This shift is taking all of us from earth to air, from our bodies to our minds: ruled by speedy Mercury, Gemini loves nothing so much as a good conversation (or several, all at once) and entertaining ideas. That makes this a good time to explore your mind, including how you think, how you process information, and how you communicate with others.
Gemini watercolor by Anne Nordhaus-Bike
About Gemini: Out with the old, in with the new
When the Sun travels through Gemini each year, it brings a light, airy energy that inspires us to let our thoughts take wing. We move away from Taurus's heavy, earthy emphasis on material reality, possessions, and the body to the Twins' breezy world of the mind, ideas, and communication of all kinds.
Gemini's insatiable curiosity and mental restlessness push us to get out, taking short trips or detours as the spirit moves us in order to learn new information. By keeping our eyes and ears open, we take in new data; if we keep our minds open, too, we have an opportunity to think new thoughts and entertain new ideas. Gemini time also urges us to see old thoughts or interests in new ways and to re-think anything in our lives that needs freshening or replacing.
Gemini symbolism
Gemini is ruled by Mercury, named for the ancient Roman messenger god who could travel among the heavens, the earth, and the underworld and who got around swiftly thanks to the wings on his sandals and cap. This zippy planet, the smallest in our solar system, orbits the Sun in just 88 days; paradoxically, it spins slowly, making one rotation in about 58 Earth days.
Despite its relative brightness, Mercury often is difficult to see because it is so close to the Sun; like Venus, it appears as either a "morning star" just before sunrise or an "evening star" just after sunset, although its period of visibility from Earth is brief. Its orbit is egg-shaped or "eccentric," unlike that of the rest of our solar system's planets, which have essentially circular orbits.
Gemini's symbol, the Twins, gives us the image of duality: often, things come in twos for Gemini, such as pursuing two quite different careers at the same time. This quality arises from a natural curiosity, versatility, and love of variety. Like the Twins, however, when Gemini is out of balance, this duality may manifest as being two-faced. Gemini also may alienate others by exhibiting two dramatically different personalities, being scattered from multitasking, or becoming overextended from trying to be in two places (or two relationships) at once.
Current astrology: Gemini dominates, while eclipses and Venus transit demand balance and feminine focus
This astrological month comes packed with major events. The Sun and several other planets occupy airy Gemini, and in keeping with the Twins' duality, this month brings two eclipses (one in Gemini, the other in its opposite sign, Sagittarius) and an uncommon two new Moons in Gemini. In addition, a rare transit of Venus across the Sun ramps up Twin energy while turning our thoughts toward all things feminine and receptive.
. As Gemini time begins this year, the Sun joins Venus in the sign of the Twins. Saturn, currently retrograde in the air sign Libra, demands that we exhibit maturity in relationships and dedicate ourselves to fundamental fairness.
. Just hours after the Sun enters Gemini, a new Moon arrives in Gemini; minutes later, a dramatic solar eclipse reaches its climax. (If it's visible from your location, be sure to wear protective eye gear if you decide to watch). All this Gemini activity in a single day may fray nerves and frazzle communication. Eclipses can bring dramatic change; with Gemini emphasized, you may learn new information or have sudden insights. If you feel drained or overwhelmed, take good care of yourself, notice what happens to you and those around you, see how you feel about it, and take time to reflect so you can make constructive choices.
. Days later, on May 24, speedy Mercury comes home to Gemini, one of the signs it rules. This shift will intensify our focus on our minds and all other things Gemini and may put our thinking into overdrive. Besides increasing urges to communicate--perhaps constantly and in every possible medium--this change will push us to act mentally and rationally instead of emotionally.
. On June 5 or 6 (depending on your location), Venus will transit the Sun, meaning she will be between the Sun and Earth and can be observed moving across the Sun's disk. This rare event will not be repeated until 2117; if visible at your location, wear protective eye gear if you watch it. This transit offers an opportunity for Venus's realm of women, beauty, art, and pleasures to take center stage and to increase in power and brightness by merging with the Sun. Note that Venus has been retrograde in Gemini since May 15, however, and remains so until June 27, so this transit offers opportunities to re-think (Gemini) feminine power (Venus); Venus's placement in curious Gemini can help us determine how to balance action and attraction (Sun and Venus), masculine and feminine, self and other. It also can help us realize what constitutes mental beauty and harmonious thoughts.
. On June 4, Neptune, symbol of spirituality, dreams, and consciousness, will go retrograde in Pisces and remain so until early November, giving us an opportunity to review our spiritual lives, idealism, and service to the higher good. This period also offers opportunities to re-think how we can live more spiritually and release addictions and escapism.
. Also June 4, the full Moon in optimistic, adventurous Sagittarius will come with a lunar eclipse. As with the solar eclipse on May 20, take good care of yourself and notice what happens, what information surfaces, and what you believe and feel about it. Set aside time to reflect on what comes to light.
. On June 11, Jupiter will leave Taurus for Gemini. Since June 2011, when Jupiter entered the sign of the Bull, we have felt powerful pressure to expand (Jupiter) our material security (Taurus) as well as a call to nobler leadership and benevolent stewardship of Earth and her resources. Jupiter's move into Gemini will turn our thoughts toward expanding communication, mental activity, and logical thought. It also will expand our potential for higher thought and nobler ideas.
. Finally, on June 19, a second new Moon in Gemini will increase emphasis on the Twins by giving us a second chance for new thoughts, communication, and ideas.
Coming next month
The rest of this summer will continue to bring greater intensity with the Solstice on June 20 and the first of several difficult angles between Uranus and Pluto on June 24 (echoing the most intense energies of the mid-1960s). Next month's newsletter will review these major astrological happenings.
Until then, if you begin to feel pressure building, remember to take time for extra rest and solitude. Also, with all the fast moving Gemini energy this month, set aside time for quiet and breaks from technology and communication so you can regain balance and be at your best when you're with others.
What do I think?
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
