The Sun, our Star, is the source of all life on Earth, fueling our bodies (and cars) with energy captured by plants in photosynthesis. When wood or food calories burn, the solar energy bound in carbon rings is released as light and heat. We are literally solar powered in so many ways both obvious and subtle. Native shamans throughout the world have made a practice of greeting the morning Sun and bidding the evening Sun farewell. Sunset and Sunrise (the “crack between worlds”) are the most opportune times of day to seek spiritual guidance and to focus creative intentions.

The Moon has a less obvious yet no less important function for life on Earth. Biological cycles are keyed to lunar rhythms. The Moon governs fertility and natural growth. The Moon’s strong effect on the world’s bodies of water shows us that our own bodies of water are affected strongly as well. Along with the daily and annual solar rhythms, the lunar cycle is crucial in our monthly cosmic timing.

The Balsamic Moon 

The Balsamic Moon appears during the three days before the New Moon as a tiny crescent just before Sunrise. It is called the Wishing Moon because this is the best time for putting wishes on the air. It is also a time for bringing other people to mind for healing. Needs felt now invoke response throughout the Moon cycle.   June begins with a Balsamic Wishing Moon visible as a tiny crescent rising before the Sun on June 1st. The Balsamic Moon is not the time to find solutions. It is the time to feel a need and put wishes on the air for a new lunar cycle. Wishes made at Balsamic Moon and seeds sown at the new Crescent will flower at the Full Moon (June 18, 1:30 pm). 

The Dark of the Moon - A Time for Introspection

Although the three days of the Dark Moon (June 2-4) are not favorable for outward activity, this is an exceptional time for gaining insight through quiet time and meditation. The New Moon is our own cosmic well to drink from when we slow down and tune within. The New Moon is Alice's rabbit hole where she experiences so many wonders. One activity well favored for this time is house cleaning, clearing the way for the new cycle.

Those in charge of their own work schedules would do well to arrange down time during the dark of the Moon. Others who must be out in the world can focus on finishing up old business and avoid new. Important meetings and new work are ideally scheduled for the time following the Crescent New Moon.

The Crescent New Moon - A Time to Sow

Seeds sown at the New Moon prosper. It is important to understand that in the folkloric tradition "New Moon" means Crescent New Moon. The New Moon time we see on our calendars is actually the midpoint of the "dark of the Moon," a three-day period unfavorable for new beginnings. Farmers don't plant seeds in the dark of the Moon, they wait until the tiny crescent appears in the western sky. The Waxing Crescent Moon usually becomes visible the evening following the astronomical time of the New Moon. The next three days (June 5-7) are generally favorable for new beginnings. However, this month the coming New Mercury cycle needs to be taken into account (see below). If you have a keen feeling about doing something, go with it now. If you have to think about it, wait ‘til the June 7 New Mercury.

A New Mercury

The Gemini New Moon on June 3rd (3:23 pm edt) is well connected in positive harmonic to Mars, promising energized, clear and effective communications to come during the three months following the Saturday, June 7th New Mercury (11:27 pm edt).  

A New Mercury begins a new cycle of thinking and communication. People are less open to new ideas before New Mercury and very open following. During Mercury retrograde before New Mercury (May 26 – June 7), communications are apt to be more confused. This is a good time to finish up old business and to research matters already in the works. Wait until after New Mercury to sign on any new business or to sign anything. Mercury retrograde following New Mercury is not a problem. The two and a half weeks between June 9 and June 25 are favorable for all matters business and social.

Mid June – Relationship Issues and Releasing Old Patterns

A challenge to existing personal relationships posed by the June 12-13 Sun and Venus square to revolutionary Uranus is offset by a Grand Trine formed by Sun and Venus, Neptune and the Moon. Old habits of relating give way to more deeply satisfying interpersonal communication and romantic expression.

Ready to transform some old habit patterns? From June 15th to 25th outmoded routines will be easier to change - the Moon will be "going out of the signs" (Scorpio through Pisces). This is a time (10 days every month!) for rethinking the world and letting go of what is no longer useful in your life. Recognize what you want, visualize your ideal. You are creating your way for the new cycle. 

Summer Solstice – Time to Move in a New Way

Summer Solstice, June 20th, is one of the eight "Power Gates" of the annual cycle. These Power Times include the Equinoxes and Solstices and the four midpoints between them. Each of these is a shifting time, a powerful potential for change. 

At each Summer Solstice yang energy reaches its maximum peak of the year. Magic is alive on Midsummer's Eve (June 23rd) when, according to old Celtic tradition, Nature spirits become visible. (Shakepeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” illustrates this brilliantly.) This year a Mystic Rectangle formed by the Sun, Moon, Saturn and Pluto adds to our cosmic alchemy. This enhances our mystical awareness, our ability to see in other dimensions. What is envisioned as an ideal will be brought into reality.

End of June - Progressive World Change

During June 27-30 of this year a Grand Trine (created by the Moon and the minor planet Vesta trine Mars and Saturn trine Pluto) challenges the status quo and offers opportunity for transformation. Look for progressive world change and practical new options for global business. There will also be opportunities for significant breakthroughs in scientific innovation and personal renaissance. 

This brings us to the Balsamic Moon leading to the New Moon coming up on July 2nd. It's time again to put your wishes on the air…   

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients realize natural talents and understand personal myths. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or [email protected].