This newsletter is free. To subscribe just send a blank email with the subject SUBSCRIBE from the email address you wish to subscribe from - likewise to UNSUBSCRIBE. 

Number 87 

June features a number of eclipses as well as the Winter Solstice which provide the focus for this Newsletter. The New Moon on June 2 is a Solar Eclipse in Gemini; the Full Moon in Sagittarius on June 16 is a Lunar Eclipse and then the next New Moon in Cancer on July 1 is also a Solar Eclipse. In the middle of all this is the Winter Solstice, marked by the movement [ingress] of the Sun into the sign of Cancer. 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell 

03 9584 6532

Email: christiner@netspace.net.au

Website: www.christinerothwell.com.au 

Contents

1.    June Eclipses

2.    Winter Solstice

3.    2011 Astrology Classes.

·        Beginner's / First Year on Thursday nights

·        Intermediate / Second Year on Monday nights

·        Advanced / Third Year one Saturday afternoon per month

4.    Consultations and Gift Certificates 

1. June Overview

The VAA is hosting the next National Conference in January 2012 For detailed information about the Conference click on the banner or go to http://www.vicastrology.net/faa-conference-2012/   

The New Moon at 11 Gemini on June 2 is a Partial Solar Eclipse. Solar Eclipses are powerful New Moons that can only occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align with the transiting Nodes of the Moon. A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon shadows all [total eclipse], or part [partial eclipse], of the Sun. In myth this was often depicted as a battle between the forces of light and dark where humanity entered into a time of uncertainty. Eventually the forces of light prevail and life continues. 

Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically but they often function to bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope. Any planet that is conjuncted or opposed by the eclipse will also come up for review. Eclipses can herald a crisis but they also provide the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. In essence, Solar Eclipses are very potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings.  

The time before a solar eclipse is often a time of low energy when we are called to honour the dark of the moon process of letting go. If you have been able to see what needs to be released and have done some work to release your blocks and have forgiven yourself and others then you are in a good position to take advantage of the New Moon energy that comes after the eclipse. Set a conscious intention to make a new start, especially in the area of your life represented by the house where the eclipse has taken place. 

 This eclipse is something of a wildcard as eclipses often return to the same position in the sky every 19 years and this one does not… it is almost an 'extra' that comes out of nowhere.  The Gemini Eclipse [Sun and Moon conjunct at 11 Gemini] closely trines Saturn [beneficial], widely quincunxes Pluto [stressful] and widely squares Chiron [stressful]. Gemini emphasizes communications and the whole process of how we think, speak, learn and reason as well as relationships with siblings and neighbours. The trine from Saturn provides stability, patience and grounding and the opportunity to be more disciplined in both our thinking and communications. The weak hard aspects from Pluto and Chiron invite us to be aware of the potential for verbal and mental power struggles [Pluto] and the wounds [Chiron] they can bring.  

This eclipse falls in Australia's 2^nd house. This suggests the spotlight is on the nation's wealth, finances and resources. As the eclipse also falls on our Pluto and opposes our 8^th house Venus conjunct Uranus it suggests power struggles with much behind the scenes manoeuvring [Pluto]around these areas with sudden and unexpected events [Uranus]. As eclipses can be active for some months before the exact date we can already see some of the effects. The recent unexpectedly poor trade figures for the last quarter [due to the recent floods] look like putting us in recession, at least for a short time… and carbon tax is still a very hot potato. 

In traditional astrology eclipses are said to be more powerful in the areas where they fall but modern astrology takes a different viewpoint. This is a partial eclipse, visible mainly over northern Russia and China. The Moon's shadow will dim the Sun but not totally 'eclipse' it. The map below shows the eclipse path and the top line is the area where more of the eclipse effect will be seen.  

If your birthday is five days either side of the solar eclipse it could mark the end of a period of difficulty. It will be very empowering to set new intentions for your life and create a small ritual to honor this event. 

The Sagittarius Full Moon at 6.13am on June 16 is a Lunar Eclipse. A Lunar Eclipse occurs at special full moons when the Earth, Sun and Moon align exactly [celestial latitude as well as longitude] and the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. A lunar eclipse can activate sub-conscious feelings, urges and fears, making us more likely to act and react emotionally. 

This lunar eclipse is in between the Solar Eclipses of June 2 and July 1, suggesting that this may be a physically and emotionally draining time where it may be wise to take some time out. The eclipse is opposite Mercury and sextile to Neptune, highlighting learning and communications as well as intuition, spirituality and heightened sensitivity. 

Lunar eclipses are visible anywhere where it is dark so this eclipse will be visible for at least part of its 110 minute duration in the areas shaded in the map below. If the sky is clear then most of Australia will be able to see the eclipse in the time before sunrise. 

The eclipse falls across the 2^nd and 8^th houses in Australia's chart and the Moon falls on our 8^th house Mercury, Jupiter, Chiron conjunction in Sagittarius. This suggests issues around communications, the media and Australia's foreign relations.  

2. The Winter Solstice: 3.16am on June 22 [AEST] 

The Winter Solstice or Cancer Ingress of the Sun marks the time of the longest nights and shortest days when the Sun is reborn from the darkness. The times of sunrise and sunset appear to stand still for two weeks before and after the peak time of June 22, before the light begins to noticeably lengthen.  The Winter Solstice therefore symbolizes the rebirth of the light and the divine spark within us all. It marks the beginning of a new solar cycle and is time for those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere to create our New Year Resolutions and reflect on what we want to achieve in the coming year. 

The Solstice comes right in the middle of two solar eclipses and close to the Lunar Eclipse on June 16. As the Solstice is a solar phenomenon, marking the moment when the Sun moves into the sign of Cancer, aspects to the Sun are of key importance. This chart sees the Sun trine Neptune [beneficial] and sextile Jupiter [also beneficial] but square Uranus [stressful] and opposition [stressful] Pluto. The Uranus / Pluto square is the major configuration for 2012 to 2015 and this Solstice is bringing it into focus.  Pluto square Uranus is the first [waxing] square since Uranus and Pluto conjuncted in 1965 / 1966. We are being challenged to implement many of the changes that were seeded during the mid 60's. 

The Solstices are currently aligned with the Galactic Plane and for us here in the Southern hemisphere the Winter Solstice is near the Galactic Anti-Centre. This alignment peaked in 1998.The December Solstices are now moving into alignment with the dark band at the centre of the Milky Way and this will become exact at the December 2012 solstice.

The Winter Solstice symbolizes the rebirth of the light and the divine spark within us all. It marks the beginning of a solar new cycle and is time for those of us who live in the Southern Hemisphere to celebrate this rebirth and reflect on what we want to achieve in the coming year. This is the logical time to create our New Year resolutions and intentions.  

A Simple Solstice Ritual 

The most traditional way to celebrate the Solstice is to arise early on the day of June 22 to observe and honour the sunrise. Ideally you will find a place where you can observe the horizon free of buildings and welcome the Sun as He appears. Allow yourself to be filled with wonder and gratitude for His rebirth. As the Sun gains strength and power, feel your self being blessed with His light and vitality. Ask for the blessing of the Divine Masculine for the year ahead. 

A special Solstice meal is another wonderful way to honour this energy. This is the time for roast dinners and a roaring fire where a special Yule log was burned to honour the Sun and bring his warmth and radiance into the home. If you don't have a fire then light gold candle to honour the Sun and invite his blessings into your life and home. 

A more intimate ritual could also be called for… Create a sacred space with candles, incense, meditation and intention. Tune into your inner guidance to find the seeds of new potentials that are stirring within your inner darkness. When you are ready, record the seeds in red or gold ink [as long as they do not seek to influence or harm any other individual] and then burn them in your fire or from your candle. As the paper burns, see your seeds flowering and your potentials manifesting. Give thanks and light your candle whenever you need to refresh your visions and intentions.  Blessed Be!

Ring Lucy on 0418 382 924 if you would like to attend a Winter Solstice Ritual.

 May the Goddess Bless You

Christine 

Blessings

Christine Rothwell