Monthly Vedic Astrology Forecast

Venus Transits Cancer June 1 - July 3

Venus moves gracefully into Cancer as our calendar month begins. Cancer isn't necessarily Venus' favorite territory through which to pass, but there can be some benefits. Cancer is the Moon's sign, and represents the arena of home, mother, shelter and anything that contributes to a comfortable home life; the watery nature of Cancer adds the qualities of sensitivity and emotional orientation. Venus, as the planet who symbolizes the human capacity for relationship and attraction to beauty, may inspire us to create more beauty and harmony in our homes this month. It's also a good time to enjoy and foster growth of family relationships. Venus catches up with Saturn toward the last week of June, and will stay within close range of Saturn through this fall. It is as if she has taken it upon herself to usher Saturn from Cancer, where he has transited for the past 2.5 years, into Leo, which happens officially for Saturn in mid-July.

New Moon in Taurus June 14

The New Moon occurs at 29° Taurus in the lunar mansion of Mrigashira. The new Moon is generally considered a time for beginnings, for pruning back old growth, and for planting seeds. Mrigashira spans the zodiac from 23°20' Taurus to 6°40' Gemini, so reflects the qualities of both signs. Mrigashira is associated with beginning a search for spiritual truth; the Taurus aspect of this lunar mansion assists in bringing ideas into the material realm and the Gemini aspect inspires research, writing and speech abilities, essential qualities for a spiritual seeker. The fact that the new Moon occurs in the final degree of Taurus is another argument for this time being particularly suited to a new beginning. Due to the nature of Mrigashira being soft and gentle, whatever new ventures come down the pike, it most likely won't be in the guise of a race car at the starting line. In fact, Mercury's retrograde cycle may have many of us looking closely at what's gone past already as we plant our seeds for the future.

Mercury Retrograde in Gemini June 15 - July 10

Mercury begins apparent backward motion on June 16 in the middle degrees of his own air sign, Gemini. Mercury retrograde is one of the most well-known astrological phenomena due to its uncanny nature to disrupt the smooth runnings of communications in so many creative ways. It's always a good idea to prepare for such an occasion by backing up all of your important data, electronic and otherwise. Make sure your passwords are secure and written down somewhere. Avoid scheduling any activities that are extremely dependent on time or precise communication. Put off important contract signings until mid-July. Once all that's safely done, you can settle in for a brisk and lively review session from mid-June to mid-July. In my observation, I have found that when Mercury goes retrograde in his own signs, Gemini and Virgo, that the retrograde repercussions don't seem to be quite so dramatic. It is, however, an excellent time to do all kinds of activities beginning in "re." Reflect, review, retrace, relax, etc. Learning from past experience is valuable when beginning new ventures, and this is a great month to do it. Editing, re-vamping old lesson plans and connecting with friends from the past could help to enrich the new things you are creating at this time. If you are required to keep to a schedule, like most of the real world, give yourself plenty of room and as much time off as possible. If you have a choice between cramming in one more errand or saving it until next Friday, I would recommend the latter. Relax and take care of yourself.

Sun enters Gemini June 16

The Sun moves toward backward-moving Mercury through Gemini starting June 16. They meet and pass on June 28. When any planet is close to the Sun in the zodiac, it is considered "combust" and the effects that planet may have are overpowered by the Sun. This could suppress, ever so slightly, the apparent effects of Mercury's retrograde condition. The well exercised will power may be able to accomplish anything, even in the face of Mercury's capers. The Sun represents the personal will and that which truly motivates us: who we are at our core. Anyone who is Gemini at their core will most likely feel empowered and motivated during this time. It's also a good time for focusing energy on projects that require communication, research, and creative thought.

Mars Enters Aries June 17

Speaking of focusing energy, the master of that activity comes to our aid by moving into his own sign on June 17. Mars loves being in Aries: the General returns home, he takes stock of his resources, revises battle plans, and gathers his forces for the next campaign. Mars' ability to build and harness energy is easily accessed throughout his transit in Aries, which lasts through the end of July. If you find yourself well into some type of work project, this will be a great time to push through and accomplish much. This will be especially true during the last two weeks of July, when Mercury is finished with his show. While Mars in Aries can be vastly energetic, there is also the possibility of Mars getting overheated, losing his temper, and causing damage. A good source of prevention for this is accessing the softer, gentler planetary energies of Venus and Saturn in Cancer during this time to temper Mars' easy irritability. Take care of your workers (literally and figuratively): bring them lemonade and snacks, ask about their plans, listen to them, offer to help.

Full Moon in Sagittarius June 30

The full Moon occurs in Jupiter's fire sign, Sagittarius, on June 30. From this position, the Moon faces the Sun and retrograde Mercury, who will be combust with the Sun. Jupiter, also retrograde, is positioned next door to the Moon, in Scorpio. This lends a positive influence to the Moon. The overtones of this time will be that of Mercury and the Sun, which are showing us to review and relax, to talk to friends and learn from the past, but we may get some Martian undertones that are pushing us to move on and work through new ground. Beware of impatience and compulsions at month's end. Heeding the planets that currently occupy the Moon's sign (Venus and Saturn) is important. They remind us to relate to our past and origins so that we may make changes and face new situations with responsibility and grace, rather than rashly plunging forward into unknown territory in order to escape mistakes and lessons that we'd rather forget.