Gemini New Moon
Sandro Boticelli, The Birth of Venus (detail, Zephyr and Chloris)
June 4, 2016: Gemini New Moon (exact at 7:59 pm PDT)
Curiosity and wonder fill the air on the Gemini New Moon. It’s a day when learning and collecting information feels nurturing. And yet, in that pursuit it can seem as if our attention is pulled in a spectrum of directions, since a sense of "interesting" seems to be infused in the numerous things that cross our radar.
Like other New Moons, it's a good time to set a goal for the coming four weeks, and given the presence of Gemini energy, it’s an auspicious time to begin gathering the information we’ll need to set this mission in motion. The mercurial and seemingly fickle energy of Gemini is often on display during this New Moon period, amping up agitation and nervous energy. Be patient with yourself if you find it more difficult to make decisions while also making space for others if they seem to be more capricious than normal.
All this said, this isn't your garden variety Gemini New Moon. It's part of a much larger celestial story, given that it connects to the dance ofJupiter, Saturn, and Neptune, the trio of planets that have been sashaying with each other since last summer.
So here we have a New Moon ushering in beginnings, beginnings that are related the dynamic interplay between growth and expansion (Jupiter), creating structure (Saturn), and compassion and heart-centeredness (Neptune). This tango'ing of those three planets may be reflecting a time period in which we are embracing a shift that has had us looking to discover how to take our visions, and that which stirs our heart and soul, and give them even more solidity.
Yet, the process of doing so isn't necessarily easy; after all, through it we may have had to come face to face with our illusions, the places in which we take ourselves off the field, the ways in which we escape from taking responsibility, and the consequences of having either too little or too much faith in someone/something. Within that, though, these lessons may have allowed us to wipe away the sleep from our eyes and see things—what we want and how we can marshal our resources—more clearly, in alignment with the goals we may now be fully owning that we desire, and deserve. Remembering this during this New Moon time can be helpful.
Perhaps during this time you are finding yourself with an opportunity, or urge, to take a step that enables you to declare—to yourself and/or others—a commitment, a commitment to yourself that reflects your allegiance to your core values and visions for your life. It's not necessary that the declaration is that of something complete, as it may not be (Mars is still retrograde and so kinks may still be working themselves out), but rather the stepping stone or launching pad for the journey whose path seems so much more defined and aligned than it did last year.
There's another reason that has this Gemini New Moon being quite special. Venus plays a starring role, owing to the planet of beauty being in Gemini and mirroring the Sun and Moon, and so relationships, finances, art, and the realm of values may be a theme that weaves throughout this time.
What's also quite interesting is that this New Moon resides in the same landscape that both the Venus eclipse and lunar eclipse did in June 2012. As such, perhaps looking back at that time can give us a deeper understanding of what is returning to our consciousness when it comes to the path we want to pursue and what we learned about our personal sense of value and resourcefulness. We may also see how important it is to orient from a perspective that is imbued with a reverent and fierce embrace of the beautiful value that we have and we are.
This month’s New Moon falls at 15 degrees of Gemini (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini or the other mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.
Gemini New Moon Apothecary Suggestions
Gemini rules the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.
Cerato flower essence: During the Gemini New Moon there is an emphasis on the dissemination of information and it becomes tempting to seek advice and input from lots of people who are more than willing to share their thoughts and ideas. While this can be helpful, if you are unclear as to where you stand on an issue, it can cause any decision you need to make even more confusing. If you are looking for a natural remedy that can help inspire your confidence that intuitive knowingness truly resides within you, consider Cerato flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)
Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): With Gemini ruling the lungs and the nervous system, doing some pranayama breathing exercises like Nadi Sodhana can be beneficial if you need to calm a flurry of nervous energy. Sit in a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. Rest your left hand on your lap. Raise your right hand towards your nose, closing your right nostril by gently pushing your thumb against it. Inhale through your left nostril for four counts. Then release your thumb while closing your left nostril with your ring finger. Exhale through your right nostril for four counts and then inhale for four counts. Release hold on left nostril while closing right nostril with your thumb. Exhale through left nostril for four counts. Continue for twelve rounds or more.