Written by Faculty student Kasia Lukjaniec
We start the month with Mercury ingressing, on 1st, from its domicile in the chatty, buzzing sign of Gemini, into the soft, nurturing waters of Cancer. Our mental state may slow down at this time, becoming more internal and reflective, perhaps lingering on unresolved emotional material or past memories. Thoughts are likely to be influenced by our moods and feelings, which may cloud our judgment, particularly when Mercury squares Neptune on 4th. By the time Mercury squares Saturn on 10th, we may find ourselves confronted with practical realities that challenge our perceptions and require a more disciplined approach to thinking.
The reflective quality to the mind deepens as the month goes on, with Mercury entering its shadow and eventually turning retrograde on 29th. By the end of the month, we may be called to revisit, reimagine and rethink what has already been processed consciously, or perhaps even psychically beneath the surface.
On 9th, the two benefics, Venus and Jupiter come together in the sky to form a striking conjunction also in the sign of Cancer. This is a deeply nourishing and emotionally rich alignment. While it may heighten vulnerability and sensitivity, it also opens our hearts, inspires a greater faith in love and evokes an abundance of tenderness and feeling that not only heals but unites us with others. It is a fertile moment for nurturing our emotional and relational bonds in a way that fosters peace, harmony and growth. Perhaps one of the most uplifting and inspiring moments of the month.
Soon after, both Venus and Jupiter transition into the bold, expressive, sparkly sign of Leo. Venus moves first on 13th, shedding Cancer’s shy, protective shell in favour of centre stage – this happens just after she squares Chiron, suggesting that confidence comes only after addressing our wounds. In relationships, there may be a stronger desire to be seen and adored, not settling for anything less than grand gestures and big displays of affection! A sense of playfulness and fun could also emerge. With the trine to Neptune on 17th, blissful states of romance and devotion in love may be on the cards. This could, however, be complicated by underlying psychological undercurrents, when Venus opposes Pluto on 17th, bringing deeper issues of attachment, desire, power and vulnerability more clearly into awareness.
The dynamic may stabilise at the end of the month, on 25th, when Saturn makes a trine to Venus.
On 29th, Jupiter follows Venus into Leo, calling on us to shine our light, far and wide, loud and proud, with authority, confidence and courage. Indeed, the time has come to claim our rightful place as the King or Queen of our own world! Holding an exuberant vision for our lives, and owning it fiercely and unapologetically, is likely to pay off at this time. Jupiter remains in Leo over the coming year, making this a significant theme for the foreseeable.
A major shift takes place for Chiron on 19th of this month as it enters Taurus for the first time since 1984. This can bring up vulnerabilities and fears around scarcity, self-worth and security, particularly a sense of not having enough or of not having access to matters of ease, comfort or enjoyment. It may begin to feel as if there is no solid ground underneath us, causing us to scramble for security, particularly financial or material. While Chiron will briefly retrograde back into Aries later this year, these will be major themes over the next 7 years during its transit through Taurus.
The Sun enters Cancer on 21st, ushering in the Summer Solstice, and once again bringing our feelings, emotional bonds and sense of belonging into the light. These themes become a key source of our vitality at this time. Some confusion around our identity, centre and life direction may occur around 25th when the Sun squares Neptune but this may ultimately serve to infuse our experience with a deeper spiritual attunement to ourselves.
On 28th, Mars moves from its detriment of Taurus into Gemini, shifting from slow, stubborn momentum into a more agile and flexible expression. Though we may find ourselves more assertive with words and ideas, this may increase the potential for verbal conflict or mental overstimulation.
Some activation of the Lunar Nodes also occurs this month. Mercury trines the North Node and sextiles the South Node on 3rd, suggesting that some fated conversations may take place that prove favourable for our evolution. In addition, both Uranus and Mars square the Nodes on 12th and 30th respectively, bringing sudden disruptions or confrontations, which, while disorientating, could help break stagnation around outdated patterns and propel us into growth.
Lastly, there are two lunations this month. The New Moon in Gemini on 15th asks us to plant new mental seeds, perhaps with the aim of rewriting the stories and mental loops we tell ourselves, making them into something more emotionally supportive. The Full Moon in Capricorn on 29th may see something in our lives come into full bloom, particularly something built through effort, patience and discipline. Anything that has become too rigid or controlling for growth may need to be let go of.
Written by Kasia Lukjaniec
Kasia has been a student of the Faculty since 2020, having completed all modules, and is now preparing for exams. Kasia has a passion for supporting women to reconnect with themselves using astrology and other holistic modalities. You can find Kasia on Instagram at kasialydia and via her website www.kasialydia.com
