives of Mars or Pluto.

Her house placement in our chart indicated the energy we have brought with us in this lifetime and the sign she falls in is where she has bestowed her blessings upon us. Vesta shows how we integrate our energy and focus it and can bring a sense of wholeness to ourselves. Having Vesta active in our charts tends to be linked to those who are therapists, healers, counsellors, and workers in alternative healing.

She has an impact on these areas in our lives:

• Our personal integration, daily routines, and work patterns
• Maintaining health and spiritual balance
• Our sexual expressions
• Our spiritual and devotional service
• Our spiritual scholarly pursuits
• Our sense of purpose
• Groups that share a common cause or purpose
• Our heritage, preservation & conservation
• Our safety and security

The asteroid Vesta will be shifting into Gemini today, where she works with communication. She becomes the teacher/goddess, the person who asks all of the questions and finds the answers knowing that in each of those answers is yet another question. In Gemini, Vesta is bouncing all over in her quest to acquire more knowledge that she can share. It's a good time for when we have to focus on multiple projects.

June 22nd - Mars trine Chiron (Mars in Leo, Chiron in Aries)
During this transit you may find yourself being more assertive in your own healing processes. It will be a bit easier now to move past any inhibition that stop you from being assertive, expressing anger or frustration, or in putting things into action. Reconciling inner fears, guilt, or regrets that held you back can now be released more easily. Or we may find we have finally reached that point of acceptance that now will allow us to move beyond a conflict or struggle that has been keeping us stuck. Applying your willpower to problems has a better chance of succeeding now because you're likely to be more attuned to the path that leads to peace rather than more conflict. It's possible you might choose to use this energy in the defence of another person, a cause or something else you feel passionately about. It's possible to focus your energy, intent, motives and actions in ways that are healing, healthy, balanced and constructive.

June 25th - Mercury square Neptune (Mercury in Gemini, Neptune in Pisces)Under this transit, our mental focus can feel a bit clouded, confused or lethargic. Our mind struggles with trying to tackle and understand the limitless expanse of the Universe we live in along with what is formless and shifting. We can experience some disillusionment or disappointment in our observations or communication with others.

This is an important time, however, to break through old and rigid expectations that may be blocking our ability to see the bigger picture. We find that what flows beneath the surface of the events in our life needs to break down the thin barrier of our old expectations which are barring the path and view of a truth that is greater.

Many of us may feel a bit out of whack and off balance. We'll need to balance our left brain's analytical side with our intuitive right brain thinking by being less rigid and more open to a new perspective. Otherwise, we will find the left-brained analytical side a bit hard to work with right now. Listening more and talking less will help our inner sensitivity to be more receptive to what is being said. Sometimes it requires us to let go of what we think we know and understand about the situations in our lives in order to make ourselves more open to new perspectives that can change how we have been dealing with things.

June 26th - Mars square Uranus (Mars in Leo, Uranus in Taurus)Impatient Mars in conflict with unpredictable and explosive Uranus, oh my! Some really erratic actions and unpredictable impulses can surface under this transits energy. We have more active energy to tap into now but be careful because it can be very hard to control its direction, intensity, and predictability. Unconscious and suppressed emotions like anger, frustration, and fear are all bubbling away under the surface and can pop up when we least expect it. It's also a time when we are more accident-prone. This energy can help us to release inhibitions, and find the courage to propel forward or break free from old habits and cycles. The problem here is that there is no real guarantee that our actions won't turn out to be destructive and counterproductive. We may feel tempted to take bigger risks now which can break us out of a rut if used wisely. It's important to use your best judgement when faced with this kind of potent yet volatile energy.

June 27th - Mercury enters Cancer
Today Mercury enters Cancer, where it will be until the end of the month. When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity to the need for quality in terms of the information we are attracted to. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level now. We have less interest in what is universal and more interest in what affects us personally and what affects the people around us. Our thoughts are coloured by our emotions, so it is more challenging to be objective.

Communicating our feelings flows more easily at this time and we have a heightened sense of intuition and perception. Those who are naturally empathic will feel things more deeply, and those who aren't very empathic will notice they are picking up on others' emotions a lot more now. We can use this empathy to say those things that have been difficult in a more caring and sensitive way. The flip side of this is that our open connection to those around us can raise the risk of us communicating things in a callous or hurtful way if we are not used to treading gently.

This is a great time for tapping into our creative imagination, so take advantage of this and find creative ways to communicate, like through journaling, writing or any creative form you can use to express your feelings. It's a time for expanding our emotional awareness, so have a bit of creative fun with it or focus on ways to make your environment feel more comfortable and homey.

June 27th - Mercury sextile the North Lunar Node (Mercury in Cancer, North Node in Taurus)
Mercury represents our rational mind. It's the planet of everyday communication and expression. It signifies our curiosity and what areas of life we find stimulating and appealing on a mental level. The Lunar North Node symbolizes a forward motion point in our lives, what our overall lesson is. Some believe it shows us our destiny.

When Mercury interacts with either of the Nodes, it promises a highlight on movement. In this case, it focuses on how we communicate and plan our destiny. If you have something you need to tell the world, now is the time to do it! We become more perceptive and observant than normal under the effects of this transit. We may find it easier to communicate with just the right words needed or find that things make more sense to us now. This is a good time for writing letters we have been putting off, asking those questions we have wanted to ask, and making that call we have been meaning to make. We feel more focused and able to move forward, but we need to be careful that we don't focus so strongly on what we want that we aren't able to see what is right there before us or try to force a situation to be what we want it to be.

June 28th - Sun trine Saturn (Sun in Cancer, Saturn in Pisces)
The Sun is energy and Saturn is discipline, and the Trine is the most supportive transit of them all. We tend to feel more up to the challenge of tackling projects that require real discipline and organization. And our hard work can really pay off now! Keep in mind that we are still in Mercury retrograde though and this can cause some obstacles. Try not to give up at the first sign of resistance!

This can be a really down-to-earth transit. It brings us back into contact with ourselves and helps us to get to know ourselves through our relationship with, and our effect on, our environment. This is a time to examine your habits, your home situation, your work, and everything else that is important to you. Determine how they work on a practical level. Begin organizing your life and making an overall plan. Even your relationships should be supportive now.

June 29th - Venus trine Chiron (Venus in Leo, Chiron in Aries)
The Planet of Love mingles with the wounded healer today bringing a great opportunity for healing and rebalancing, especially in the areas of relationships, finance, resources and values. If you have been faced with persistent challenges and issues in these areas lately, you will find help from an influx of healing and helpful resources now. Interactions of all kinds, not just relationships, will benefit under this transit nurturing energy because we will find it so much easier to see the beauty and value in others, even those we may dislike or not feel too comfortable around. So use this to strengthen and mend bonds as well as to tackle negotiations where compromises are needed to resolve conflict. You will find things go a lot more smoothly now if everyone works in a balanced way that serves the interests of all.

This is also a time when we find we can draw to us what we need to heal wounds on many levels (spiritually, mentally, physically, psychologically, etc.) It makes it easier now to accept the things in our lives that we cannot change and focus on making progress in those things we can change.

June 30th - Neptune goes Retrograde (In Pisces)
Neptune turns retrograde in its home sign of Pisces, a mutable water sign, and won’t move direct until December 1st. In astrology, Neptune, the mythical ruler of the sea, is associated with fantasy, illusion, escape, creativity, and dreams. When retrograde, the Neptunian fog is lifted, and you have the ability to see past the illusions that have been holding you back. This will allow us to manifest hopes and dreams that align with our new reality.

June 30th - Mercury trine Saturn (Mercury in Cancer, Saturn in Pisces)
This transit is the opposite of mercury's trine with Neptune so it may help us to balance that airy, dreamy energy a bit more. While it is an excellent transit for mental work that involves accuracy and precision, these things may be a bit dulled down.

We will be able to better convey something significant or serious at this time and responsibilities could lighten up a bit. It may be best to look at ways you can bring closure to any finished goals and perhaps map out some plans for new ones. Blending this transit with Mercury's trine to Neptune can also give our imagination a boost that will help us think outside the box.

Under this transit, it may be easier to take a more practical, logical approach to any goals that need a problem-solving approach. We can better convey something significant or serious at this time and responsibilities may not feel so heavy due to this grounded and calming energy. Focusing on work that revolves around the logistics of getting from point A to B can be beneficial where pursuing our goals is concerned. We may also find that some goals can be bought to closure now. Looking back at past achievements can also help us now to support our current and future goals as we learn from the past. It’s all about bringing structure to how we think and communicate.

The beginning of Julyt sees Mars and Pallas move into Virgo, and Mercury enters Leo. Mid-month, Venus starts her retrograde cycle along with Chiron. Towards the end of the month, Mercury moves once again, this time into Virgo.

That's all for our June newsletter! I hope you have enjoyed it and feel free to share it and let me know if there is anything you would like to see added to it!