June 18 12:37 AM EST
This is a playful and romantic new moon that nonetheless encourages us to remain grounded and realistic. The new moon at 26 degrees of dexterous and curious Gemini is closely square to nebulous Neptune at 27 degrees of Pisces. Neptune is very strong in its home sign of Pisces, AND it is stationing to go retrograde at that degree on June 30th. Whenever planets are stationing they are highly influential. So Neptune is making its presence felt here.
And Neptune is not the only planet in Pisces that is commanding attention during this new moon. Saturn, at 7 degrees of Pisces, has just begun its first retrograde in that sign mere hours before the new moon. So there is a heavy emphasis on the Gemini/Pisces relationship. As two mutable signs, Gemini and Pisces in some ways are quite similar, in other ways quite dissimilar. Mutable signs are versatile and adaptable. They have knack for understanding what is required in the moment and bringing those skills or behaviors forward as necessary. This could be contrasted to cardinal signs which tend to “work through” situations en route to getting their needs or goals met, and fixed signs which are concerned with how situations rub up against what they “want or don’t want” (hence their ‘stubborn’ reputation). Instead mutable signs remain somewhat open and flexible as they maneuver through life, understanding that they “can handle” for the most part whatever comes their way and maybe even have their minds, hearts, understanding, abilities, connections, talents, perspective enhanced or refined by whatever new or unfamiliar situations they encounter.
But some crucial differences also arise between Gemini and Pisces, namely in that they are air and water signs, respectively, also with different rulers and motivations. As an air sign, Gemini tends to navigate life through a mental lens and emphasize ideas, concepts and connections. Their ruler, Mercury, likewise is a talker, a networker, a shrewd observer and multi-tasker. Pisces, on the other hand, is co-ruled by Neptune, lord of the Seas, and Jupiter, the great expander. As a water sign, Pisces feels their way through situations and is innately attuned both to their own inner emotional world, and the rich psychic undercurrents running through and around them. Pisces who have not yet learned to distill, discern, and navigate this high sensory experience can find themselves caught up in drugs or addictions which “help” them either enhance or subdue these sensations.
So the combination of Gemini and Pisces, so prominent at this new moon, is one of multiplicity, and lots of both mental and sensory input- rather like a kaleidoscope shifting, rotating, morphing depending on how you look at it and interact with it. And that could indeed end up being our experience of the upcoming lunar month. At a practical level, Gemini holds rulership over siblings, books, news, extended family, childhood classmates, correspondences, transportation and short trips- so any or all of these themes could be highlighted now.
What new information is coming our way? And how is it making us FEEL? This is what we need to sit with, and not get overly swayed in either the Gemini direction of over-thinking, over-analyzing, over-communicating as a remedy. Or the Piscean direction of overwhelm, retreat, and apathy. This is especially true if we feel we are torn in two directions (Geminian duality) and are unsure how to decide.
It is Saturn, now at 7 degrees Pisces and retrograde, that reminds us to slow down, be patient, take things one step at a time. Even if there are changes or reversals (retrogrades) happening with short term plans or travel situations (Gemini), to remain clear and pragmatic. Saturn here is like a through-line in the kaleidoscope that we can see clearly only when we still ourselves and allow ourselves to ‘be shown’. Like an image that emerges in the optical illusion of certain kaleidoscopic type artwork. If we continue to get swept up then we can miss it. And it may just hold the key for the next steps, or the solutions to whatever has come up. Crystal clear.
Mercury is the ruler of the new moon and at 11 degrees Gemini is square to Saturn at 7 degrees Pisces, reinforcing this as a central conflict during this new moon period, since Mercury will urge us to look for MORE ideas! information! options! .. When in fact, Saturn’s guidance is to still and simplify. But on the flip side, Saturn can be harsh and judgmental. So we must temper the realism and simplicity he urges, with a reminder to allow for grace and flow, and be gentle with ourselves.
Once we have attended to this basic foundational theme, then there are quite a few FUN and happy aspects also swirling around in the kaleidoscope! The cosmic lovers, Mars and Venus, are conjunct in confident, demonstrative and dramatic Leo. This is a sexy and romantic aspect that could spell *love*. But of course with Gemini and Pisces so strongly in the mix, we need to remain aware of whether something is actually just aimless flirtation (Gemini) or wishful fantasy (Pisces) and pull ourselves back into the realm of reality and the present moment. But Leo urges us to go for what we desire, to lead from the heart, and enjoy all parts of the ritual of courtship and romance. Making an effort and putting our best foot forward is the way of Leo so we can all take cues here from that in our romantic lives, whether we are single or partnered.
Mars and Venus conjunct in Leo is also a highly creative aspect. And both Gemini and Pisces are also extremely creative signs, so there is a strong artistic, sensual, and imaginative energy this month that we can apply in any direction we choose. Again, its about balancing the thinking with the feeling, and also now with Leo in the mix- the DOING. Mars and Venus in Leo take action and don’t hold back and so while Gemini/Pisces mutability may get easily bored or dissuaded from taking action on whatever dream/inspiration/idea has recently struck them- Leo pulls the trigger and doesn’t look back. When we desire something now, its time to be brave and do it!
Another beautiful aspect is the conjunction between the north node at 2 degrees of Taurus and bountiful Jupiter at 6 degrees of that sign. This is, in fact, the final new moon where Jupiter and the north node are conjunct, before the north node enters Aries, not to be in Taurus again for nearly 18 years. Jupiter in Taurus for the next year is a gorgeous blessing helping us grow the garden of our dreams in our lives, whatever that may look like to us, with care and dedication. This ‘last kiss’ between Jupiter and the North Node in Taurus reminds us to double down on what we most care about, tune out distractions (that Gemini/Pisces may be stirring) and enjoy the process of the unfolding of our deepest dreams and desires.
This is also a helpful reminder as we navigate the swirl of kaleidoscopic possibilities/options/ideas/inspirations/detours that may present to us this month. Sure, this potential new romance or project or adventure could be fun and exciting and sexy, but is it *really* right for us? Saturn helps us with that discernment, and Jupiter/North Node in Taurus help us distill if it is really something that we want to take the time and energy to ‘tend to’ in our gardens. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Or maybe it’s just a bit of fun! Nothing wrong with that- as long as we don’t let the square between the new moon and Neptune confuse us that it is something that it isn’t. But sometimes the only way to find out is to give it a try and this month is prime for doing that with as much fun and flair as possible!
*art by @sonic.seraphim
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