The powerful planetary interactions and sign placements in the 2016 Summer Solstice chart, whose vibrations will affect life and events in the coming three months, indicate a mostly stressful period on the horizon. In fact, the Sagittarius Full Moon that occurs less than 12 hours before the Solstice helps shine a bright light on the challenges and opportunities to come.
Most notable is a powerful configuration between expansive Jupiter, realistic Saturn, idealistic Neptune, and intellectual, communication oriented Mercury in its own sign Gemini. In fact, the contact between the last three planets is exact, powerfully affecting how we think, express ourselves, and digest information. To partly describe the above dynamic, it’s interesting to note that a TV show from the past, “To Tell The Truth”, is soon returning to the airwaves. With Neptune having turned retrograde on June 14th, and continuing her backward motion until just after the November election, we will have to wonder, who is telling the truth, are candidates just saying what we want to hear, and are we just being deceived and confused by irrational fears and projections as well as exaggerated promises that will surely test our confidence, and our hopes.
In any chart, the condition of the Sun and Moon are most important. With the Sun in Cancer, the sign ruled by the Moon, and under which the United States was born, in a tense relationship with the Moon in Capricorn, it seems our sense of security will be seriously challenged. The planet Venus is also strongly affected in this difficult configuration. It’s possible homelessness due to economic hardship, long term residents being displaced by increased housing costs and gentrification, will continue the long term trend of the past months and years.
Mars retrograde in Scorpio stressfully affected by Uranus has made its focus on sexuality felt even before summer began. The perpetrator of the mass killing at a gay bar in Orlando, Florida was motivated by repressed anger and homophobia. Perhaps even more alarming is the epidemic of rape on college campuses across the country, brought more to light by the Stanford University case where the rapist was given a less than minimum sentence. Fact is, the majority of rapes are either not reported due to fear, or repressed because colleges are more concerned with protecting their image than justice being served. In additional Neptune fashion, the victim is often blamed for the crime while the rapist goes unpunished. As Mars turns direct at the end of June, and especially when Mars enters into fiery Sagittarius in early August, followed by Saturn’s forward motion in Sag soon after, it’s likely more protest and action will take place around this issue at that time.
What will certainly be stirring up happenings at the two political conventions the last two weeks in July will be the energy of the unpredictable, independent, “challenge the status quo” planet Uranus, especially as the God of Change and Rebellion stands still in the sky above as July comes to an end. Not only will both events be in some state of disruption, but with Uranus strongly affecting Mars in the chart of Bernie Sanders from late June until Fall, it’s likely he will continue his leadership role in calling for revolutionary change.
As for you and I, how are our lives being impacted by these powerful planetary energies, and how can we use them productively, especially the personal bodies the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars? Incorporating more honest communication and realistic dialogue will help create the opportunity for greater clarity and understanding in our daily lives. Increased emotional awareness regarding our need for affection, nurturing and caring in both our intimate relationships and with family members are all highlighted during this Solstice period. Becoming more confident in our own sexuality, as well as assertive and independent, is certainly part of the mix as well.
While there are many opportunities to take advantage of in the coming months, let me highlight the following. First, in mid-July, both Mercury and Venus move into Leo, followed by the Sun on the 22nd. Creativity, generosity, an openhearted manner, being encouraging of others, expressing love, affection, and inspiration, are just some of the qualities to embrace to make mid-summer a special time.
While Saturn remains retrograde through mid-August, use this time to be patient, realistically acknowledge both your strengths and limitations, reflect on your accomplishments, be responsible, and use your time wisely. Once Saturn begins his forward motion, initiate your priorities, move forward, and work toward your long-term goals, especially in education or your career.
Mercury will be turning retrograde in Virgo at the end of August, then move forward on September 21st. Take this opportunity to reflect on matters of work and health. Productively use the analytical, detail oriented nature of Virgo on the job, including in communication with fellow employees. It’s also a good time to assess the condition of your mental health and well being, especially when Mercury and Pluto strongly interact between the 18th and 25th. Also, Pluto stations at months end, allowing for a more introspective and empowered approach to what desires change in your life.
Thankfully, the helpful contact between optimistic, forward looking Jupiter, and transformative Pluto remains in effect. Most advantageous into early July, but still helpful until months end, use this opportunity to take a grounded approach to life, to see how your philosophy of life and belief system ultimately contribute to a healthier future for yourself, and for the general welfare of society.
Finally, it’s important to note that the value of the sign Pisces is most evident in the coming months. Just as Pisces ruler Neptune turned retrograde in its own sign just prior to the Solstice, planetoid Chiron does the same on June 27th. As a result, we can more richly incorporate empathy, compassion, forgiveness, understanding and healing into our daily life. Utilizing these heartfelt qualities as often as possible will go a long way in enhancing our relationship with both ourselves and others, while creating more love and understanding on Planet Earth.
Many blessings for a life affirming summer filled with ideals of truth and equality, an appreciation for all that is good, and reverence for Mother Earth.
