The Great Stone Face
Dates and times are given for U.S. Pacific Time zone.
All Aboard
Mercury makes the last of three sextiles to Jupiter this week (June 20, 2022, 0:44 am PDT), signaling the final “all aboard” for a train trip that started on April 26 and reached the halfway point of its journey on May 19. If you’ve felt a surge of optimism and desire for new horizons since Jupiter entered Aries (May 10), but have had a little trouble getting focused, Mercury sextile Jupiter should act as a GPS to help you get very clear about your course. Mercury is an excellent networker as well, so reach out to others who have the information and know-how that you need.
The Great Stone Face
This week’s Pisces Last Quarter Moon (June 20, 2022, 8:11 pm PDT), is the second in a row in this sign. It falls at the very last degree of the sign on the Sabian Symbol 30 Pisces, The Great Stone Face. Normally, I prefer the simpler versions of the symbols, but in this case I took inspiration from Rudhyar’s: A majestic rock formation resembling a face is idealized by a boy who takes it as his ideal of greatness, and as he grows up, he begins to look like it.
Who’s your ideal self? If you can imagine it, and you’re willing to work for it, the Last Quarter phase ensures that you’ll stop at nothing to become that very best version of yourself. And since it falls in Pisces, that very best self needs to be based in empathy, kindness, and unconditional love.
I’m happy to see the Moon is conjoined Neptune at this Last Quarter, reflecting this gentler vision of greatness. And its sextile aspects to both Venus and Pluto in earth signs are a bonus, grounding the vision in real-world acts of graciousness and honesty.
Lightening the Load
Here’s why I love the desert: it’s so empty, and the sky is so big, that I feel free to do and be anything. My real life is filled with beloved possessions; I love my creature comforts. But there’s no question that “stuff” weighs us down in many ways, as we pay for it, store it, and maintain it. It’s probably a common fantasy to think of chucking it all and starting over someplace new, with a big, empty slate and limitless possibilities.
There comes a time when even cherished possessions have outlived their usefulness. The emotional connections they represent may need to be released, or we simply want to lighten our load for the journey ahead. As Venus trines Pluto (June 21, 2022, 1:23 am PDT) this week, don’t be surprised if you feel a sudden desire to get rid of things and create more space for yourself.
Taking stock
If the beginning of winter is the time of determination, of buying new calendars and drafting bold resolutions for a year of success and prosperity, then the Summer Solstice (June 21, 2022, 2:14 am PDT) marks the year’s reevaluation point. Even if we’ve been underachievers in the first half of the year, there may still be time to reach our goals. But we can’t speed our way through this transition.
Just as the Sun at the solstice appears to stand still in its movement across the horizon, then turn around and move the other way, that is our job at midyear: to stand still for a moment, look around, and take stock of where we are. It’s usually too late in the year to start from scratch toward an entirely new direction and hope to achieve anything by year’s end. But if we take the time to look back over our shoulders and reevaluate our progress, we can then slowly revisit our goals over the next six months, reviewing our plans and filling in the missing gaps. (Read the rest of my solstice essay, “Slowing Down, Turning Around.”)
Love Thy Neighbors
I’ve lived in the same neighborhood for many years. On my daily walk, I encounter neighbors who are familiar, even if we don’t always know one another by name. I am on a first-name basis with Tom and Wilma, his one-eyed corgi. But there’s also a quiet older woman who, I’m told, single-handedly remodeled her home; the pair of men with the adorable sheepdog who trade quips with me. At the supermarket, I pick the line for my favorite checker.
Gemini is the first of the three relational signs. Libra rules close, one-to-one relationships, Aquarius rules the way we relate as a society, and Gemini rules the casual conviviality of the neighborhood. Venus entering Gemini this week (June 22, 2022, 5:34 pm PDT, through July 17) reminds us of the pleasure to be found in simple, pleasant interactions with those around us. During the long periods of quarantine and social distancing, we grew hungry for these connections, the social lubricant that keeps the gears of society moving comfortably. We won’t become close to every person we encounter in our daily lives, but a passing smile and a cheerful hello go a long way toward making us feel less alone.
Writing and collages © 2019-2022 April Elliott Kent
For more of this week’s highlights, listen to my latest podcast episode!
