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June is a power-packed month, with many of the big planetary configurations coming to a head at this time. It begins with four planets traveling retrograde: Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune and Pluto. When a planet is retrograde (appearing to move backwards from our perspective), it has a tendency to act on a more personal level and its influence becomes more intimate. Currently we are finding ourselves dealing with issues of meaning, theology and law (Jupiter), pain and healing (Chiron), spirituality and transcendence (Neptune) and death and transformation (Pluto).

Saturn (hard work & solitude) is currently approaching the second phase of an opposition to Chiron (wounded healer archetype) which has been responsible for a healing crisis that has featured the eruption of riots and demonstrations all over the world. Although this opposition will not be exact (at the same degree) until June 20, we are definitely feeling its effects already and seeing an increase in violence as a result. On a more personal level, we may find ourselves faced with painful emotions that seem to come from nowhere, particularly if we have planets in the fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio and Taurus). Chiron brings up the painful places within us, and Saturn forces us to face them. It may appear difficult, but truly this is an opportunity for great healing to take place if we stand our ground and don't shrink from the difficult stuff. We will find that our old calcified pain practically dissolves, freeing energy that we have spent keeping these old emotions at bay.

On June 3, Mars will leave the family-oriented sign of Cancer for the self-oriented sign of Leo. Mars (the aggressive urge) in the fire sign of Leo is energetic, creative and dynamic, unafraid to engage in self-expression. Mercury changes signs as well that day, entering the sign of Cancer where suddenly the family and "tribe" or cultural identification will become a hallmark of communication. Mercury in Cancer has a tendency to be more emotional, making this a challenging period for important negotiations.

Venus is approaching a square to Saturn at the beginning of June that culminates on June 4. Venus has a tendency to soften old Saturn, but in the stressful aspect there could be some difficulty connecting with others, and perhaps a greater sense of solitude than usual. After Venus hits Saturn it will begin to square Chiron (June 6) and oppose Jupiter (exact June 7). This creates a very nearly exact Grand Cross with the Venus/Jupiter opposition squaring the Saturn/Chiron opposition, putting all four planets in stressful aspect to each other, and all in the fixed signs.

Venus and Jupiter are the "benefics," and even in stressful aspect they do little more than overindulge in various pleasures; however, in square to Saturn/Chiron we could see great challenges in all kinds of relationships, both personal and political, during the first two weeks of June. During this time Mercury in Cancer approaches a trine to Jupiter in Scorpio which is exact June 9, expanding (Jupiter) our ability to understand (Mercury) and offering an open mind to new possibilities.

Around June 8 we will begin experiencing the addition of the combustible energy of Mars to the tension of the Saturn/Chiron/Jupiter T-square when Mars approaches a conjunction with Saturn. The opposition of Saturn and Chiron applies a great deal of pressure to force the healing of issues that have been pushed underground, and Jupiter expands the emotions and encourages a sense of righteousness and superiority. Adding the impatience of Mars to the mix can force an eruption before the process of healing is truly ready, creating more pain than was possibly necessary for the process to take place. This combination will culminate June 17 when the four planets are in tight formation, but this tension will be felt throughout the month of June. On a personal level, the huge amount of energy and frustration that this system could unleash could require a great deal of physical activity to manage. Vigorous and challenging exercise or movement will help to channel the Mars energy in a way that is more productive.

In the middle of this we find the Full Moon in Sagittarius at on June 11 at 2:03 pm EST, with the Moon within 5 degrees of a conjunction to Pluto and the Galactic Center. During this year as Pluto conjuncts the Galactic Center, we are being called to go deep within and become the most truly authentic individual that we can possibly be. During the Full Moon, the lunar instinctive principle outshines the solar conscious principle, offering an opportunity for glimpses behind the curtain of consciousness. Pluto acts as the will of our Higher Self to remove any obstacles that no longer serve us on our path, and this Full Moon is likely to be a powerful time when we are more easily able to access direction and guidance from within.

Mercury (communication) makes a trine (harmonious aspect) to Uranus (new ideas) on June 12, providing a conduit for insight and revelations to assist us in navigating the choppy waters. In addition, Mercury and Venus will be within 2 degrees of a sextile formation during the second and third week of June. This will facilitate communication as Venus puts us in touch with our feelings of love and fosters a desire for harmony that will greatly assist in dealing with the challenges that come before us during this period. From June 12 through the 16th or so, a square of Venus to ethereal Neptune will add a touch of creativity, but because the square is a challenging aspect we may find ourselves prone to Neptune's tendency towards fantasy.

Uranus is stationary all month as it prepares to turn retrograde on June 19. Uranus is the revolutionary; it tends to foster rebellion and strives for equality. Revolutionary fervor is high this month as Uranus applies pressure for a New Order to be created. Uranus rules lightning and sudden changes, and we are certain to experience sudden shifts of direction. We may even find ourselves experiencing anxiety or other nervous disorders as our nervous system is overtaken by a shift in frequency. Physical activity, particularly outdoors, will help to ground you during this time so that you can take advantage of the opening energy that is available now. It's important not to be afraid of these powerful time periods, because ultimately nature strives for healing and transformation, and when we can let go to the process we are taken for an incredible ride.

The Sun enters the watery sign of Cancer on June 21, the Summer Solstice, and Venus enters chatty Gemini two days later. Venus in Gemini will facilitate communication which is a key to all interpersonal relationships.

The New Moon in sturdy and practical Cancer is June 25 at 12:05 pm EST, making no aspects except a wide trine to Jupiter. The Saturn/Chiron/Jupiter configuration is still in effect, but this New Moon will ground us and help us to make a plan for the future that will enable us to incorporate and process all of the changes that have taken place over the past few weeks.