Summer begins on the 21st of June with the Summer Solstice as the Sun enters Cancer, and those of us in the Northern Hemisphere enjoy the longest day of sunlight during the year. The usual expectations by many of us for the summer season are somewhat akin to the George Gershwin refrain from Porgy and Bess: “It’s summer time, and the living is easy.”
But we find ourselves in 2010 and while we wish that our living were easy, that desire is not often present day reality. On the contrary, these times and this summer seem more like volatile extremes.
Not that there are not some truly wonderful times during this phase, times of unexpected opportunities and thrilling surprises. In deed there are — there are magical moments that seem to mysteriously arise out of nowhere. We could call it serendipity or synchronicity, those gems of asequential reality where it is not so much our making things happen as much as our being in the right place at the right time, open to receiving the mini-miracles that daily occur in our lives, and working with peripheral vision that allows us a greater breadth of vision and willing to embrace the magic of these times.
To paraphrase the nursery rhyme attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, these times are like when it is good, it is very, very good; but when it is bad, it is horrid.
The more we can recognize and appreciate the fact that we are at a historical threshold, a major shapeshifting and dramatic, even drastic transformation of our lives and our living; the less negatively impacted we are likely to be by some of the shifts and changes going on in our world — the macro world of our global community and the micro world of our own individual personal lives.
Although some of the political campaign slogans used in various countries over the past few years have emphasized ‘change’ with a little ‘hope’ thrown in, perhaps as individuals our mantram for these times might more accurately be: ‘change with faith’.
For we are all going through change, whether self-initiated or brought upon us by outside forces, and we might need to have faith, even blind faith, in the belief (call it hope?) but a real understanding that in truth things do eventually work out for the best.
This summer begins on June 21st with the Summer Solstice as the Sun enters Cancer. We start the summer with three planets in Fire Signs, three planets in Earth Signs, three planets in Air Signs, and one planet in a Water Sign. Five planets are in Cardinal Signs, two planets are in Fixed Signs and three planets are in Mutable Signs. Six planets are in Positive Signs and four planets are in Receptive Signs.
We start the summer season with a Grand Cross by Sign in the Cardinal Quadruplicity and feeling the Grand T-Square that is in operation for these next two years. The Sun squares Uranus, is in orb of squaring Jupiter, in orb of squaring Saturn and in orb of opposing Pluto. Change / Transformation / Expansion / Contraction are all factors of these times.
The Saturn Uranus opposition with which we have been dealing since the autumn of 2008, first exact on the US Election Day of November 4, 2008, is operational and exact for the fifth time on July 26th.
We may have felt caught in a wild metronome, swinging back and forth between increased restrictions and a desire to break out of old patterns. We might have sensed that we were on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride being bumped about and wondering in what direction we were headed. Or were we just a passenger on a runaway train hurtling through infinity and the darkness of night? Although we might have been bounced around over the past two years, the true encounter of these times has been between old and new, the traditional and the innovative but the lesson to be learned is not to get into the dualistic nature of the thesis and antithesis but the dynamic reconciliation of the synthesis, drawing upon the best of our experience, while eliminating the dregs of our past, to instill our future with the best of old and new.
However we might have categorized these recent times, I’d like to remind us of that sage advice from Yogi Berra: ‘It ain’t over ’til it’s over.’
And this summer gives added evidence that it’s still not over.
The summer offers us the opportunity of seeking out re-creational pursuits, possible travel plans and getting off the track of our daily routine. We all need to take a break from our ordinary reality in order to get a fresh perspective and take the time to consider options and alternatives that are difficult to see when we are up to our heads in our daily tasks and normal routine. And perhaps we need a break from our usual habit patterns more so now than ever before. It is essential that we not be locked into old programs, old patterns and old methodology. These times call for a willingness to accept something of a blank canvas on which to test new ideas, new involvements, new ways of doing things and a new sense of our self.
The first week of summer could prove somewhat stressful. The latter part of spring had some great energies. June 8th, 10th and 15th were high points and reflected in the triple digit gains in the US Dow Jones Industrial Averages on those days. This late spring also coincided with the beginning of Soccer’s World Cup, the NBA Finals and the US Open here in our local neighborhood of Pebble Beach. And we might have celebrated graduations, marriages, reunions and other fun social gatherings. We could have convinced ourselves that all was right in the world and with the world, or at the very least, in our own personal worlds.
But that was then and now in the first week of summer we have far more difficult energies operating from the 24th through the 27th. Unexpected situations could arise and those gnarly black swans that seem to impact the equity markets, heighten anxiety and ratchet up the volatility index could come out of nowhere and shake us up and knock us down.
Although the Sun square Uranus on the 21st and the Sun square Jupiter on the 23rd could have us looking at launching forward with our new interests and self-affirming projects, problems could arise on the 24th with the Mercury square Saturn and Mercury trine Neptune, on the 25th with Mercury square Uranus and the Sun opposed Pluto, on the 26th with the Lunar Eclipse and Mercury square Jupiter and on the 27th with Mercury opposed Pluto.
We may not know whether we are coming or going, and it would be especially important for us to engage due diligence, read between the lines and allow some of the dust to settle before making commitments. I would also suggest that even if we become a little shaky in our semblance of stability, confusion is the starting point of wisdom.
There could be sabre-rattling during this first week of summer, people and nations being somewhat belligerent, difficulties and misunderstandings with our communications, computer glitches and problems with travel. People may be pushing the envelope and Carole King’s classic song refrain of ‘feeling the earth move under my feet’ may be more a practical reality issue than a heart-felt emotion. These energies caution impacts on the equity markets, adverse activity in the geopolitical realm, possible earthquake and volcanic activity, and intense atmospheric storm systems, both climatological and personal interactions.
At this time, it would be wise for us to count to ten before any action or reaction to avoid knee-jerk decisions or hasty, instinctual movements. It is also suggested to restrain the impulse of being too intense or too fixed in our own perspective of things. And yet these energies could be triggering rash actions and passionate reactions. There could also be attempts to disrupt the normal course of events with possible disruptions and severe actings-out.
The intensity of this period dies down at the end of June and through much of July. It may seem as though certain eruptions, once expressed, are replaced by a more placid environment.
Social gatherings, holiday plans and recreational pursuits could be a large part of our July period. The long holiday weekend in the US to celebrate July 4th and Independence Day could be extended as people seek refuge from reality, escape the storm clouds and embrace the enjoyment of party time.
Mercury sextiles Mars on the 1st of July, and we could be looking at fixing up our home, readying for family get-togethers and focusing on our personal lives rather than concerned about the world beyond our front doors.
On the 5th of July, Uranus turns retrograde for the next five months, and we might decide to put some of our changes, new plans, and intended activities on hold for the time being. After all, we might consider summer as a time to regroup, recharge and re-energize ourselves more through pleasurable activities than taking machete in hand and carving a new path or a new direction for ourselves. We can re-invent ourselves but we might feel as though we do not have to do so immediately.
No, the summer is for enjoyment, relaxation and recreation. Such an attitude can be highlighted on the 8th and 9th of July, as Venus opposes Neptune on the 8th and Mercury sextiles Saturn on the 9th before moving into Leo on the same day whereupon Mercury trines Uranus. Fun events are called for and seem highlighted during this second and third week of July. We could even come up with some interesting insights as we explore new realms and allow ourselves to test new involvements.
Venus exits Leo on the 10th of July to enter Virgo. Suddenly, we might be more discerning, even critical, of our contacts and connections. The saying ‘what have you done for me lately’ could be the measuring stick of our relationships.
We have a total Eclipse of the Sun on July 11th. While the Sun sextiles Mars and Mercury trines Jupiter could have us being somewhat irrationally exuberant, the importance of not getting impressed by the image or appearance but rather looking behind the curtain to see what is really going on cannot be discounted. Financial concerns could become more evident as the global recovery seems either stalled or impeded by some of the financial results announced for the first half of the year and in the case of some entities the end of their fiscal year [e.g. California’s end of the fiscal year with possible indications that the 7th largest world economy comes in with another $18-24 Billion budget deficit]. The black swans of unexpected and negative financial situations could be swimming about for the truly perceptive to see.
The 13th of July has Venus trine Pluto. We might do a review of the people in our lives and see who is too heavy a load to carry and who carries their load. We want our connections to be functional, reliable, having depth and enhancing the meaning to our lives. This can be a passionate time for our interactions with other people, but some of our embraces may be far more shrewd and calculated than merely soulful or emotional.
On the 21st of July, Saturn finally finishes its transit of Virgo to enter Libra for the next two years. Hopefully, we have developed a good health regimen to deal with the ratcheted-up stress level and to focus on the best practices approach of dealing with the various curve balls that have been thrown at us. If we have not changed or fine-tuned our well-being program [physical, mental, emotional and spiritual], then we might find that people are playing the blame game, seeking out other people to blame, venting their frustrations on the assumed safe harbor of their significant relationships.
As though a trigger point, the Saturn move into Libra on the 21st cascades into a rough and tumble of energy configurations through the end of July and into August.
This summer is a season of volatile extremes. Intensity is ratcheted up in the first week of summer, from June 21st through the 27th. Things get dicey again around the 24th-26th of July, the 30th-31st of July, August 3rd-4th, August 20th-21st and September 12th-14th.
During the time of Saturn moving into Libra on the 21st of July, we have the Sun moving into Leo on the 22nd and sextiling Saturn, followed on the 23rd by Jupiter turning retrograde and the Sun trining Uranus, Jupiter square Pluto on the 24th, the Aquarius Full Moon on the 25th and on the 26th Mercury opposed Neptune, the Sun trine Jupiter and Saturn opposed Uranus, the fifth and last of the exact Saturn Uranus opposition that has been impactful since the autumn of 2008.
During the 21st through the 26th of July, we may all need a program regarding what is occurring with a recognition that some of the scheduling might prove to be TBA — to be announced. Extreme volatility can be occurring with some grandiose inspirations and likely delusions at times and other times feeling like the floor has opened up beneath us and that we’re in free fall. This period may be a time to adjust our plans and schedule on a tentative basis with the realization that circumstances could force us to postpone, alter or close the door on some of our intentions. This time frame might also open the door to a determination to push on through with our plans, a reversion to the old paradigm mindset of being in total control and mastery of life’s situations. If we go there, we could experience either a significant pushback or just pave the way to hell with our good intentions.
Although it would be wise for us to keep a heads-up regarding what is going on in the world around us and might impact us even on an indirect level, this period of the 21st through the 26th of July might be a time for us to get off the track, put things on hold and allow ourselves some fun events.
Mercury exits Leo and enters its own Sign of Virgo on the 27th, followed by Mars exiting Virgo and entering Libra, a Sign of its Detriment where Mars is not especially comfortable.
On the 30th, Mercury trines Pluto and Mars opposes Uranus, followed on the 31st by Mars conjunct Saturn. Although our mind can be laser-like, sharp and able to penetrate beyond the appearance to the core, we also have to careful how we expend our energy. Accidents could occur. People may be ever more belligerent and willing to act out impetuously without any consideration of the consequences.
If this summer witnesses terrorist activities, this 30th-31st of July would be one time frame this summer to be concerned about, as would August 3rd-4th, August 20th-21st, and September 12th-14th.
This end of July could have people acting rashly and possibly focusing on their own self-interests, which could provoke significant problems with relationships. Being certain that we do not get caught up in the energies but rather, through awareness, act in the most effective manner under the influence of the ‘weather’ of energy configurations is the greatest benefit that astrology offers us.
August 3rd and 4th is another rather intense period with Jupiter square Pluto on the 3rd, followed by Mars opposed Jupiter and Mars square Pluto on the 4th.
Extremes can be ratcheted up severalfold. Nothing is likely done in moderation at this time. Whatever extremes do occur at the moment, it would be wise to keep in mind the concept of the metronome, that things can swing from one extreme to another before finding a balancing point. This early August period could also give us a good heads-up regarding some of the areas that might become ever more insistent and dramatic during 2011.
There can be a great deal of activity during this early August period. Even if we start things up now, it would be suggested that we keep in mind from where we have come just in case we need to go back, rework our plans and start off in a different direction a little bit down the road.
On the 6th of August, Venus exits Virgo and moves into its own Sign of Libra, also creating a Stellium of three or more planets in Libra as Venus joins Mars and Saturn in the Cardinal Air Sign. Much of our focus over the following few days and over the next four weeks may be on our relationships and social occasions. Venus opposes Uranus on the 7th. Venus conjuncts Saturn on the 8th. Venus opposes Jupiter on the 9th with the Leo New Moon, and Venus squares Pluto on the 10th. We may find ourselves in a revolving door of interactions and connections.
Some contacts may seem serendipitous, as if coming out of the blue. We might reconnect with people from our past, and we may find ourselves juggling new connections with established relationships, all the while doing a sorting through of those people with whom to move ahead and those people we might choose to jettison from our lives. We do have to be aware that the steam vent, or safety valve, for much of our frustration with life and the events occurring in the world at large may be through our relationships. Our interactions with other people could be the target of how we take out our anxieties, our discomfort and our concerns. Let’s try and cut everyone some slack, and cut ourselves some slack as well. Let’s keep ever in mind that we are going through a dramatic shapeshifting, changing who we are and how we operate in a fast accelerating and dramatically shifting world.
On the 13th of August, Uranus retrogrades out of Aries and moves back into Pisces to finalize its seven-year transit of the Mutable Water Sign. Whatever new ideas, new concepts, new connections or new possibilities might have arisen over the past six weeks would be wise to notate since we might have had glimmers and glances of new activities we might more seriously pursue over the next seven years as we come into 2011.
On the 16th of August, Jupiter opposes Saturn. The balance between our personal desires and our responsibilities with other people may be up for re-evaluation. We might want to do our own thing, but we should keep in mind that no one is an island unto themselves. At the same, we also need to be sure that other people’s needs do not overly cramp our style or keep us from pursuing some of our personal ambitions. The balance between me and thee is set into motion. The balance between expansion and contraction allows us to find the balance point between the extremes of the metronome.
The 20th and 21st of August could prove dicey as the Sun opposes Neptune, Venus conjuncts Mars and Mercury turns retrograde for the three week period, turning direct on the 12th of September. Saturn squares Pluto on the 21st of August. Communications can certainly be off and we have to keep aware of the edicts handed down from on high.
Although I refer to this period as a time of ‘power to the person’, with each individual having greater opportunity for creative self-expression thanks to the technological advances, we also have to recognize that the powers-that-be, whether corporate or government, may try to enhance a stranglehold on the ways and mores of the populace. The idea of thinking outside the box, and a realization that there are various ways to tai chi one’s way around impediments and obstacles would provide a realization that we do not have to be frustrated or hampered by imposed regulations or standards. Instead, we can come up with alternative approaches and best practices methods by which to achieve our goals and accomplish our dreams. Or as offered to us in the television show ‘In Living Color’, we can also embrace the idea that ‘homey don’t play that game’.
With any Mercury retrograde it is essential that we recognize the likelihood of miscommunications, misunderstandings, travel problems, computer glitches and anything that ties in with Murphy’s Law of ‘whatever can go wrong could.’ During Mercury retrograde it is wise not to sign any important documents, nor to make any significant decisions or major purchases. If we have to do so under a Mercury retrograde, it is important to check and recheck the details in order to be certain that we have incorporated all the important factors and not allowed anything to fall between the cracks.
The Sun moves into Virgo on the 23rd of August and the Pisces Full Moon follows on the 24th of August. Our thoughts may return to our daily routine. Even if we are still summer vacationing, much of our attention is focused on our everyday lives. The Sun trine Pluto on the 26th of August would allow us to formulate the most effective strategy and the fundamental formats by which to expedite our responsibilities and move ahead with our personal goals. We can blueprint with an eye both to the larger picture and to the most insignificant details. This latter part of August is a good time to fine tune and temper our plans of action. But let’s keep in mind that we’re operating under a Mercury retrograde so it would be wiser to consider rather than to act.
The early part of September can allow for some fun events and enjoyable social occasions. The Labor Day weekend in the US, often referred to as the unofficial end of summer, seems highlighted this year thanks to the Venus trine Neptune on the Saturday, September 4th. A final summer blowout of parties and fun get-togethers can highlight this weekend. Although we may feel the impending autumn and getting back to school and getting back on track to be beckoning, we may still want to have a good old time in the summertime.
The Virgo New Moon on the 8th of September can have us focusing back on our work, routine matters and choosing to be as resourceful as possible in order to get the optimum out of our efforts. Venus exits its own Sign of Libra and enters Scorpio, a Sign of its Detriment where Venus is not very comfortable. The 9th has the retrograding Jupiter moving back into Pisces as Mars trines Neptune.
We may sharpen our wits and concentrate our intentions over the weekend of September 11th-12th, encouraged by the Venus sextile Pluto. If we have certain social obligations, debts due, now is a time for us to pay up. We can be very astute both in regard to our connections with other people, where they are coming from, and also consider the most effective ways to advance our interests. Perhaps we are getting a grip on the new parameters and better able to navigate the constraints by cutting to the bone and focusing on the fundamentals while stripping away the non-essentials, the superfluous and the extraneous.
We do have to be aware that the extreme volatility can ratchet up again around the 12th through the 14th, as Mercury ends its three-week retrograde cycle and turns direct on the 12th. Pluto turns direct on the 13th and Mars enters its co-ruled Sign with Pluto of Scorpio. Things can be explosive at this time and situations ratcheted up severalfold. Could it be merely a tempest in a teapot or an augury of things to come? Either way, life can seem intense and another instance of volatile extremes.
The 18th of September has Jupiter conjunct Uranus and Mars sextile Pluto. These are high energy configurations, times when things can happen fast and furious. Storm systems at this time could be severe with intense precipitations and high winds. We also have to be wary that we don’t try too hard or push ourselves beyond the limits. Let’s bear in mind that the challenges of these times is to move away from a sense of being the controlling factor in situations. We are no longer to be the so-called ‘master’ of our universe but rather co-creators with the natural unfolding of our personal destiny, our individual journey. Along the way we are likely to be tested as to whether we can drop the reins of control and work with the energies operating or if we continue with past behavior patterns and try to manipulate and force the energies to our will, to our whim.
Summer comes to a close on the 22nd with a final hurrah on the 21st as the Virgo Sun closes out the Summer season with oppositions to both Jupiter and Uranus. Extremes are possible, but so what else is new.
We are living in a time of extreme volatility, a dynamic period attempting to shake us from our old stasis, our old belief in the status quo and our old acceptance of the ‘tried and true’, once tried no longer true.
Our emotions can go through whipsaws of delirious delight and depressive anxiety. There can be extremes in temperature with record heat and record cold. There can be extremes in precipitations with deluges and flash floods in some areas, drought and water shortages in other regions. There could be geophysical activity with earthquakes and volcanoes rocking us from our semblance of security. And governments may seem ineffective at best, incompetent at its worst. The extreme of greater governmental / corporate control can find its alternate extreme in popular discontent, protests and demonstrations with the individual asserting their talents, their abilities and their refusal to be harnessed into a mind-numbing acquiescence.
These are not the times of five, ten years ago. Summertime may no longer be a time when the living is easy. Living now is dynamic, exciting, challenging perhaps but also providing incredible opportunities for the individual to carve their own path, take their own journey. And each journey begins with the first step and then continues on step by step.
Summer 2010… Volatile extremes…
