The three most important events this month are the June 7 Full Moon, Summer Solstice / Mid-Summer June 20-24 and the First Quarter June 28.

At the Gemini Full Moon the new energies received through May’s Wesak Full Moon are distributed through the world. This brings a global leavening of consciousness including consciousness of what we all individually need to change. In a year of great change, this Solstice / Mid-Summer is one of our best opportunities to make change. One week later at the First Quarter Moon a new mode of consciousness and being will begin to be realized.

Looking skyward, we see Venus and Mars approaching their cosmic rendezvous on June 19. Venus shines brightly in the early morning sky, Mars is the small red gleam just to her left. June is the month for lovers, Gemini is the Lovers in Tarot. Mercury (little orange dot rising before the Sun) is the outward ruler of Gemini, Venus is the inner. Love rules. This becomes especially so after the morning of June 6 when Venus enters her home sign Taurus where she will be for the rest of the month. Venus brings opportunities for new love along with the energy to cultivate and elevate all existing relationships. Venus also brings passion and promise (luck) for new adventures and innovations while Mercury (in home sign Gemini from June 14) provides thought and words to communicate what is rising new within us. What we choose to cultivate in our inner garden now will grow and unfold its magic through the remainder of the year.

White Rabbit Day, June 1 –  Magical New Beginnings Say ‘White Rabbit’ first thing today for good luck throughout the month.  The rabbit symbolizes magic, the Rabbit in the Moon is our magical guide.  Number 1 days are represented by Tarot Key 1, the Magician who pulls the white rabbit from his hat. It’s time for all of us to pull out some new magic.

Moon Out of Bounds South, June 5-9 (5:26 pm 6/5 – 3:45 am 6/10) As the Moon travels below the zodiac our ‘underworld’ is illuminated. Subconscious beliefs and behavior are revealed and more easily reformed. We may experience emotional challenges where we’ve been blocked or hiding from ourselves. This is a time to go beneath the surface, do research, change habits or renovate our inner world. The greatest opportunity comes on the evening of the 6th when the Full Moon reaches its southern extreme closely conjuncting Antares, the alpha star of Scorpio. This is a great time to eliminate any outmoded concepts unfit for the new world to be.

June Full Moon, June 7 (exact 2:12 pm) – Illumination  This is called the Full Moon of Distribution and the Festival of Humanity because it is when the energy gathered up at Wesak is released throughout the world. The Full Moon is like a pitcher pouring out a healing elixir, we just need to raise our cups to receive. Each Full Moon is a time of revelation. Meditation, deep breathing, music and dancing can help to receive blessings. Spontaneous movement is key. Illuminating energies flow through for three days following this Full Moon. Revelations may come to us in dreams, ‘chance encounters’ or sudden flashes of inspiration.

Gate of Inspiration, June 10-11 (2:30 pm - 2:30 pm), Open to Receive A Gate of Inspiration opens every 40 days starting at Spring Equinox. The 9 Gates of Inspiration are the Stations of the 9 Muses. The June Muse is Calliope, the leader of the muses. Prior to a Gate of Inspiration, shadows often arise to be dispelled. Whatever is blocking our inspiration now becomes revealed. Moving through the gate, we breathe deeply until we breathe freely, letting go all fears and doubts and so becoming present to the spiritual power and promise of the new time. The goal is to be free of tensions in the body that hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. We breathe deeply, feel deeply, move freely to clear our way. As the gate is opened, new light pours through with new possibilities, new inspiration, new creative energy.

Moon at the Equator / Lunar Zero Point South, June 15 (10:15 am) Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative imagination. 0 South is good for surrendering to spirit before entering the under world in quest for vision. The magic portal opens for two hours 9:15– 11:15 am.

Balsamic Moon, June 18-20 – Make a Wish The Balsamic Moon ‘Wishing Moon’ is a time for putting wishes on the air. This is also called the ‘Witches Moon’ because it is when people are brought to mind for healing. Needs felt now invoke response from the coming lunar cycle. Venus and Mars rising with the Moon bring special love blessings.

Moon Out of Bounds North, Jun 20-23 (3:21 am 6/20 - 5:03 pm 6/23) We enter ‘the higher world’ where there is greater freedom and imagination.

Summer Solstice, June 21 (1:46 am) Free the Soul Solstice means‘still standing Sun’. The Summer Solstice continues for 3-4 days culminating Mid-Summer’s Day June 24 when the Sun begins to move southward again. The key rituals of Summer Solstice are fire leaping and freeform open air dance. We jump over a small fire (maybe a candle) three times to release what is needed to be let go from our lives. Dancing freeform clockwise around fire also helps clear astral shadows that are impinging on our world. We may also tone, chant or sing starting with omm sounds to clear the throat chakra. Then ‘make a joyful noise' to bring joy to the world.

Dark of the Moon, June 21 until Sunset June 23 – Time to Look Within The ‘Dark of the Moon’ is a 3-day period starting the day before New Moon and ending when the crescent becomes visible. Although unfavorable for outward activities, this time is ideal for inner work.

New Moon, June 22 (exact 3:35 pm) – Seeding Magic The New Moon is a cosmic spring from which to drink and it is a source of ‘orenda,’ or good luck. The spring flows freely as we slow down and take time to go within. It is also time to clear the home for the new lunar cycle. Note ~ This ‘Out of Bounds’ New Moon during Summer Solstice seeds Mid-Summer magic through the lunar cycle June 22 - July 21.

Mid-Summer’s Eve / Day, June 23-24  – Celebrate, Dance to the Music Midsummer is the peak of the year "when magic is most potent and fairies become visible." Vital energy is most elevated in plants and trees so nature devas are more apt to be out and about. Whether we see them depends on our perception. Snakes shed their skins at Midsummer and so can we by leaping fire and doing our dance. Then the fairies may become visible.

Crescent New Moon/ Venus/ Mercury, June 23-26 – Time to Sow The next few days following the appearance of the lunar crescent are ideal for starting a new business or staging a successful public event. It is time to share new opportunities, make announcements or bring new discoveries to light. Anything is possible now. This Gemini Moon cycle brings great new opportunities for realizing hopes and dreams. These days are ideal for all new beginnings. The Moon tide will energize whatever we bring forward.

Moon at the Equator / Lunar Zero Point North, June 28 (12:57 am) Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for our creative imagination. Moon at the Equator moving North is like Spring Equinox, a time to envision. The magic window is open for two hours from 11:57 am – 1:57 pm.

1st Quarter Moon, June 29 (7:28 am) – Let Go the Old, Power On the New The First Quarter Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky signaling a time for decision, a time to cut free of the past and affirm our true purpose. Inspirations may come in dreams or sudden realizations that help to solve problems and clarify life issues. Choices made now are apt to be right ones.

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