by Jane Lyle.

Website: The Astrology Room

Hello Summer! It’s June, we move towards the magical turning point of the Solstice, and the Sun’s astrology journey encourages us to enjoy the atmosphere of sociable Gemini, and sentimental Cancer. Love and friendship can flourish.

This month, two important retrogrades (Neptune and Mars) invite us to slow down and smell fragrant June roses, or taste a succulent strawberry. There are vital, vibrant details waiting for us to notice them everywhere. Our senses centre us. Yes, the world is still a turbulent and sometimes scary place, but in June we can release some of that tension. Neptune and Mars insist. How can we refuse?

Thought for June:

‘The days were longer then for time, like money, is measured by our needs, when summer afternoons were spacious, and the clock ticked slowly in the winter evenings.’ – George Eliot

Tuesday 12th June – Wednesday 13th June:

New Directions

Some fresh, sociable, and summery energy is signalled by three astrological moments this Tuesday and Wednesday. They bring a bright atmosphere to some corners of our lives during the month ahead.

Mercury enters Cancer, the Crab where its slightly surreal sense of humour entertains us. Venus swans into glamorous Leo, where the love goddess is playful, flirty, and loves entertainment.
And an energetic, talkative new Moon in Gemini marks a chatty, witty phase. It’s a good time to meet friends, make some new ones, or cook up a few sunny plans.

Mercury and Venus will gain extra sparkle and surprises as soon as they change signs. At that point they make a connection with eccentric Uranus, newly in Taurus. Spontaneous plans and unusual encounters make some of us smile, flexibility brings rewards around this time.

Here’s the astrology:

Mercury enters Cancer the Crab, 12th June – 29th June.
13th June: New Moon rises at 22 Gemini, The Twins
Venus enters Leo, the Lion, 13th June – 10th July.

Monday 18th June:

The Shape of Water: Neptune turns retrograde

Neptune is now to-ing and fro-ing across the middle degrees of fishy Pisces. We’re half-way through this once-in-a-lifetime event – Neptune last swam in Pisces waters between 1847 and 1861.

Back in 2011, when Neptune first dipped into the sign Pisces, I looked back at some 19th century Neptune in Pisces themes for clues about what might loom into view through the mists in our own time.

Neptune’s themes and rulerships in astrology are constant, but I imagined some of them would be expanded by Neptune being in its own home sign, Pisces. And after seven years of Neptune in Pisces, I’d say we can see some characteristically Neptunian trends all around us, echoing some mid-19th century themes.

Firstly, drugs. Hypnotic drugs and anaesthetics are ruled by Neptune. Opium and its derivatives, for instance, were (legal) 19th century favourites – used as painkillers, and appreciated by some for encouraging vivid dreams. Today, we are – sadly – seeing a terrible crisis in the private, recreational use of opioid drugs, notably in the USA. Addiction is another of Neptune’s themes, and includes both drugs and alcohol.

The legalisation of that 19th century favourite, cannabis, is unfolding too. Cannabis was another legal and popular Victorian drug – Queen Victoria was rumoured to find it very helpful for its painkilling properties.

“…..by the 1840s cannabis was being touted as one of the wonder-drugs of the age, as doctors out in the Empire reported excitedly that it was a ‘powerful and valuable remedy in hydrophobia, tetanus, cholera and many convulsive disorders’. The Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal seized on these reports and devoted its front-page to the new medicine, and in subsequent decades the plant was used to treat everything from tetanus, to period pains and mental illness.”

The developing investment market in legal cannabis for pleasure, and for medical, therapeutic use, is moving along rapidly now in 2018.

And further along on the hippie-trippy psychedelic front, there’s renewed serious research and interest in the use of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, in the treatment of depression. Or, apparently, in micro-doses to enhance the inventive minds of those who work in Silicon Valley.

A shamanic-style boom in ritualistic ayahuasca ceremonies is yet another Neptune in Pisces trend – hallucinations, nausea, and spiritual enlightenment from an ancient South American vine. You have to surrender to your ayahuasca trip – and Pisces can be all about surrender.

Another big issue for Neptune in Pisces era is obviously water. Back in 2011 I wrote:

‘Water …is another major theme for these years – from pollution of the oceans, and its fish, and other creatures, to flooding, rainfall, healing, drinking, bathing, and combating water-bourne diseases such as cholera.

The idealisation of the sea, of inland waters, plus a passion for pristine environments and their water are likely to be part of this. Poison in the oceans, and oil from under the sea, ignite rage.’

And yes, water is indeed a major topic these days.

In the fun corner, we’re seeing a ‘mermaiding’ fitness trend – unbelievable, but this isn’t a Neptunian fantasy! Here’s Mermaid Melissa, back in 2013, swimming in a gigantic aquarium in Japan:

And you can now attend classes where you swim, wearing a mermaid tail…….

On a more sombre note, we are finally realising how dangerously polluted our oceans and inland waters have become, particularly by mountains of carelessly discarded plastic, wet wipes and so on. I fervently hope we can act swiftly and do something about this entirely avoidable horror before its way too late.

Water shortages are another area of concern around the world too.

Finally – although defining Neptune is always a slippery business – here are a few more possibilities and questions from 2011. We can see how they’re manifesting now we’ve had seven years of this foggy cosmic weather.

And if you’re having your own visit from confusing Neptune, this retrograde season might be a helpful time to see what’s been swimming up to the surface in your own life.

*‘Back in the 1840’s Europe was in a state of volatile change….the effects of the industrial revolution had created mass urban misery and poverty. So I wonder, what has the digital revolution created that people will reject or challenge?’

*‘Who is the individual? Who are the herd? We want union with others, to help foster social democracy, to belong somewhere, and to be joined together by our passions and beliefs.’

*’As boundaries dissolve, people find numerous ways to express themselves and escape narrow definitions of profession, gender, age, ethnic origin….we will ask ourselves, ‘whom do these boundaries serve?’

Neptune turns direct on 25th November. It’s in Pisces until January, 2026.

Neptune is retrograde in Pisces until Sunday, 25th November.

Thursday 21st June:

The Summer Solstice

The Sun enters Cancer the Crab today, and a new season begins with the Summer Solstice.

There’s magic in the air at such times. Folklore and ancient traditions tell us that we’re standing at a threshold. The door is open – we can step through, or we can welcome what flows towards us from the other side of that door. Enjoy the light.

Tuesday 26th June:

Mars Retrograde

Mighty Mars, planet of action and desire, is now rewinding until Monday, 27th August. We can expect delays, or even reversals, to projects and plans we’ve already started. Sounds annoying, but many projects can benefit from a slow-down or a review.

This can be an argumentative, fiery time, as Mars draws closer to us here on Earth. We’ll be able to see the Red Planet easily this summer – it’s at its closest approach to us in July. The phrase, ‘more haste, less speed’ could be a helpful one to remember.

Mars is a warrior and a sportsman. Mars was worshipped as the Roman god of war. We’ll need to remember to ‘give peace a chance’. And while we may not be able to influence governments, we can at least try to negotiate peaceful solutions in our own lives this summer.

Negotiating Mars Retrograde – astrology’s advice

With Mars in geeky Aquarius, in-depth reviews of tech, social media, and computer security are very worthwhile.

Mars retrogrades in general are a good time to revise and edit things. Beginning anything more dynamic – such as a business – during this phase could prove to be a struggle, with initiatives needing a rethink by October.

Mars retrograde is, traditionally, said to be a bad time to start a fight. Now, that could include a divorce, an employment dispute, a strike and so on. If you’re planning on making war this summer, you can fully expect your opponent to win the battle this time around – particularly if you make the first move.

This is not a great time to buy machinery for yourself, or your home. With Mars in Aquarius that includes cars, computers, smart phones and anything from the internet of things. Repairing items should work out well though.

Mars turns back today at 9 degrees of Aquarius. This cycle comes to a final, definite end in October, when Mars – travelling forwards again – reaches 9 Aquarius on 8th October.

If you have any planets in your own natal chart at 0 to 9 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, you’ll be likely to notice Mars backtracking more than most.

Out in the world

Locations with planets between 0 and 9 degrees of Aquarius in their national horoscopes are worth watching. Mars crosses them a total of three times – beginning in May – making a really strong point about actions, disputes, and initiatives.

Here are a few examples:

Iran – Mercury, 6 degrees Aquarius and Mars 9 degrees Aquarius

Australia – Sun, 6 degrees Aquarius

Belgium – Uranus, 6 Aquarius

Spain –  Mars will be activating both Spain’s charts. Spain can expect to experience more turbulence, fights, and perhaps some striking sporting headlines as well.

Why? In 1479, the chart for Spain has Sun, 8 Aquarius, Mercury 1 Aquarius, Moon’s South Node (fate) 0 Aquarius.

In Spain’s 1975 horoscope, the ascendant is 3 Aquarius.

UK House of Commons –  In this chart Mercury is at 6 degrees, and the Sun at 8 degrees Aquarius. Does this mean another data, tech, or social media row this summer?

Certainly, there are some very lively political debates ahead as Mars energises communicative media Mercury and the Sun, symbolising leaders and prominent individuals.

Ukraine – in the chart for 1918 Ukraine has the Sun at 1 Aquarius. In 1991, when it declared independence, it has Saturn – planet of law and government – at 1 Aquarius.

Russia -The early degrees of Aquarius are highlighted in many charts for former Soviet Union countries, and some of the horoscopes for modern Russia too.

International focus will be beaming in on the World Cup in Russia this summer – it concludes mid-July while Mars is still rewinding. Arguments about sporting technology could be the least of it I fear.

The World Cup final (along with the Wimbledon Men’s Finals) will take place two days after a brooding solar eclipse on Friday 13th July. This is a significant eclipse for the UK, amongst other locations. The atmosphere, and public mood, will be highly charged.

A Time for Caution

The most volatile times for everyone during this phase will likely be those when Mars in Aquarius squares off to Uranus in Taurus. These are days when caution, calm, and sober, risk-averse choices will pay off.

Extra-sensitive dates to watch out for are:

23rd July – 12th August – this is also roller-coaster eclipse season, with eclipses on 13th July, 27th July and 11th August. The lunar eclipse on 27th July is exactly aligned with Mars at 4 degrees of Aquarius! Anger is close to the surface, computer hacking stories and other internet shenanigans hit the headlines again.

These look like especially turbulent, high-energy weeks when it’ll be a real challenge to make decisions that endure. Mercury will also be retrograde at this time (26th July-18th August) for added confusion. If you absolutelys have to sign a contract during this phase, please do be forensic about reading every last teeny tiny detail.

11th September – 22nd September – we can make moves towards resolving some of summer’s shenanigans now, although actions could still be disruptive, rebellious, or unexpected. What was hidden or obscure in July and August is questioned or revealed as Mars returns to vitalise that Aquarian eclipse this September.

Enjoy June. It may not be an entirely peaceful month, yet there are – without a doubt – enough sunlit moments to make many of us smile.