I don't believe in astrology - June 18, 2018
Everything is scary
I have it on good authority (meaning anecdotes, not statistically significant findings) that everyone is going through a lot right now. I've stared at my new solar return (your chart for the year) looking for answers and coming up short. Maybe it's because astrology isn't real, even though I think it is. Maybe it's because we're all still dealing with the major quakes of Uranus, the awakener, moving into Taurus, a sign that takes ideas and makes them grow into something real. That's scary when the ideas are originating from a radical, volatile force like Uranus. Maybe it's the precursors to the Mars slowdown coming up, which threatens to put a hold on our anger.
Whatever it really is, people are talking to me about it, and it sounds like a lot of us are in it this summer. I have no words of comfort; I, too, am in it. I just keep thinking about how to defeat it all. Every astrological event asks something of us, and no matter how dire or troublesome, there's a way out prescribed by the solar system. It doesn't mean we get what we want - for instance, Pluto transits usually necessitate some kind of loss - but if we do what the planets say, we are promised rewards. Or at least, we make it through as unscathed as possible. I'm trying to help us not get so scathed, even as the potential for scathing seems unusually high.
Or maybe you're all fine, and it's just me and a small coterie of miserables. I hope we're alone but I'm glad for the company.
Mars retrograde is going to be bad
My official position is that there are no "bad" placements, transits, planets, signs, etc. Everything has its function, place, and lesson for us. But like everything else about astrology, I don't really believe that. And that's why Mars going retrograde is terrifying me.
When is this happening: June 26 to August 27, but it's not back to normal until October 8, when it catches up to the point when it first went retrograde.
What it means: Mars is the god of war. He's energy, he's our rashness, our bloodlust, our hero complex, our (traditional and sometimes toxic) masculinity. He's our baby selves refusing to go to bed and crying all night to punish our loving parents who did nothing wrong and don't deserve this. Like any planet in retrograde, the power of Mars will be diminished, and we'll need to avoid acting on our anger/impulses.
Why I'm scared: I really like Mars. As someone with an Aries moon, I respect war. I like anger; it's actionable and feels a lot better than sadness or despair. In anger, there is hope. Hope that we can punch our problems away. Hope that once we finish shaking and crying at our enemies, we will be friends again. And meanwhile, while we're scaring everyone around us, we can feel powerful. It's an underrated emotion.But now, in Mars retrograde, anger won't be serving us the way it used to. All that energy won't be so easy for us to direct outward into the world; it'll turn in on ourselves. We'll be forced to employ patience, to ruminate on whatever is pissing us off for a little bit longer before we decide to murder an nemesis. That sounds reasonable, but in the meantime, I'm concerned about the potential for feuds to fester rather than find catharsis through confrontation. I'm scared that arguments and tensions will escalate during this time. If we don't do the reflective work that Mars asks of us, problems can get worse. Those are the stakes.
How to defeat it: I know I'm being a fear monger, but these are my true worries. As I said earlier, there is a way around every curveball in the zodiac, and the trick with Mars retrograde is to look toward the Venusian energy of Libra for advice. Libra, ruled by Venus, opposes Aries, which belongs to Mars. Libra/Venus are talented at indecision. They are the scales, weighing each side endlessly. It's a Libra who can false dichotomy you into thinking that it's reasonable to be mad at someone for being mad at them. The devil needs no advocate with Libra/Venus energy.But during Mars retrograde, vacillation is our friend. We need to stop, smell the roses, and realize we are not being called on to act. Like Hamlet, Aaron Burr, and maybe a false stereotype of Obama, we must wait for it. The path to victory is to hold our cards, chill out, and find the beauty/symmetry in examining all sides.We need to maintain this posture of reason and patience until fall. I'm going to be miserable the whole time, but hopefully this will prove a winning strategy for all of you.
Why is this happening: Oh, just because. Planets go retrograde. It's what they do. Mars does it every 2+ years, so when it's over, I'm done thinking about it for a while.
Full moon in Capricorn won't be so bad
Full moons bring endings. Usually the energy of culmination is tense and stressful, very much the opposite of the hope and lightness of the new moon. On June 28, early in the morning (12:53 a.m.), the sun will oppose the moon, which will be in serious Capricorn. You remember Capricorn, right? It's the sign of responsibility, dignity, and achievement. During this time, our emotions and our egos may feel pulled in opposite directions. We may feel discouraged by all the challenges piling up, as we realize how far away our goals are. But this full moon, while heavy and serious, comes with it some very pleasant aspects later that day to both Jupiter, the planet of luck and optimism, and Neptune, which rules dreams, intuition, and inspiration. With these two on your side, it'll cut the heaviness of this full moon like lemon juice cuts the sweetness of a strawberry rhubarb pie. You'll probably just get a lot done and want a take a long nap.But if you want pie, my favorite shop, Blue Stove, will be closed from June 19 through August.That means, in recap:
Full moon in Capricorn approaching
Mars retrograde for the summer
Pie retrograde for the summer
This is the opposite of cool for the summer.
Crab season, baby
Almost forgot to mention that on Thursday, June 21, the sun enters Cancer. How could I forget? We will say goodbye to the scattered, nervous energy of Gemini and hello to a... more maternal kind of neurosis. Cancer is the most fearful sign in the zodiac, representing the journey from adolescence to adulthood. Whereas Gemini taught us to be curious and explore, Cancer reminds us that not every experience is worth having, and sometimes the cost of discovery is too high. It urges us to strengthen our borders and make our homes as safe as possible - so that we can be children again within its confines. Crabs have the softest meat and the hardest shell, and if you find yourself on the outside, you will encounter a very scary, cold, sea spider who will kill you if needed and feel nothing. But when they let you in, oh, the emotions are so tender. The meat is delicious, and they will nourish your entire being. No one can love you like a Cancer.
Moon void of course
Remember not to do anything during these times. Don't start new plans, don't sign anything important, don't initiate conversations, don't interview for a job. But do clean your house, journal, do yoga, and just think. Or work on projects already in motion.
June 20: 6:51 a.m. to 8:29 a.m.
June 21-22: 9:34 p.m. to 3:11 p.m.
June 24-25: 10 a.m. to 12:29 a.m.
June 26-27: 8:54 a.m. to 11:52 a.m.
June 29-30: 4:57 a.m. to 12:37 a.m.
Horoscopes for June 18 through June 30
As always, read for your rising sign, but in case you still don't know (and I urge you to find out at astro.com), you can read for your sun, too, since, what else are you going to do?
Aries + Aries rising... Lay low if possible, as Mars retrograde will hit you hardest, since that's your home planet, in your house of friendship. Focus instead on your career, as the full moon on June 27 brings closure to a professional endeavor. This will feel hard-won, but it's likely to bear fruit for the long term. Meanwhile, make sure to keep your emotional self nurtured and checked, which is not usually your forte. It'll be worth it this time.
Taurus + Taurus rising... If you're traveling around the full moon, you may experience delays, as Capricorn slows down everything it touches. Keep your friends close and your former friends closer, because Neptune's retrograde position in your social sector may help you re-connect with people who perhaps are better left in your past. As a Taurus, you're good at caution. Proceed normally.
Gemini + Gemini rising... You're a busy little bumblebee at work, so organization and routines will be your ally this next two weeks. Go to bed early, even if you never do. The full moon is peaking in your house of other people's money, so be careful and exacting about settling debts or paying bills. On June 29, Mercury enters Leo, which will lend some grandeur to the way you think and talk. You're already a wit; now you'll be a queen.
Cancer + Cancer rising... You're the reason for the season, Cancer, as the sun moves into your watery depths. Jupiter's presence in your home sector means you're either buying property, renovating, or redecorating. Or you're gaining a roommate. Whatever the reason, your home base is getting a lot of attention, and as a crab, you're into nesting in a way no one else is. Meanwhile, the full moon in Capricorn on June 27 hits your house of partnership and commitment, so if you're in the process of consciously uncoupling, you may find some closure.
Leo + Leo rising... The full moon is hitting your house of work and health, so take extra good care of your body as you meet the demands being placed on your shoulders. Get rest, take zinc, drink orange juice. When Mars retrogrades on June 26 in your commitment sector, you may find yourself at an impasse with your partner or collaborator. Don't make any big decisions, but keep the lines of communication open. With Mercury entering Leo on June 29, be generous and open, but not egotistical. Leos tend to be good at all three.
Virgo + Virgo rising... Work should calm down when Mars retrogrades, asking you to double-check your work and stall projects that need another set of eyes before moving forward. Virgos are masters of detail, so your abilities are well-suited to this task. Meanwhile, the full moon in Capricorn on June 27 will strike in your dating and true love sector, so you may experience a breakup or disappointment. Full moons eliminate weak links, so take heed that this relationship was not likely to serve you in the long run. Listen to the moon; cut and run.
Libra + Libra rising... You may be seeing a boost to your income with Jupiter in your second house of earned money. Focus on your career successes, because Mars is going retrograde in your love sector. This will not necessarily end a relationship, but it will prevent any real progress during its tenure. As a Libra, you understand how important it is to consider all sides before making a decision, and that's exactly what you need to do now. No hasty movements.
Scorpio + Scorpio rising... Watch out for over-confidence and gossip, two vices you are naturally skilled at avoiding. With Jupiter animating your personality in your first house and Neptune going retrograde in your communication sector, you might carelessly spill a secret or two - and you have many. Meanwhile Mars will station retrograde in your fourth house of home, perhaps stalling a project you had begun. If anyone can be patient, it's you, scorpion.
Sagittarius + Sagittarius rising... Watch out for self-indulgence or profligacy on and around June 25, as it could be your undoing. Don't play Santa Claus to yourself. The full moon in Capricorn on June 27 hits you in your house of earned money, so this may bring negotiations to a close or get you paid for work you've already done. Whatever the conclusion, it'll bring some tension and then be done. You can treat yourself after that.
Capricorn + Capricorn rising... Neptune retrograde in your house of communication makes this an excellent time to take stock of your thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Especially since Mars retrograde is affecting your second house of earned income, and you may not be able to make progress for the rest of the summer, at least. While you're not making money, which is nearly unheard of for a goat, take this time to reflect and gather your strength, like Voldemort. The full moon in your sign on June 27 only reinforces this opportunity to take stock of what is working for you and let go of what isn't. I'm sorry I called you Voldemort.
Aquarius + Aquarius rising... Capitalize on the energy you're feeling before Mars goes retrograde in your house of self. You will feel frustrated that all your plans have stalled, but use this summer wisely to really examine yourself. It will give you permission to brag later - although hopefully you will have built enough character that you won't need to do that. With the full moon in Capricorn in your twelfth house of self-undoing and mental health, you have yet another hint from the planets that it's time to look inward.
Pisces + Pisces rising... With the full moon on June 27 occurring in your tenth house of career and prestige, you will finally wrap up a career-related project you're working on right now. Meanwhile, with Venus in your love sector and Mercury moving there on June 30, you're gearing up for a luxurious and romantic few weeks. Poetry, massages, and grapes in the mouth.
I got a job
Now I write about astrology for PureWow, one of those sites you see all over the internet. I wrote horoscopes for this coming week, which are not exactly redundant with the ones I write here, because the latter are less sassy and cover the next two weeks.I also wrote something for wedding season, which is really, really upon us. If you are engaged and haven't chosen a date yet, you're the specific audience for what is a pretty niche piece on choosing the perfect astrological wedding day.
Should I give you horoscopes by day, or do you all love to read for your signs?
I already know the answer; everyone likes reading for their sign. But without getting to look at all your charts, and with rising signs being unknown unless you take the step to calculate it, I really think I could give way more detail and way more useful commentary if I did it by day instead of sign. I don't know. I'll think about it.
Things I wrote and want to plug
Thank you for tuning in. If you liked this newsletter, please tell others about it. Meanwhile you can find me writing about astrology for PureWow and on Twitter and Medium @alexkiki.