A JOURNEY AROUND THE PLANETS - PART I
Let’s take a break from all of the monthly planetary aspects and transits that I normally write about and get a real feel for the planets. The Sun and Moon, which are the two luminaries, as well as the eight planets in our solar system, are the most important components when it comes to understanding how astrology works. The planets represent personality functions and urges – the different parts of who we are. Without the planets, we could not act on the needs of our zodiac signs or experience the activities described by the houses.
I’m going to walk you through a 4-part series explaining who the planets are and how they affect us in our daily lives. This first article will focus on the Sun and Moon.
The Sun and the Moon are the two brightest and most prominent bodies in the sky. Together they regulate our day and night cycles, and in astrology, are the two primary symbols of our personality. The Sun represents our conscious life purpose, and the Moon shows how we act out our purpose in our daily activities.
The Sun and Moon operate together creating a flow of energy where the Moon distributes the light of the Sun in varying amounts every night which is reflected as the phases of the Moon.
THE SUN:
The Sun, our masculine force, is the center of our solar system and is the giver of life. It rules our conscious day. The Sun shows our identity, our individuality, our pride and self-confidence. The Sun is who we strive to be and shows how and where we shine our light in the world. Without the Sun, we would have no drive, no direction, and no sense of self. The Sun’s placement in our chart describes where we find our sense of purpose and what we need to do to feel important and develop our life to the fullest. By developing our Sun’s potential, we gain a sense of our core values and soul-intentions to which we must be true.
The sign that your Sun is in is how you express your identity. Even though it is one of the most important parts of your being, it shouldn’t be viewed as an entity of its own. It is your core identity, but not the total sum of who you are. It is always blended with other planets and placements in your birth chart. A complete understanding of your Sun sign helps you to comprehend how you show up in the world.
For example, if your Sun is in the sign of Aries, your energy is independent and enthusiastic. Your soul is that of a leader. You are great at coming up with original ideas, taking the initiative in getting projects started, and utilizing your energy and strength to blaze new trails. You’ll never back away from a challenge and will often take risks that others will not.
If your Aries Sun happens to be in the 10th House, you will flourish as a natural born leader in your chosen career. You will need to have a job that provides you with plenty of diversity, challenges and competitiveness so that you can shine and not become bored. Your self-image is rooted in your public and professional role and the actions you take there.
THE MOON:
While the Sun represents the masculine, the Moon represents the feminine, ruling the emotional function of our personality. The Moon is the instinctive and intuitive part of our character. It gives us a sense of safety, nurturance and acceptance. The Moon is our heart and soul and represents our most private self. Our emotions set the tone for our daily lives and the Moon’s influence tells us how we are affected by past memories and how we process those memories. She represents where you have come from, your upbringing, your relationship with your mother and how you feel about the world around you.
I talk a lot about the Moon phases or lunation cycle in my articles as a way of guiding us in our daily decision-making processes.
There are eight phases of a lunation cycle. The New Moon and the Full Moon are the cycle’s high points with six phases in between. The Moon circles the earth every 29 ½ days. The lunation cycle begins with the New Moon. This is when the sun, moon and earth are in alignment, almost in a straight line with each other, with the moon in-between the sun and earth.
During the New Moon, we see none of the moon’s reflected light, so we don’t see the moon at all. This is probably the most exciting part of the lunar cycle. Symbolically, this represents coming out of the dark and into the light. This is the time where we plant the seeds for how we want our future dreams to manifest. It is symbolic of the second chances we are given over and over. Whatever mistakes we have made, the New Moon gifts us with the chance to start over.
Ancient civilizations through the present time, have used these moon cycles as a way to tell the story of birth, growth, fullness, decay, disappearance, with rebirth and growth again (Ref: Finding Our Way Through the Dark, Demetra George). All of life resonates to the rhythm of this cycle, tapping out how we instinctively follow and move to the beat of her music.
On June the 10th, we will experience the first solar eclipse of this year. A solar eclipse occurs at the New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. A solar eclipse is a very powerful New Moon that is known to bring intense beginnings and endings. Major growth can happen during this time. The energy of a solar eclipse sets the tone for 6 months or longer, as opposed to a month in relation to a New Moon.
YOUR JUNE 2021 HOROSCOPE
BASED ON THE NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE
Let’s get an idea of how this eclipse will affect you by taking a look at your horoscope for June.
ARIES – March 21 – April 19
Communication is high on your list for the next several months. You will see an increase in your interactions with others, so brush up on how you are getting your messages across. It will be very important to express yourself and your desires in a clear and concise way. Concentrate on what you need to convey and how it makes you feel. This is the time to take advantage of your increased powers of communication by taking an on-line class in public speaking, writing, or engaging in other types of learning experiences which will have you mixing it up with other individuals in an exciting and thought-provoking way.
TAURUS – April 20 – May 20
This time period signals an opportunity that is beneficial for increasing your income. This eclipse can help you with new beginnings in your financial sector, supporting you as you evaluate what is of value and offering a mental picture of your self-worth. The Moon is making a positive connection to Saturn in your career house providing a balance between your professional and personal parts of life which makes it easier to move forward towards your financial goals. The Moon/Saturn connection makes it possible to objectively make good decisions for your future and to reorganize your finances to your best benefit.
GEMINI – May 21 – June 20
Because this eclipse falls in your own sign of Gemini, you can expect a period of great change in the area of life that is personal to you. This change will involve new methods in the way you present yourself to the world. It is all about self-improvement and self-development in the areas of your appearance, your image, your attitude, and overall approach to life. Reinvent yourself with a new haircut, a new wardrobe, a mani/pedi, or an all-out total makeover. Make sure you indulge in some self-love. When you look your best, you will feel your best.
CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22
Your focus is on the inner or hidden parts of yourself. You’ll feel an overwhelming need to be in solitude and to reflect on your emotions, dreams and the things that make you feel inspired. This is a great time to go on a spiritual retreat, enter therapy, take up meditation or just rest more and recharge your batteries. With the Moon making a challenging aspect to Neptune, you will be experiencing all kinds of emotions that may have you questioning what is real and what is illusion. Just allow yourself to find a place to retreat and get involved with quieter beginnings such as writing or journaling, painting, reading, watching movies or anything where you can use your imagination.
LEO – July 23 – August 22
This is a time of new beginnings in the area of friendships and group affiliations. Reach out to other like-minded individuals who share your dreams of a better tomorrow. Turn your inner restlessness into rewarding contact with others by find a worthy project to get involved with. Broadening your network of friends and associates at this time can lead to new relationships and a boost to your humanitarian and social ideals.
VIRGO – August 23 – September 22
This is an important time as you plan for the future regarding your career and professional goals. You are able to understand your personal needs combined with your career ambitions. With the Moon making a harmonious aspect to Saturn in your 6th House, it’s easier to discipline yourself and work hard in developing opportunities for advancement and recognition. Being able to work hard now will be beneficial for you down the road. Your professional goals are now more realistic, achievable, and will help get you further in your job and life.
LIBRA – September 23 – October 22
With summer upon us and things beginning to lighten up, you will find yourself feeling more adventurous and looking for a way to expand your horizons. If long-distance travel is still out of the question, develop your inner philosophies and beliefs by going on a spiritual retreat, experience other cultures by trying out a new exotic restaurant, or initiate new activities that expand your mind and provide a new way of seeing the world. The goal is to feel transformed by incorporating new perspectives that take you away from the same old routines of life.
SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21
This is a period of empowerment for you. It’s a great time to focus on areas of intimacy and looking deep within yourself to acknowledge what your needs are. Issues from your past may arise that cause confusion and emotional turmoil. Try to have an awareness of your own internal motivations while being open to the things that make your partner tick. There is an intensity with this New Moon, especially within your intimate life and your search for finding who you really are beneath the surface.
SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21
Relationships and partnerships of all types are at the forefront during this eclipse. You will feel a deeper emotional connection to your partner, wanting to strengthen the relationship and be able to share your thoughts and ideas. This is actually a good time to work on all types of relationships that are mutually supportive. Business partnerships may also begin or develop in some way. With the Moon making a challenging aspect to Neptune in your house and home sector, be aware that you may need to objectively and realistically assess your responsibilities to family members or loved ones who call for your attention at this time.
CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19
This is a great time to use your sensible and determined nature to change your day-to-day practices that have gone astray during this past year or have just not been working for you. This includes your health routines, work routines, job duties, and personal habits. You have the skills and self-discipline to do what you must to create a healthier mind, body and spirit. Renew your commitment to self-care, set healthy boundaries, and make sure you have a good balance between your work and personal life.
AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18
This solar eclipse wants you to let your creative juices flow and also embrace all the things that make life fun. Take time to envision what types of new creative projects you would like to initiate and how best to manifest them in an exciting and entertaining way. Give yourself permission to pursue what brings you joy and fulfillment. Incorporate some social time, romance and activities that bring new possibilities into your life.
PISCES – February 19 – March 20
Your home and family life are taking priority during this solar eclipse. What is it that makes you feel safe and secure? Make long-range plans for the future by envisioning how you want your home environment to be, both physically and emotionally. Re-organize, declutter, and open up space for new energy to flow. Take advantage of this phase by making improvements to your home, as it will be important for you to feel comfortable and cozy in your home environment. This is also a wonderful period to spend more time bonding with and renewing your family relationships.