It makes sense that things may feel very unclear right now. After all, while so much has been shaken up, we’re in a passageway of transition as we shift from one way of being to another. During times of radical transformation, things take time, as the old ways fall asunder, before new processes emerge.

Unclarity may feel unsettling and yet it also feels a bit de rigueur right now, not only because we need time for things to be reconstructed, but also because when looking at it from an astrological perspective, everything feels really eclipsed since we’re in the midst of Eclipse season. Last week, on June 5, we had a Lunar Eclipse. And this weekend we have a Solar Eclipse (find more on the Cancer Solar Eclipse and its inspirations here). This will be followed by a Lunar Eclipse on July 4.

And so, it’s a time when things are not only coming to light, but new chapters feel like they are emerging—and yet, while we may feel the movements happening, we don’t yet know the destination they are going, nor the exact path they will take. Hopefully knowing that it makes sense that things are obscured will help to tamp down stress that can occur when we get frustrated that we don’t yet know the route forward.

It almost seems like we’re not even supposed to move forward right now, at least in any significant way. After all, not only are we in Eclipse season but there are a host of planets that are in their retrograde cycle. Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto are currently retrograde and Neptune begins its backwards dance next week. Yet, when it comes to retrograde planets, the ones that seem to really capture our awareness—and which to me have much more personal invitations—are those of Mercury, Venus, and Mars. Venus is currently retrograde, until June 25th, and Mercury begins to retrace its steps beginning this week. There are lots of headwinds in the environment.

Yet that’s not to say that that is necessarily bad. As long as we don’t push to move forward prematurely and we take time to go back over territory we have traveled, we will gain treasures that will help us to make even more holistic progress once the fog lifts and its time to move forward again with great concerted effort. Of course, that’s not to say that we can’t do anything; of course we can. Yet it does seem that if we honor the as-above-so-below axiom and do as the planets do, gathering up insights and wisdom by prizing the past and where we’ve been, and going back over things numerous times, may really offer amplified value.

This directionality, and honoring the power of the pause, really feels like it will serve us well during the seven-day period between June 18th and June 25th when both Mercury and Venus are retrograde. Remember that these retrograde cycles are not bad nor do they necessarily offer ill effects; yet, it’s important to follow the planets’ leads and not push forward when riches and understanding comes from re-looking at realms of life—whether that’s relationships, money, pleasure, and our sense of value (Venus) or communication, education, messaging, or transportation (Mercury)—from a different angle and by taking a more leisurely pace. Remember the power of the pause—that much can be observed and gathered when we go slow and stay aware.

One last note about the week. As I shared above, Neptune will shift retrograde next week, on Monday (June 22). As you may remember, days before and after a planet begins or ends its retrograde cycle, the themes associated with it are very strong. With Neptune reflecting unity and blurred boundaries, we may find that this weekend is steeped in compassion, unconditional love, and artistic inspiration; and yet it could also feel infused with merging, illusion, and disillusionment. As you open to your longings and dreams, just make sure to keep your eyes open and your feet on the ground.

All my very best,

Stephanie

Astrological Highlights

June 18

Mercury retrograde begins (through July 12)

Mars/Pluto Sextile

June 20

Mars/Jupiter Sextile
Sun enters Cancer (Solstice)

June 21

Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse

All days reflect Eastern Daylight Time (-7 hours GMT)

Stellar Insights: June 15 - 21, 2020

Astrological Highlights