Astrology by Lauren

Rhetoric does not get you anywhere, because Hitler and Mussolini are just as good at rhetoric.  But if you can bring people down with comedy, they stand no chance. ~ Mel Brooks

With Summer (Winter in the Southern hemisphere) officially beginning on the 20th of June, and a New Moon late in Gemini on Tuesday, there is a lot of astro weather simmering on the back burner, and perhaps even boiling over these days.  Uranus and Pluto, the revolutionary duo are wreaking havoc in Syria and Europe, as they approach their first exact square on the 23rd of June.  The casserole protests begun by students in Quebec are spreading exponentially.  Jupiter and Neptune  make an exact square on the 25th.  Mercury in his own corner is instigating a bit of emotional angst as well as positive motivation.  But perhaps one of the more interesting events coming up is the passage of Venus from temporary obscuration in the underworld, back out on to the celestial tableau again.  

Venus has been retrograde since the 15th of May.  This is a time in which we explore not only what we personally value, love and has meaning to us, but what makes us happy.  On June 4th she wandered over the face of the Sun, the heart of our Solar System, with much clamor and applause.  This is where what makes us happy, what is important to us, danced across our hearts.  Perhaps as a fleeting dream, a butterfly’s breath, a moment in time.  And now Venus is reemerging as a Morning Star, bringing the essence of those inner experiences with her as she returns to visibility.  She is now slowing in preparation for her station on the 27th of June, when she will appear to move direct again.  In the mean time for the next 4 weeks she will also be sextile Uranus, the planet that revolves on its side.  

Uranus is the planet of quirkiness, of originality, of uniqueness, of causes.  When Uranus meets Venus, the things of Venus: love, values, money, art, beauty... take on almost an outlandish (and fun!) quality.   Venus sextile Uranus is the aspect of innovative artists, stepping outside of convention, inspiration, creative genius, the rebel who redefines art, the artist who fights for a cause, and the visionary who is comfortable taking the path less traveled.  

If we look at people who have/had this wonderful aspect you see the likes of William Blake, a brilliant poet and artist who received almost no recognition during his lifetime (no doubt in part due to his unique philosophical views)... but who continued to prolifically produce a body of transcendental prints and poems till his death.  He suggested that we would be able to see “a World in a Grain of Sand; And a Heaven in a Wild Flower; Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand; And Eternity in an hour.”  The 19th-century scholar William Rossetti characterized Blake as "a man not forestalled by predecessors, nor to be classed with contemporaries, nor to be replaced by known or readily surmisable successors".  In other words, he was clearly one of a kind, taking the path less traveled.(Wikipedia)

With Venus sextile Uranus expressed as ‘artist who fought for a cause’, we see Ansel Adams.  Adams, who had retrograde Venus in Aquarius (photography) sextile Uranus in Sagittarius (naturalist), and who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980 for “his efforts to preserve this country’s wild and scenic areas, both on film and on the earth.”  Both an environmental conservationist and a gifted photographer, he worked diligently to preserve the beauty that he perceived through the lens of his camera. Uranus is the planet of activism, and through the prism of Venus we are all now being given the opportunity to use our talents to make a progressive statement to the world.  And make a difference.  Like Ansel Adams did.  

Venus/Uranus is also inclined towards exciting, unconventional relationships and attitudes towards love and sex.  Risqué Tallulah Bankhead, also with Venus in Aquarius (unconventional) sextile Uranus in Sagittarius (adventurous), had her own way of making a statement.  Known for her sexual escapades, and disregard for societal strictures, it was said that she raised quite a few eyebrows doing cartwheels sans culottes, or entering a cocktail party in the buff.  A story is circulated of her meeting with a young man (some say Chico Marx) who on first meeting our Tallulah, boldly told her that he wanted to make love to her that night.  Other versions have a much more bawdy address, but the young, as yet novice, actress, without batting an eye or losing a beat, replied: “And so you shall, you wonderful, old-fashioned boy.”   

The bizarre and the quirky expressions of Venus/Uranus lend themselves so beautifully to humor, as Mel Brooks, Charles Addams and Yogi Berra (“Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”) have demonstrated.  Charles Addams’ “Family” began as a simple cartoon first appearing in The New Yorker magazine in the 1930’s, but which grew over 70 years to become something of a phenomenon, with Morticia and Gomez Addams as virtual household names.  Not to mention Lurch and Uncle Fester.  Or how about Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles” or “The Producers”?  “Life literally abounds in comedy if you just look around you.” Mel Brooks pointed out.  

As Venus emerges from the Underworld bringing with her that which is our own personal expression, what makes us happy, what is important to us, we are being given the opportunity to bring it forth in some way that is uniquely and creatively our own.  Whether it’s giving expression to the way we perceive the world, through the way we dress, express ourselves, make a statement, or simply giving vent to what we are observing, it’s time to look at life from our own individual perspective.  Through our own lens.  Not in the way that everyone else does.  But in our own quirky way.  And having some fun at the same time!

For what we are about to see next, we must enter quietly into the realm of genius. ~ (Frederick Frankenstein - “Young Frankenstein”) ~ Mel Brooks

The above watercolor entitled "The Lovers Whirlwind" is by William Blake; the photograph "Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome" is by Ansel Adams; the photograph of Charles Addams is by Nancy Crampton, (1975); and the still is of Madeline Kahn portraying the Bride, in Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein"

For the week of June 15th thru June 22nd, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Use this week to organize both your living and work spaces in a way that is productive for both.  You will have more incentive than usual, so use it.  This is also a good week for any sort of work that requires communications skills, or speaking.  You get your point across easily and in a way that is positive without being pushy.  Communications and speaking are also within the domain of the Gemini New Moon, which is a good time to hone up on teaching and/or any kind of speaking skills.  If you want to truly make your meaning clear, a lot has to do with the way you put your words together, as well as the passion behind them.

Taurus

You are getting another opportunity to set positive intentions towards attracting some positive cash flow, or reaping recognition for a talent you possess.  There is also the chance with this Venus/Uranus weather for money to come from a hidden, or unexpected corner.  This is also the sort of weather where through developing a hobby, or some sort of creative talent can result in some sort of lucrative venture.  In some sort of surprising and fulfilling way, you are being made aware of your own value and self-worth.  In a way that can be both meaningful and enlightening.  Embrace it.

Gemini

This would normally be a good week for any kind of negotiations or deals.  You do have a lot of confidence in your position, and are likely to make a good impression.  However, you are going to be feeling a lot of resistance.  Maybe even some negativity.  This is because your ruler, Mercury, is coming up against Saturn next week, which could feel a little intimidating.  What this is good for, is serious concentrated work that requires a lot of focus.  This will keep your mind from wandering back towards regrets, or worrying about the future or any obstacles in your path.  It’s about keeping in the present and focusing on the responsibilities and tasks right in front of you that need tending to now.

Cancer

Even though the Sun is entering your sign this week, which is usually a time that is all about you (especially you early Cancers!), this is not really a week for personal material concerns, or ego gratification.  At least not quite yet.  With Venus still retrograde, and the New Moon at the end of Gemini, this is a time to come to terms with your own inner spiritual side.  The side of you that relates to all of life, all of humanity.  The side that wants to make a positive footprint, and be of service.  Your sense of compassion is being heightened... but there is also a growing awareness of there being something more meaningful awakening in your life.  Take some time this week for inner contemplation, and see where that takes you.  

Leo

Lucky Leo is getting their second wishing Moon this year, in the sign of Gemini, the sign that Leo associates with hopes and wishes.  Set your intentions and set them well.  Shortly after the New Moon, your ruler, the Sun, will enter Cancer which is a sign of retirement, quiet and introspection.  It is time to turn off some of the noise outside.  You’ll be having plenty of activity going on inside, within your own imagination, within your dreams. And there could be the lackadaisical tendency to just sit back and put your feet up and dream, but there is also a lot of potential to implement some of these ideas, and see how you can make your dreams a closer reality.

Virgo

With an additional New Moon in Gemini this week, at the very end of the sign, you are being given a second chance to promote intentions concerning your future this week.  Your inclination may be to hold meetings, have discussions about these, but chances are things may be less fruitful than you may hope.  Could be feeling like you are going to have to bite your tongue.  Especially try to avoid discussions about money, at least for now.  They will meet with resistance.  On the other hand, this is a good week for ‘team’ activities, or attempting something somewhat sporty and adventurous with friends.  Plan an outing.

Libra

It’s amazing how you can hear something a dozen times before it finally turns your head and you take notice.  This is a time when you turn your head.  Someone from far away, an exotic foreigner with an accent, or someone clever that you meet in a class, a teacher, a docent in an art museum, a buddhist nun... there is someone out there quite different from yourself, but from whom you can learn much.  Keeping an open heart and a willingness to try, can broaden your perspective in some remarkable way.  It’s not time to make a commitment yet, there are still some contradictions... but there is some very interesting new information to be sifted through, a new path opening up, that can open your world in some sort of remarkable and exciting way.  Kind of like falling in love, even if it’s with an idea or a concept.  It is still love.

Scorpio

With an additional New Moon in Gemini, you are being given another chance to address those things that may be standing in the way of progress, that need to be let go so that you can embrace a more meaningful perspective and quality of life.  The sort of life that inspires you to wake up in the morning and just want to embrace the new day without the burden of old baggage or psychological hangups.  There are always better ways of doing things.  Create new and better habits, and toss out the old self-limiting ones.  Your new world awaits.

Sagittarius

There is that which you are being told to believe.  And then there is that which you know to be true within your heart.  Follow your heart.  Likewise, if you are a teacher, and you see yourself as a missionary with a cause to save humanity from ignorance, there are times when you need to pull back and refrain from judgment.  And realize that you can only save one at a time.  Instead of trying to convince others to see things from your point of view, agree to disagree and make an affirmation to let your heart find the way to conciliation.  

Capricorn

Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder.  But also sometimes absence can confirm what you already know.  I saw this posted somewhere recently: Give yourself permission to immediately walk away from anything (or anyone!) that give you bad vibes.  There is no need to explain or make sense of it.  Just trust what you feel.  As time goes on you begin to realize that you cannot please everyone.  In fact, there are going to be times when you don’t please anyone.  But at least you have the dignity of being true to yourself.

Aquarius

Now if anyone is going to be able to tune in to the Venus/Uranus vibe, it’s Aquarius.  Just remember this Mel Brooks quote to keep your foot out of your mouth, and refrain from leaping in where only fools dare to tread: “Bad taste is simply saying the truth before it should be said.” Keeping that in mind, dare to do something unusual or different, outside of the ordinary, over the next several weeks.  Someone you love could suddenly come back into your life (with much fanfare and joy).  Expect much celebration with the requisite bells on your toes.  Could be burning the candle from both ends in the process, so get your requisite rest and recuperation betwixt and between.

Pisces

There are so many questions and opportunities arising these days, you’re just going to have to separate the chaff from the wheat, and pick the best option.  Even if it isn’t perfect.  Sometimes it’s a choice between the better and the dearer.  Especially if there is also the likelihood that you’re going to feel stretched beyond your limits.  Keep your goals within reason so that they can be attainable.  It is important to help others, and to do the right thing, and you will be glad you did.  Just keep in mind the whole time management and schedule thing.  It could get wieldy.