I don't believe in astrology - June 4, 2018
Hi and welcome back. For those tuning in for the first time, this is I don't believe in astrology, a newsletter for people who believe in astrology. Embrace the dissonance because it's Gemini season, the season of two (or more) things being true at once, even if they don't make sense together.
Not only that, it's June Gemini season, which provides a richer, fuller-bodied Gemini base plus top notes of Libra and Aquarius. Did you know that the further into a sign we move, the more it takes on the character of the other signs in that element? If you're a Gemini born toward the end of your sign (as I am), you've got overtones of Libra and Aquarius influencing the way you are a Gemini.
What I'm trying to say is, it's my birthday on June 12. I invite you to make a big deal about it.
Let me explain rising signs again
I said this last time, but when you read your horoscope, you need to read for your rising sign, not just your sun sign. Now I want to get into what your rising sign is and what it means.
Sun signs are famous like the sun. They are the sign the sun was in when you were born. They tell you what your character is and who you are at the heart of you. Like how the sun is the center of the solar system.
Your rising sign, however, is just as influential over your personality. It represents the mask you wear to the world and your approach to solving problems. It's the way you interact with outside forces, the way you physically look and carry yourself, the way you come off.When someone first meets you, they're talking to your rising sign.
When you go home and realize you have a crush on them, that's your sun sign.
When you stalk them later online, that's your moon sign (I'll explain moon signs in another newsletter).
Anyway, your rising sign is the most difficult to determine, as you have to do your whole chart to figure it out. You can do this for free at astro.com or come find me and I'll handle it for you. Sounds like a lot of work, but it's worth it because then you'll know what's really up with your horoscopes.
New moon in Gemini on June 13
There's a new moon coming up the day after my birthday. It'd be way better if it happened on my birthday or right before, because new moons are one of the most auspicious astrological events, and their magic only works after they hit. It's like a wave you need to crest at the right moment to get ultimate pickup. That was a surfing metaphor even though I have never surfed. That's the kind of brave, innovative energy this new moon brings.
Anyway this new moon is in Gemini and will get along with Mars in fellow air sign Aquarius, so expect this to be a fun and social time for all. Once it peaks at 3:43 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, make a list of 10 wishes toward which to direct this energy. I always make one for world peace, just in case it happens and I can take credit. It won't, but with 10 wishes you can afford to spend big.
Horoscopes for June 4 through June 17
If you're an Aries rising... you might be feeling a lot of motivation to write and create. You've got a ton of energy from the sun and new moon in your house of thinking, writing, learning, hanging out with siblings, and taking short trips, so maybe you take a little retreat with friends and incubate ideas for new projects. All the trains are likely to run on time for you, so if you're on the fence about going somewhere, say yes.
If you're a Taurus rising... most of the action is happening in your sector of earnings and material possessions. If you're up for a raise, you're probably going to get it. If you've been saving up for something luxurious and/or meaningful to you, now's the time to decide as it'll probably be worthwhile. But avoid the 14th and 15th, because both Venus (planet of beauty and money) and Mercury (planet of rational thought and communication) will be opposing Saturn (planet of responsibility, prudence, frugality), and thus you want to make sure your desires and good judgment are in good alignment.
If you're a Gemini rising... the spotlight is still on you, and this is the time for self-improvement, working out, drinking gross/delicious green drinks, and crossing off the to-dos on your list. You'll have the motivation to do the work that only you can do, that no one can help you with. Meanwhile, people will be drawn to your presence and bearing, which is likely to inspire others during this period. If you're a performer or a public speaker, you'll find you're more effective than usual.
If you're a Cancer rising... the new moon and sun's energy are sitting in your house of self-undoing and mental health. This is a time for rest, introspection, and therapy. You've been going through some challenging times, especially with Mars in Aquarius bringing discord into your house of others' money, or your spouse's income and possessions, if you are married. Mars is going to be there for a while since it's going retrograde later in the month, so use the new moon's energy to first care for yourself before making big decisions.
If you're a Leo rising... you'll be very popular, not only with the sun and new moon lighting up your house of friendship, social groups, hopes, and dreams, but Venus is moving into your sign on the 13th. That will lend added sparkle to your already sparkly demeanor and bode very well for true love, dating, and creative output.
If you're a Virgo rising... the new moon and sun will be singing a song of success in your house of honors, career prestige, and social standing. If you're about to take a job or an assignment, it could have excellent implications for your career. Beware of making things official on the 15th, though, because that's when Saturn (planet of limitations and responsibility) opposes Mercury (communication and rational thought), which is your ruler. You'll want to make sure Saturn is friendly to any big decisions, because whatever it blesses tends to bear fruit in perpetuity.
If you're a Libra rising... you could be going on a big trip, as the new moon and sun are stationed in your house of major travel, publishing, worldly exploration, other cultures, and legal ceremonies. Maybe you've got a ton of weddings to attend or you're having a religious awakening (could be related). Whether you're writing a book, learning a new language, or going on that trip like I suggested earlier, you're on some kind of journey for the next few weeks, so be a sponge and soak up the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world.
If you're a Scorpio rising... your focus will be on other people's money, which can include divorce settlements, artistic commissions, cash advances, royalties - any money that comes to you through a contract and not necessarily through direct paycheck. Whatever the outcome, it's likely to be positive. With Jupiter (planet of expansion and luck) stationed in your first house of identity and self-presentation, you'll likely have a sunnier disposition than usual, and people will be into your magnetic self.
If you're a Sagittarius rising... you're all about collaboration for the next few weeks. Maybe you're getting serious with a romantic partner or embarking on an exciting new project with a colleague. Meanwhile, Venus is stepping into Leo, another fire sign, in your 9th house of travel, publishing, ceremonies (like marriage), and cosmopolitan travel. If you're not getting married and taking a honeymoon, you might be gearing up to publish something major with a business partner. Either way, the energy of the new moon and the sun in Gemini will help you pair with others to achieve what neither of you could do alone.
If you're a Capricorn rising... the next few weeks are likely to bring you a few new work assignments that will energize you. Capricorns love to work, and with activity in that sector, you'll know what to do. If you've experienced any setbacks in health, you may find good news on the horizon, even if it's simply the motivation to work out and eat well. On the new moon on the 13th, Mercury and Taurus will respectively animate your house of partnership and house of true love. With such lively, intellectual planets in your corner, you're likely to enjoy a stimulating and romantic dynamic over the next few weeks.
If you're an Aquarius rising... you are in for a very social, creatively fulfilling, and potentially career-making month, with Jupiter near your Midheaven continuing to expand professional opportunities for you. The seeds you plant now are likely to be fruitful, so work extra hard while the wind is at your back. Meanwhile watch out for Neptune's square to the new moon on the 13th, as that can make you want to spend money you don't have on people you don't know that well. Neptune can glamour us out of our right mind, and since this is happening in your house of earnings, keep an eye on that wallet even in the face of a charming friend.
If you're a Pisces rising... you'll likely be focusing on your home and family. You might feel a desire to redecorate, renovate, or do a deep spring clean that makes you feel renewed in your own living space. It may inspire you to have more people over and host a dinner party or game night. Or, if you're looking at buying, this might be when you begin the process of making an offer on a property. Apart from the 15th when Saturn and Mercury are opposed, this is an expansive, lucky time for you to nurture and grow your domestic sphere.
Moon void of course
As promised, see below for the windows when the moon is void of course, which is the period of time when it moves out of a sign and forms no major aspects to any other planet. This is the moon's "retrograde" period, when emotions, decision-making, and judgment are likely to be faulty or shift direction.
In other words, don't do anything important during the following times. Don't schedule an interview, don't go on a first date, don't have a long, serious conversation of consequence, don't sign anything, don't quit your job, don't take a new one. Stay home and meditate. When the moon is void of course, it's best to play it safe, take a beat, and check in with your own emotions. They may be more complicated than you thought. They usually are.
June 4-5: 1:10 a.m. to 6:53 a.m. (moon in Pisces)
June 7: 2:53 a.m. to 5:26 p.m. (moon in Aries)
June 9-10: 3:37 p.m. to 0:04 a.m. (cool time stamp, and moon in Taurus)
June 11-12: 11:29 p.m. to 2:53 a.m. (moon in Gemini, and my birthday)
June 13-14: 3:43 p.m. to 3:20 a.m. (moon in Cancer)
*New moon begins on June 13 in Gemini on 3:43 p.m. Write down 10 wishes immediately after, never before, and as soon as possible once it hits.June 15-16: 12:18 p.m. to 3:21 a.m.
June 17-18: 11:25 p.m. to 4:40 a.m.
Q&A
This is a real question from a reader, and thought it might be helpful to post my answer.
Q: Why do my horoscopes for my sun sign seem more "on" than my rising sign?
A: Three reasons:
Astrology is about potential, not outcomes. So, for instance, I have Jupiter transiting my career house right now. That's good luck and bounty--it's an excellent placement. But nothing's happening. Unless I actually do something--look for a new job, or work really hard, or begin a new project, or whatnot--I will miss the benefit of that movement. On the flip side, something like a full moon will bring about endings and look for weak links wherever it hits. If there aren't any, it'll pass without much influence. It doesn't dictate what's going on in your life, but it brings energy that may or may not be relevant.
Second reason is, the signs that share an element (like Gemini and Libra) sit in a harmonious aspect to each other. It's likely that whatever transits are happening in one corner are in a good geometrical relationship to the others. So you may feel some indirect resonance in your chart by reading what's going on with Gemini risings.
Astrology isn't real. :)
Addendum / philosophy of this newsletter
If anyone is finding these horoscopes unfulfilling, or if they don't quite capture your situation right now, talk to me about it and I'll try to make it make sense, because that's what I do. The reason I do that is because astrology isn't real. It may not be the right time or place to point that out, but it really isn't. We're talking about narratives and stories that we humans assigned to planets to explain what's going on in our tiny lives. There is no rational basis for this; it's the opposite of a discipline.
And yet, of course it's real. That's why I continue to enjoy this practice, and I've wrung from it a lot of wisdom I apply to my own life. But still, tell me if it's not working, and I'll finagle it so it does.
Things I like
Charlie Kaufman's screenwriting lecture at BAFTA from 2011 makes me weep openly on the subway and temporarily consider giving up my cowardice forever. I'm too much of a coward to actually do that, but if I listened to this nonstop, I'd probably be a good person.
Astrology queen Susan Miller's June forecast, which you should read for your rising sign.
The Instagram account @notallgeminis for the best astro memes.
Thank you for tuning in. If you liked this newsletter, please tell others about it. For more of me, follow me on Twitter @alexkiki, Medium @alexkiki, and Instagram @alexkiks.