Astrology by Lauren

Jupiter enters Gemini on June 11th, and at first, instead of reaping the clarity and innate curiosity and joy usually associated with this sign, it feels like we are stepping into the murky world of the Twilight Zone, where up is down, and right is wrong.  Where boundaries are eroded and ethics compromised.  This is because as Jupiter steps into this domain, he greets the South Node of the Moon, highlighting the Solar Eclipse from May 20th, and locks horns with Neptune, which rules a broad spectrum of nebulous realms, anywhere from enlightenment and compassion, to insanity, deception, loss and confusion.

Wisconsin: The people have spoken, and they're both named Koch. ~ Andy Borowitz

In the mundane world of politics and society, we will be discussing the ramifications of dishonesty and the manipulation of the public through the media (Gemini) and glamour (Neptune).  Fifty years ago people were convinced through false advertising that smoking cigarettes was not only okay, but good for you.  What became apparent was that if you can easily convince the public that tar-laden, carcinogens were healthy for you, then you can market almost any idea, whether it’s true or not.  Public opinion can be influenced to the point that you think the good guys are bad, and the bad guys are good.  We have allowed ourselves to become marionettes, where the strings are being pulled by those who can afford to control what’s being aired on the television and in the newspapers, at the expense of our own integrity.  In Jupiter square Neptune weather, the weather where used car salesmen reign, it becomes all too obvious that we are in danger of being led down the garden path of lies and misinformation.

Of all the costs imposed on our society by the top 1 percent, perhaps the greatest is this: the erosion of our sense of identity, in which fair play, equality of opportunity, and a sense of community are so important. ~ Joseph Stiglitz

Neither Jupiter nor Neptune are very good at honoring boundaries.  Whether it’s a virus, pollution, a cancer, or even the weather, when these two combine they overstep their limits and scoff at our conventional borders.  Neptune is wet and Gemini is of the air, Jupiter makes things large: so hold on to your hats.  The transportation world also falls under the aegis of Gemini from railroads, to cars, to roads... with Neptune it’s like people getting lost, taking wrong turns: Lost in Space, Lost in time... just losing our way.  Bring a map.  Jupiter in Gemini is notorious for feeling like we are over-committed and running hither and yon.  That is fine if you actually succeed in getting from one point to the next without being detoured... otherwise it just feels like... running.  And with Neptune we’re running all over each others’ front lawns.

Probably the greatest relevance is in our personal lives, where there is a conflict between information that we are receiving, what we are being told, and what we intuitively know to be true.  If something is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.  If you are being told one thing, but it just doesn’t sound right, it warrants investigation.  We are being inundated with information, and it’s up to us to translate, and sift out the misinformation from the truth.  And further still, to be able to also discriminate between what is wishful thinking and reality.

We do have a GPS system of our own if we will exercise it.  That GPS system depends on a firm grasp of ethics and compassion, as well as clear discrimination.  This is also called wisdom.  That is our light on the path.  That is what will clue us in to the fact that boundaries have been inappropriately crossed.  That is the lighthouse that guides us through the foggy reefs and shoals of misinformation, assumption and false lights and lies.  It is found within, if we will only take some time to listen.  That is our most reliable bellwether when we are confounded in foggy weather such as we are having this month.

And even as Jupiter enters Gemini on Monday, the ever-present Uranus/Pluto square is going to be rearing its head this week, as Mercury, now in patriotic, and protective Cancer, creates a cardinal t-square with our revolutionary duo.  We’re going to be feeling this tension, especially around the 10-12th... the realization that something, somewhere can no longer continue to go on as it has been.  This is a shift.  A shift in consciousness, a shift in perception.  A realization that things are not what you thought they were.  Be open to alternatives.  Be willing to change your mind.  Something awesome is brewing.

The above drawing of "Jupiter" was a gift from my grandson, Emmett, who knows that I like planets.

The image “Beacon”, is courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

For the week of June 8th thru the 15th, be sure to read your rising sign as well:

Aries

Something has indeed been brewing.  Perhaps it is a realization that something inevitably has to change.  Or even as it has been simmering, you may not have consciously addressed what that really means.  This week that realization comes into stark relief.  There is no doubt that you want to make some sort of mark on the world.  And perhaps a means to do so will make itself known.  But don’t expect it to be plain sailing.  And realize that if you have a banner to wave, or something radical to say, that you first have to make sure that you not only have right and justice on your side, but that you also have the facts.  

Taurus

Over the next several weeks, make sure that you have all the details before you make a financial commitment.  If things are too good to be true, they probably aren’t.  Promises may be made that cannot be kept.  Therefore this is not the best month to be signing on the dotted line.  There are too many unknowables afoot.  If you are planning on buying or selling any large purchases in the near future, early July might be a better window.  Even with everyday purchases, this is not a good time to take reckless risks.  Honor your limits.

Gemini

If you’ve been feeling indecisive and not quite sure where you want to go... Jupiter could just complicate things by bringing in even more possibilities and opportunities for distraction.  The truth is, at this time there are simply too many intangibles when it comes to the future.  And this may not be the best time to be making any added commitments, even if it is for a good cause, as you could easily stretch yourself beyond your limits and capabilities.  Realize what those limits are, and be willing to prudently say no if need be.

Cancer

A situation that has been tolerated for some time, might be coming to a head this week as new information comes to light.  This will be particularly relevant on Monday and then Tuesday when your ruler, the Moon, enters the warrior sign of Aries.  You realize that something needs to change in your future, but are you willing to to take the necessary risks?  Are you up for the challenge?  And are you willing to go it alone if you have to?  Nothing will be achieved by forcing a situation no matter how hard you want it.. you’re going to have to create a new paradigm.  Explore what that might mean to you.

Leo

Things should run relatively smoothly this week.  You will be able to make progress and get things done.  Therefore make the most of this week to accomplish as much as possible.  Any opportunity to learn a new skill, or create some sort of network of stability will serve you well in the future.  This is a time to create, even strategize, positive associations and commitments to others.  The sorts of people that will be there when you need them, and that you can depend on.  

Virgo

With Jupiter entering Gemini, the focus is being placed on your career, your future, and the choices that you have made up until now, and are needing to be made.  Normally this would be a good time to explore these because Jupiter helps us to see the big picture... but with Neptune and the South Node in Gemini, this begs waiting until you can get a clearer picture.  For one thing, you are more likely to overlook some very important details, be misinformed, lied to or confused by an abundance of information or commitments if you have to make an important decision this month.    By contrast, acts of selflessness and compassion will be rewarding, provided you realize that you can only do so much.  

Libra

As if you are not feeling overwhelmed enough as it is in work, and in your daily life trying to juggle obligations... more personal issues could take precedence this week.  Realizing this, try to keep your schedule as flexible as possible.  Plans may not work out as expected, or unexpected new events arise to throw some flies in the ointment.  If too much is happening, and you are not able to go with the flow, this could produce a deal of anxiety.  If you feel overwhelmed... or ambushed... just place one foot in front of the other, one day at a time, and be willing to consider alternatives.  Some hidden truth could come to light.  Don’t let it throw you.  

Scorpio

At some point this week you could come to realize that you cannot force others to see your point of view, no matter how hard you try.  But neither do you need to compromise your integrity.  However circumstances could very well arise leading you to realize that things may not be what you previously thought they were. Something suddenly comes to light that changes the whole dynamic.   And as a result some sort of change on your part, or an adjustment to the new circumstances becomes necessary.  And all this change and adjustment could get on your last nerve.  Step back from the situation, and allow for flexibility just in case there are some unexpected events that will need to take precedence.

Sagittarius

As your ruler, Jupiter, shifts into Gemini, you will experience the shift as well.  It’s drawing you out of a state of security, into a state of intellectual, and situational uncertainty.  At least at first.  And you’re not sure who or what to believe at this point.  It is imperative to realize that there are some unforeseeable circumstances, and be willing to concede that maybe you were setting the bar a little too high considering your current circumstances.  If you get stretched beyond your limits... you will then fall into the world of the ‘overwhelmed’ over the next few weeks.  Honor your limitations in order to keep yourself in check.

Capricorn

Relationships with others, negotiations, are feeling rather fraught.  Are there issues of power and control here?  Are you feeling pushed beyond your limits?  The way to navigate this weather is by being willing to be flexible, and see where there is room for compromise, or to cut back if you need to.  If you are feeling the strain this week, know when to retreat and avoid direct confrontation or pushing yourself too hard.  If some sort of change is necessary... see how you can turn this in your favor, and become the change that you would like to see in your life.

Aquarius

For Aquarius this week, the key is in keeping to the eye of the storm, and maintaining an even keel.  There may be storms brewing, but you will have the capacity to navigate this weather through clear perception and a wise determination to keep to your course.  This is a time to take a practical and realistic look at your life and circumstances.  And appreciate what you have for now.  This is a good week to stay the course, and veer on the safe side.  There will be plenty of opportunities to step out of your comfort zone over the weeks ahead.  

Pisces

This week, as your ruler Jupiter enters Gemini on Monday, it comes face to face with co-ruler Neptune, where it will spar over the month ahead.  What this essentially will produce over the next several weeks, is this feeling of being stretched and extended to the edge of, and perhaps beyond your limits.  Particularly in the home, or within the family dynamic.  When Jupiter is in Gemini, Pisces longs for peace and security in the home and immediate environment.  However, the disenchantment with an ethical issue, or a sense of feeling like a stranger in a strange land, even in your own country or your own home, is compromising that feeling these days.