Time to Get Moving After the Summer Solstice

Like a director on a movie set, you'll find that the theme for the week is "Action, action, action!" The summer solstice on June 21st prompted us all to get up and get moving. This spiritual time for fresh starts is still radiating through the ethers. If you find yourself contemplating a move, thinking about getting a new pet, or considering a search for a different job, you're right in the flow of things.

The summer solstice is one of eight major "power times" that the indigenous people mapped out millennia ago as periods when spiritual energy became more easily accessible. This had to do with the "pulse" or the ebb and flow of the Earth's magnetic field, which was interpreted as a life force that we are connected to. Others honored these sacred times, too. Many of our contemporary holidays like Christmas, Easter, and even Groundhog Day overlay these dates (although they sometimes miss the exact time by a day or two.)

This energy doesn't just last for one day. Its power spreads out into the following week. So it's not too late to pay attention to the messages of this time and to access those creative and healing energies for yourself.

The overall mood of this time is one of seeking a brighter future. So if you're noticing how certain relationships, work routines, or personal habits just don't seem to fit you anymore, you're listening to the impulses of your Higher Self. The Higher Self is that part of you which is always connected with evolution and flow. It wants you to succeed! The key is to tap into that divine wisdom and to trust that it is leading you in a progressive direction. This is a good week for meditation, prayers, and embracing stillness so that you can connect with that center of wisdom that lives within you.

On a more mundane level, you could feel a little restless and frisky as these energies affect you. Suddenly, you can't stand that hair color your stylist used on you. "What made me think that 'eggplant' was a good idea? Now my head looks like a side dish."

Or you could be overcome with the urge to party like it's 1999, or maybe 2099. "I haven't been dancing in ages. Where's a hot club I can go to?"

You might even feel an overwhelming need to reach out and connect with people you haven't seen for a while as you crave human touch and heart-warming energy. But think things through carefully before you call up Vlad, the body builder you dated for about five minutes. He's probably still a nice guy, but do you really want to deal with his tattoo fetish or his unwashed Doberman who likes to smother you with messy pooch kisses?

In other words, if you're feeling restless, find healthy, fun, and productive ways to release that "ants in your pants" feeling. Avoid going to extremes or engaging in unwise hookups just because you're in a wild mood. (I know you Sagittarians probably aren't going to listen to me, but that's okay.)

Jupiter Now Direct, Urging Us Forward

Another influence that is creating a feeling of forward momentum is Jupiter, which went into direct motion June 5th after spending months in cranky retrograde. Jupiter guides our wisdom about goal-setting, long-term planning, and success consciousness. It's a huge planet that affects the population on a global level.

While it was in retrograde it was easy to lose faith about our life choices. Many folks found themselves questioning a romantic commitment, a career path, or even a lifestyle choice. With Jupiter now giving us much clearer vision, we'll be able to shake off any minor doubts and engage in more progressive and assertive activities. Some things may need changing, but we won't feel hopeless about it. Instead, we'll be methodical, measured, and disciplined in how we go about things so that any transitions we make can happen smoothly and happily. A "Can Do" spirit is in the air.

Sagittarians have Jupiter as their planetary "ruler," and because they express the Jupiterian spirit, they should feel strongly in the flow of things now. This sign will experience huge progress over the next few months as Jupiter continues its motion forward in the sign of Libra.

Those born under the sun sign, moon sign, ascendant sign, or Jupiter sign of Libra will also start having a lot more "luck." Old-fashioned astrologers who still ascribe to a fortunetelling point of view (i.e. "You have no control over your future; the planets do!") will tell you that Jupiter is the planet of luck and that when it is in a positive position, everything tends to go better.

I'm more of a modern girl when it comes to astrology. I follow the contemporary astrologer's view of "The planets don't compel; they impel." They never FORCE us to do anything, neither do they control our fate. However, our nervous systems, which are composed of some 70% water, are highly responsive to electromagnetic fields, and the moon and the outer planets DO create measurable effects within our bodies and psyches. This is what the astrologers have been meticulously mapping out through the millennia.

It's up to us to learn how to anticipate those trends and harmonize our actions with those energies. I know I always prefer to swim with the tide rather than against it. Don't you? That's the advantage that astrological trendspotting can provide you.

Okay, let's look at what other mischief the planets are getting into this week. First we'll look at the other planetary positions.

Where Are the Planets This Week?

Here's a breakdown of which planets are in which signs.

The sun is still in Water sign Cancer
There will be a fourth quarter moon in Water sign Pisces on Tuesday June 28th
Mercury is in Cancer; it moves into Leo at 12:01 am EDT Time Tuesday June 28th
Venus is in Cancer; it moves into Leo at 1:53 am EDT Time Tuesday June 28th
Mars is still in Fire sign Aries
Jupiter is still in direct motion in Air sign Libra
Saturn is still in Water sign Cancer
Uranus is still retrograde in Pisces
Neptune is still retrograde in Aquarius
Pluto is still retrograde in Sagittarius

Overview for the Week
Mercury and Venus Transition from Cancer Into Leo

One major energy trend that the stars are generating this week is that Mercury and Venus are inching out of Water sign Cancer and aiming themselves at Fire sign Leo. Mercury enters Leo at 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time this Tuesday, the 28th, and Venus joins Mercury in Leo at 1:53 am EDT the same day. Mercury stays in Leo until September 4th and Venus will remain in Leo until July 22nd.

Mercury is the planet that oversees the energy flow between people, places, and things. There is an electrical current, a vibration, that exists between people, and Mercury colors these connections with the "mood" that he's in as he travels through different signs. So as Mercury moves into Leo, expect your relationships to take on a more assertive, passionate, and humor-filled tone, because Fire sign Leo is very dynamic and outgoing. And Leo is also the joker of the Zodiac, always one to diffuse tension with a joke or a silly comment.

This will be especially true for those born under the Fire signs of Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius. All of you will take a big "hit" of positive energy from Mercury's journey through Leo. And if your moon sign, ascendant/rising sign, or Mercury sign is in Leo, you'll also be feeling lively and light-hearted throughout this period. Even if you're busy and stressed out from work, you'll feel relatively good about things. Mercury in Leo will enhance those feelings of optimism and promote your sense of spiritual "faith" that events are unfolding exactly as they need to be.

Venus moving into Leo will also positively affect all Leos, Aries, and Sagittarians. And if your moon sign, rising sign, or Venus sign are in Leo, you'll receive a megadose of the good stuff, too. Venus rules artistry, imagination, and romance, bringing an air of refinement and beauty to everything she touches. When she marches through Leo, she inspires us to become bolder about standing up for our personal vision. She encourages us to demand a higher quality of life and to tell others that they must honor and respect us instead of draining our energies.

The combination of bold Leo and beautiful Venus can be an interesting one. Think of all the gorgeous, fiery women you've known in your life -- they are the personification of the Venus in Leo energy. Both feminine AND powerful. That's the spirit of this period when Venus dances through Leo. Venus may feel the need to roar like a lion once in a while (after all, Leo is the sign of the lion,) but she'll do it while keeping her dignity and her composure intact. And she'll maintain an impeccable manicure, too!

One sign which might need to work a little harder at keeping up those spirits and maintaining a positive mood during this period of Mercury and Venus traveling through Leo is the Air sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is opposite Leo in the zodiac wheel, which means Leo functions as your polar compliment -- the "yin" to your "yang."

Aquarians, as Mercury and Venus oppose your sign over the next few weeks, pay close attention to anything that is irritating you. Planetary oppositions sometimes feel uncomfortable, but they always prompt us to grow. Take stock of things that need overhauling in your life and, instead of getting frustrated, see them as things which should be put on your "To fix" list. Be proactive instead of reactive. Listen to the messages that the Universe is sharing instead of fighting against them. That way, you'll minimize tension and move through any potential energy blockage without losing your cool.

Fourth Quarter Moon in Pisces Tuesday June 28th

Another little energy bump kicking in this week is the fourth quarter moon, which will be happening in Water sign Pisces on Tuesday, June 28th at 2:23 pm EDT. The fourth quarter moon is a kind of spiritual midway point. The fourth quarter moon happens halfway between the times of the full moon and the new moon. It can be a time of sharp realization, personal contemplation, and just generally pondering the meaning of life. Usually ideas that come to you at this time are better implemented around the new moon, which is coming up on July 6 at 8:02am EDT.

New moons are the "New Year" for a given month, and they bring along a tremendous amount of momentum and good vibes. The fourth quarter moon is usually more of a day when you might realize that you want to make a change of some kind, but you still need to think about it some more, or you feel too tired to deal with it. You may WANT to lose weight, yet you can't quite bring yourself to set foot in a gym. You may BELIEVE that it's best to break up with Johnny NoGood or Hannah Headache, but you're wary of dealing with all the emotional fallout that a romantic split can entail.

The coming new moon in July will banish those mental cobwebs and get you psyched about pushing through obstacles. For now, simply notice the thoughts that trickle through and the ideas that may be dawning. Jot them down in your journal, type them onto your computer, or record them in a tape recorder so you don't forget them. They may prove to be valuable insights!

The One/Two Punch of Mercury and Venus in Leo and the Fourth Quarter Moon in Pisces - What Should I Be Doing?

Here's a specific affirmation you may want to experiment with to help you get into the right energy "zone" this week. This applies to all the signs:

"I embrace clarity about my goals and welcome insights about steps I should take to accomplish them."

Or: "I harmonize myself with the ideal path for me, personally, professionally, and spiritually."

These simple declarations can be especially powerful if you invoke a loving Creator, God/Goddess, or Great Spirit to guide you in accessing those energies. The power of the Universe is vast, and it's up to us to tap into that incredible spiritual battery!

Now let's take a look at what specific energies are being stirred up for each of the signs this week.

Aries the Ram

Power planet Mars has been in your sign since June 11th, increasing your overall battery power. Mars travels through your sign for about six weeks and won't roll back this way again for almost two years, so enjoy this Energizer Bunny period. It will be easier for you to drop excess pounds and maintain a health and exercise regimen with stamina planet Mars leading the way. This transit lasts until July 27th, so make good use of it! Mars is increasing your sense of being fully grounded in your body. You'll be less likely to cruise around the mental plane, engaging in activities like surfing the Web or trancing out in front of the TV. And suddenly, pints of Haagen Dazs and piles of cookies will lose their appeal. You'll want to make like Olivia Newton-John in her 80's hit and Get Physical. As Mercury and Venus team up in friendly Leo this Tuesday the 28th, you'll receive an added dose of vibrant energy. And with a dynamic moon and Mars conjunction also happening in your sign on Tuesday, your enthusiasm could shoot through the stratosphere. It's a great time to set big goals and to access grand dreams.

Do: Take power walks, hit the gym, do yoga stretches, and honor your body in as many ways as possible.

Don't: Play the couch potato, stay indoors too much, or lose yourself in "virtual" activity like video games, TV, and surfing the Web. Come down to the physical plane.

Healing affirmation: "I give thanks for the strength and vitality of my physical body. I access my system's natural powers of regeneration."

Taurus the Bull

There's a whole lot of Fire kicking up right now with Mercury and Leo headed for Fire sign Leo and Mars still in Fire sign Aries. As an Earth sign, you don't always react well to the element of Fire. You tend to want to stomp it out or gain control over it. When the planets are active in Fire signs, you sometimes feel restless, or you experience a dip in self-confidence. Don't let a momentary flash of self-doubt ruin your whole week, and try not to let minor snafus disturb you too much. So your car wouldn't start and you had to call AAA. So you got a run in your stockings just as you walked into the office wearing your most feminine and tailored business suit. These are small things, they are not the sign of the Apocalypse. I promise! There are no Apocalypse planets active in your chart, okay? (In fact, there is no such thing.) In fact, with the sun still in friendly Water sign Cancer for a few more weeks, the overall flow of events in your life is pretty positive. Stay focused on your current career pursuits and remain steadfast with the relationship goals you are trying to attain. You'll get there soon!

Do: Break up that workaholic rhythm in your life by scheduling time for dinner with friends, a barbecue with neighbors, and/or down time with a special someone.

Don't: Spend too much time cycling negatively with your thoughts. Snap out of it. Read a cheerful book or watch a funny movie -- anything to shift gears.

Affirmation: "I surrender my need to control events. I follow the abundant flow of the Universe and receive all the nourishment I need."

Gemini the Twins

You received a nice boost of energy back on June 5th when Jupiter went direct in the friendly Air sign of Libra. Since then, you've been busy, busy, busy. You're still going through some transitions, but you're feeling good about any changes that you are making. This week, you could feel a brief sense of hesitation, and you might start to question your current path. Please know that there's nothing "wrong" per se. It's just that both Mars and the Moon will oppose Jupiter this week, and when those dates kick in, you could hit a bit of an emotional slump. Mars is opposite Jupiter Saturday the 25th at 9:03 pm Eastern Daylight Time, and the moon will be opposite Jupiter on Tuesday the 28th at 7:02 pm EDT. But with the moon in bouncy Aquarius Friday and Saturday, I don't think you'll go through too much of a slide. There could be a brief cosmic "burp," but it won't be a lethal one. This is a great week to bury yourself in social engagements. Host a cocktail party and practice those groovy new martini variations you've been working on. Visit the beach or a nice park with a bunch of pals and play frisbee. You're in need of distraction, and Gemini always finds it healing to have some "people time."

Do: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and admire you. You need to soak up some appreciation from others who are on your wavelength.

Don't: Spend all your weekend alone, moping. You won't have the greatest clarity now, so this is not the time to make any major decisions. Opt for fun distraction instead.

Affirmation: "I attune myself to the energies of self-love and self-confidence. I magnetize others who share my positive wavelength."

Cancer the Crab

Venus and Mercury are leaving your sign to head for Leo, but the sun and Saturn still remain in your sign. This should be a good week for you, and you'll receive some nice hits of cheer over the weekend. Multiple conjunctions and trines are happening with the sun and Saturn, boosting those Cancer energies. You'll feel on top of your game. You're the star of the show, and the show is your life. This solar return (the four weeks out of the year when the sun returns to the sign it was in at your birth) has been especially powerful because its strength has been enhanced by the other planets which have also been in Cancer. Psychic perception and intuition of all kinds is enhanced right now, so pay attention to your dreams and daydreams. Spiritual illumination is highly accessible, so if you want to ask God/Goddess or your guardian angel about the meaning of life, you might just receive an amazing answer to your question. This is a great week for making sense of things, getting your thoughts in order, and opening up to those success vibes.

Do: Create a "wish" list of things you want to accomplish over the next year. This is a powerful time to plant seeds and to orient yourself in the desired direction.

Don't: Let yourself be dragged down by negative people or situations. Sometimes, when someone is going through a "power period," energy vampires can come out of the woodwork. Wear garlic!

Affirmation: "I set success in motion. I am fulfilled financially, personally, physically, spiritually, and creatively."

Leo the Lion

As Mercury and Venus enter your sign this week, you'll experience some powerful psychic rumblings. These planets are part of the "pre-show" leading up to your own solar return, which will happen when the sun moves into Leo on July 22nd. As these inner planets return to your sign, you'll go through a big change in perspective. Your mood will become extremely optimistic. Your natural high spirits and your wonderful sense of humor will be heightened. You'll suddenly be bouncing off the walls feeling great about life. (Or, if you're not bouncing off walls, you'll at least feel pretty darn good.) Whenever the planets are in our sun sign, we experience a sense of homecoming. It's like we find ourselves again after a period of being spiritually off-center. Mercury and Venus will help you to connect with powerful energies of creativity, dynamic communication, and personal expression. It will be easy for you to make your mark over the next few weeks in any venue you set foot in. This is your superhero time, your miracle making time. Focus on stupendous and amazing feats, and you'll find them easy to accomplish.

Do: Be bold, be daring, and be positive. Boost others with your personal magnetism and express yourself in dynamic ways.

Don't: Be shy, and don't play the wallflower. You have wonderful ideas and warm humor to share. So do so!

Affirmation: "I access my gifts of public speaking, expression, and creativity. I present myself in powerful and positive ways."

Virgo the Virgin

Whenever Earth sign Virgo is touched by Leo's fiery energies, she gets a little heated up. Leo's influence can inspire Virgo to behave in more assertive and aggressive ways. This can be a healthy thing because sometimes you are far too reserved. So over the next few weeks, if you get tired of playing the self-sacrificing "good guy," speak up and stand your ground. You'll feel less inclined to avoid conflict and more inspired to defend yourself and your ideas. You'll be more protective of your own interests. I'd say take it easy Sunday (the 26th,) Monday, and Tuesday, though, because the moon will be in your opposite sign of Pisces. Choose your battles wisely. Don't pick a fight with someone just because you're in the mood to pick a fight. "You stole my stapler! How dare you!" Try to pick more meaningful grounds for discussion. Overall, though, you'll be prompted to set clearer personal boundaries over the next few weeks and tell people what behavior is and is NOT appropriate. This is part of a "spiritual correction" you need to go through in order to become more balanced. So you go, girl!

Do: Realize that you alone determine what energies you are bringing to your life. If something (or someone) is out of line, it may be time to address it.

Don't: Let others walk all over you, even if you have grown used to the imprint of heels on your back. Take a stand.

Affirmation: "I expel negative energy from my physical, emotional, and psychic space. I reject inappropriate or draining situations."

Libra the Scales

Since Jupiter has gone direct in your sign, you've been pushing ahead with business and financial projects. You've had some fresh ideas about how to increase your money flow, and you could be in major cash management mode. Jupiter remains in your sign until October 25th, when it moves on to Scorpio. The next few months are offering you a "power window" through which you can make your career dreams come true. Don't worry too much this week if you experience a small setback. A Mars opposition Saturday the 25th and a moon opposition Monday the 28th could create a glitch, but it's nothing you can't recover from. People around you may be surprised at how business-focused you are right now. Easy-going Air signs like you are usually the party animals who expend more energy on friendships and socializing than on building a nest egg. But success planet Jupiter is giving you an increased sense of momentum. You know that if you don't make a move NOW, you'll be missing out on something big. So keep moving!

Do: Continue to take stock of your finances, create long-term business strategies, and stay focused on cash management. Money matters!

Don't: Fall back into self-sabotaging beliefs like "Money isn't important;" "I'm having too much fun to worry about money right now," or "I'm not capable of building wealth for myself."

Affirmation: "I magnetize financial abundance and career success at all times, in multiple ways. I receive abundance on all levels."

Scorpio the Scorpion

As a Water sign, you've experienced a nice sense of flow since the sun moved into Cancer on June 21st. This overall feeling of positivity will continue this week. It will even be enhanced, because there are several favorable conjunctions and trines involving Water signs. Things could intensify in a romantic relationship Sunday/Monday. That's when Venus and the moon get together in a sexy trine. You could hit that "make it or break it" point, where you finally figure out whether you want to be with someone or not. Or you might find a long-term involvement moving to a whole new level of satisfaction. If you're single, you'll definitely see a "blip" on your romantic radar over the weekend. Maybe you'll flirt with a cutie at a coffeehouse or exchange lusty eye contact with someone on a train. You'll be reminded about how powerful physical chemistry can be between two people, and this might prompt you to take action. The next few weeks are a positive time to begin a relationship, if that's the direction you want to go in. But it's also a great period for expanding an existing union if you're already with someone special.

Do: Open yourself up to noticing your response to others on a sexual level. What is turning you on? What's turning you off? What would you like to experience more of?

Don't: Play the hermit and shut yourself off from any potential thoughts about romance. If you're hopelessly (or happily) single, rent your favorite romantic movie. Remind yourself that happy endings do exist!

Affirmation: "I give myself permission to explore new definitions of passion and romantic fulfillment. I open to experiencing greater degrees of satisfaction on all levels."

Sagittarius the Archer

Playful Archers will be more footloose and fancy-free than ever after communicator Mercury and romance planet Venus move into friendly Fire sign Leo this week. You'll be seeking a wonderful new adventure. This adventure could come in the form of a trip to somewhere exotic, a sexy encounter with a soulmate, or a spiritual odyssey to a healer, guru, or psychic. You'll want to expand your horizons in every sense of the word. The next few weeks could bring about an exciting change. You might be drawn to exploring a new philosophy or religion. You may embrace some form of mysticism that has always fascinated you. You could decide to become a part of a cause that carries great meaning for you, or you might purchase tickets for a flight to Tibet or Nepal. The theme for this time is "quest." Something is stirring within you, a yearning to live a life that is filled with greater meaning and purpose. You'll bring a great sense of joy to this quest. And you are likely to experience many amazing miracles along the way!

Do: Embrace the exotic, the ethnic, the esoteric - anything outside your own culture that captivates and inspires you.

Don't: Let yourself be hamstrung by others' fears. If your mom doesn't want you to travel to a foreign place, tell her politely, "I am manifesting safety and joy around this trip, so you have nothing to worry about."

Affirmation: "I open myself up to experiencing miraculous events and inspiring people. I venture beyond my usual circle to embrace fresh concepts and ideas."

Capricorn the Goat

The sun has been opposite your sign in watery Cancer, and Mercury and Venus are just moving out of Cancer and into Leo. If you've been feeling like the world has ganged up against you and that there has been a "target" sign stapled to your forehead, that was just the intense combo of those three planets opposing your sign. Things will lighten up dramatically this week as Mercury and Venus skip into lively Leo. You'll feel more relaxed, and you should be sleeping better, too. Planetary oppositions can wreak havoc on our nervous systems, so if you haven't quite been feeling yourself, don't worry. You're not going crazy! It was those planets giving you a cosmic raspberry. This Saturday the 25th could be a good day for creative breakthroughs and mental concentration as Jupiter gives you some extra clarity. And Thursday the 30th through Saturday July 2nd will be groovy times for you, because the moon will be in friendly Earth sign Taurus. So hang in there, and give yourself permission to unwind a bit.

Do: Take some time to get outside and smell the flowers. Refresh yourself by getting outside and connecting with Mother Nature. This will be very grounding.

Don't: Spin around at the same crazy pace without taking a real break. Even taking a half day to just DO NOTHING will do much to revitalize your energy.

Affirmation: "I affirm my ability to create success, health, and happiness for myself right now."

Aquarius the Water-Bearer

As I mentioned in the overview earlier, Leo is opposite your sign, so when planets enter that sign, they create a certain amount of psychic friction for you. Usually, you are an easy-going and positive type for whom the glass is always half full instead of half empty. As Mercury and Venus enter Leo this week, you could be giving that glass a second glance. I don't sense that this will be a difficult time for you. It's more that you might feel some moments of self-doubt when you question your abilities to handle a situation you're currently dealing with. Even if you're with the love of your life, you could suddenly wonder, "Is this person truly my soulmate?" Or if you adore your job, you could have a niggling moment of doubt. "Is my boss giving me the evil eye? Can I trust her?" Don't worry, you won't be overcome by paranoia or despair. Look at these negative thoughts as just part of the psychic "noise" going on in the background, and don't give them any power. Stay focused on all the cool things that are going on, especially around your career.

Do: Surrender the need to be perfect or to be in a 100% positive mood, 100% of the time. Even Aquarians are permitted a "down" day here and there!

Don't: Take people's negative moods or comments personally. Your psychic "radar" could be a bit oversensitive this week. Not everything is about you!

Affirmation: "I release negative programs, emotions, and attitudes. I see the positive things in my life expanding and increasing."

Pisces the Fish

Home is where the heart is, and this week, you'll be focused on improving your domestic situation. You could be craving a nicer home or a prettier set of draperies. Maybe you're in the market for a cat or another cuddly pet. Or perhaps you are wondering if you should consult a "feng shui" expert to harmonize the placement of furniture with the "ley lines" or electromagnetic grid of the Earth. All of these are good ideas. As several conjunctions and trines increase that nesting urge, you'll be focused on bringing light and beauty into your home. Some of this may involve coordinating schedules with your family members. If you haven't shared a leisurely, home-cooked meal with your kids and spouse in months, maybe it's time to do so. Or if you and your honey barely have time to talk because you're both racing to work all the time, schedule a night for intimacy and make a love connection. If you're not able to appreciate your loved ones because your focus is someplace else, then you're missing out on something important. The planets are urging you to give more attention to those special soulmates.

Do: Make some simple adjustments to your living space that will bring in more light, more life. Some nice plants might do the trick. Clearing out clutter is good, too.

Don't: Ignore your domestic situation because you're obsessed with things outside the home. Your home is the ground beneath your feet that supports everything else in your life.

Affirmation: "I welcome healing energies into my home. I invoke the angels of balance and beauty to bless my living environment. Thank you, thank you!" (It's always good to thank the angels in advance for their help!)

I hope you've enjoyed this free trial issue of Lipstick Mystic™ Spirit of the Stars.

 

All material copyright © 2005 Jennifer Shepherd   http://www.lipstickmystic.com

 

Return to LipstickMystic.com Home Page Click Here