On July 1st, Uranus stations to join Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune, and Pluto in retrograde motion. As with any retrograde planet, our focus turn inward. Uranus represents the idealist, reformist, and non-conformist in all of us who seek to improve the established and antiquated for the innovative and progressive that are more suitable for present-day situations. Uranus is the awakener of the zodiac ... stirring the pot ... rocking the boat. When he decides something needs change, he will do so, radically, shockingly, and at any cost -- a revolution or even chaos.

While Uranus was in Aquarius (unconventional) from 1996 to 2003, we watched technological advancements soar. The internet opened a whole new way of connecting with the world, obtaining information, conducting business, and even shopping. Since Uranus entered Pisces (interconnectedness), after having left Aquarius, we've seen a surge of social networking sites, making the world a little smaller by allowing us to connect with one another as if the other person is next door (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter) and an increase in socially responsible and humanitarian causes websites/services, offering the chance to make an impact through a click of a button (Kiva.org, Care2.com, Intent.com). These are generalizations, of course, but mentioned to illustrate the societal/global influence of Uranus' transits.

On a personal level, Uranus is like a rebellious inner child that resides in all of us -- seeking freedom, protecting the unique individual, brainstorming ideas on how to create and implement the changes required for forward movement. When Uranus is retrograde, the focus/energy of this rebellious inner child turn inward. How do I attain/re-attain the personal freedom I seek/I've lost? How do I gain/regain my individuality? How do I exact the changes necessary to move me closer to my goals?

With this Uranus retrograde, allow your rebellious inner child to run free, think without boundaries, and conceptualize original ideas that bring you closer to achieving your objectives. In Pisces, Uranus' genius is expressed through Piscean traits. At best, Pisces is gentle, intuitive, sensitive, compassionate, insightful, and visionary. At worst, Pisces is confused and lost in its own imaginative world. With Pisces, there is a fine line between illusion and delusion, insight and deceit, love and sacrifice.

During this period, expect the unexpected in yourself, in others, and in the events unfolding around you, as well as around the world. Pisces governs all aspects of the subconscious. Secrets may be revealed. What's been hidden may be uncovered.

On the day he changes directions, Mercury (our mind, also communication) and Venus (our relationships, also money) make connections to Uranus (unpredictable, impulsive). Venus also finds herself in conflict with Chiron (wounds, also healing) and Neptune (insightful, also deceptive). We may get some surprises from our loved ones. Or perhaps we are the ones with the unexpected news. Our relationships may suffer some today. Avoid making major financial decisions today. Find positive and productive avenues for the restless energy surrounding us today. Allow Mercury, who is objective in Gemini, to calm and give logic to situations that arise today.

Uranus stations in Pisces on July 1st and will retrograde until December 1st. He begins his retrograde motion at 27 degrees, retraces his steps through to 23 degrees, and revisits the period back to approximately March 14 this year. Those with mutable Sun signs and born between March 13 to 18, June 13 to 19, September 15 to 21, and December 14 to 19 may be more influenced by this retrograde than others.

While Uranus is in retrograde, Saturn will oppose Uranus on September 15. This is a significant celestial event with far-reaching implications. This Saturn-Uranus opposition was last exact on November 4, 2008, which coincided with the U.S. Presidential election day.

Related articles:

• Jupiter Retrograde ~ June 15 to December 1, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde ~ May 30 to October 31, 2009
• Neptune Retrograde ~ May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Saturn Oppose Uranus ~ September 15, 2009
  

Image of Uranus, as seen by Voyager 2, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Mercury leaves the light, airy, logical realm of Gemini and braves the watery depths of Cancer. In Gemini, our minds are quick to think and move on, our thoughts logical, our words articulate, and truth may unfold through reasoning. In Cancer, our minds need to believe or feel what we think, our thoughts rooted at the heart, our words driven by emotions, and truth may be revealed through intuition. Cancer is the first water sign of zodiac, feminine (receptive), cardinal (creative/leader), and governed by the Moon. Cancer represents our inner sanctum, emotions, intuition, and matters relating with women. Mercury's transit through Cancer begins on July 3rd at 3:19 p.m. Eastern and ends on July 17th.

Those with water Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Rising sign may fare a little better with Mercury in Cancer; the rest will be thankful Mercury will only stay in Cancer for two weeks. However, for those two weeks, we are reminded that our words have meaning, beyond their definition. Mere words can uplift or discourage, bring joy or sadness, comfort or frustration, courage or fear, confidence or doubt, facilitate peace or incite war, express love or hate. What we communicate and express are seeded by thoughts and ideas that form in our minds. Our mind's method of processing information help formulate the most basic of our thoughts. Mercury in Cancer encourages us to seed our thoughts with consideration that our spoken and written words illicit emotional responses as well as academic or intellectual ones -- our thoughts and words rooted from our intent.

While Mercury is in Cancer, he will make connections with other planets on (all dates reflect Eastern time zone; give +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• July 4 ~ Mercury oppose Pluto. Our minds turn to unearthing that which is hidden. Is it something in the past? A dream or desire we’ve long forgotten but now strikes your fancy? Someone who’s wronged you? In our daily interactions, be mindful and remain objective. With Mercury in Cancer, our minds may be more sensitive than usual and thoughts formed may be too emotionally-based. As Mercury links to Pluto, our existing perceived realities are intensified. It's easy for things to be blown out of proportion now.
• July 11 ~ Mercury sextile Saturn occurring a day after Jupiter-Neptune conjunction (blending of energies) and perhaps revisiting some of the energies from late May when Jupiter and Neptune first met prior to yesterday. When our mental activities are aligned harmoniously to Saturn, we are given the opportunity to solidify plans, organize our thoughts, build lasting and mutually fruitful contacts, and increase our productivity.
• July 13 ~ Mercury conjunct the Sun. Our ideas and communication reflect our conscious will. It's a good day to be heard. Find the words to thoughts. Communicate effectively.
• July 15 ~ Mercury quincunx Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune. Make adjustments on what fill our minds now. Don't dwell on what was and done with and should be left in the past. Instead, draw from those memories, experiences, hurts, and disappointments to conceptualized a forward-thinking plan/idea/belief system that propels you out of where you don't want to be and towards where you do want to be :)
• July 16 ~ Mercury trine Uranus. Brilliant ideas. Busy, busy, mind. Can't keep up. Make sure to write them down! Find unique ways to express yourself today.

• Aries-Sun or Aries-Rising ~ 4th house
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 3rd house
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 2nd house
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 1st house
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 12th house
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 11th house
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 10th houses
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 9th house
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 8th house
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 7th house
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 6th house
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 5th house

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Jupiter Conjunct Neptune ~ July 10, 2009
  
• Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune Conjunctions ~ Long-term influence
• Mercury-related posts
  

It's about that time of the year when the Sun travels through my Sun sign, Cancer. From June 21 to July 22 (July 23 in other parts of the world), the Sun pours out his vitality and life-giving energy to the first water sign in the zodiac.

The Sun represents the self we present to the external world, our vital life force, potential, ambitions, intentions, and unrealized/untapped inherent talents/skills. In Cancer, the Sun's energy is focused on the inner workings of the self -- who we are, what we desire, who/what motivates us -- rooted at our hearts and the emotional side of the self. Most Cancer-Suns initially react from the heart and are not necessarily moved by reason or practicality, especially if their gut feelings urge them otherwise. The cardinal sign of Cancer represents our roots, our families, the past, the home, and our emotions. Cancer is sensitive, intuitive, and maternal. She is ruled by the Moon, who moves approximately one degree every 2.5 hours and changes signs (personalities) every 2.5 days ... no wonder Cancers get the unfortunate reputation of being moody!

The Sun in Cancer encourages us all to be more attuned to our emotions, sensitivities, intuition, and value our private life enough to give it as much effort as our external drives. This transit period is ideal for reconnecting with family members who we may have neglected but are significant to us; remembering the past (both painful and happy memories) that has helped shape who we are today; spending more time with our immediate family and letting our actions mirror our love for them; and finding balance between satisfying our conscious will and our deepest heart's desires.

While visiting the zodiac sign of Cancer, the Sun will connect with the Moon and the following planets (all dates reflect Eastern time; +/-2 days life span of influence except for new/full moon=2 weeks and eclipses=up to 6 months):

• June 22, New Moon ~ This will the first of two consecutive new moons in the sign of Cancer this year. Yey for me and other Cancer-Suns & Risings out there. Click here for article.
• June 23, Sun oppose Pluto ~ intense, raw reactions. Our perceptions may be skewed because we interpret intentions to have deeper (perhaps more malevolent) meanings that they actually have. Dig deep and identify the source of what may be behind your reactions. Perhaps today's event/issue/problem/disagreement is rooted at something completely disassociated to what actually transpired today; perhaps it was only a trigger to existing, maybe long-forgotten, issue that still intensely affects you...subconsciously.
• June 26, Sun & Moon in harmony ~ head and heart in agreement. It's a good day for self-expression. Those who need to communicate something important are mindful of who their audience is. In turn, those receiving their message have an open mind and heart. Today is my Solar Return day, marks the beginning of my personal year. This Sun-Moon alignment will help color my birthday year which is a nice and welcome change from my natal Sun (Cancer) & Moon (Aries) that are usually in conflict.
• July 2 & 3, Sun at odds with Chiron, Neptune & Jupiter ~ time for healing and renewing hopefulness that may have eluded you. A new leaf is turning, but first you must face some harsh truths or painful memories and rise above them. Let go and make room for energies that you'd like to invite in your life.
• July 7, Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse ~ What may have been started during the New Moon on June 22 may find completion, resolution, or endings now. It's time to harvest what was sown. In addition to this full moon is the beginning of the Cancer/Capricorn eclipses that will last approximately two years. Click here for article.
• July 9, Sun & Saturn in harmony ~ our hard work pays off. The Taskmaster (Saturn) gives the Sun his nod of approval today. There is still work to be done, but today we receive recognition of a job well done. It's easy to get stuck in the details, though, so slow down, step back, and remind yourself to see things from a bird's eye view.
• July 13, Sun & Mercury meld mind & soul ~ what's on our minds are easily communicated today. It's also easy to be less reasonable and too sensitive today. We may speak without regard to our delivery.
• July 17 & 18, Sun aligns with Chiron, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus ~ revisits the events of July 2 & 3? However, Uranus is at work today so, expect the unexpected. Surprises, brilliant ideas/plans, abruptness, sudden change of mind/heart, rebelliousness, stubbornness. Whatever may be at play, do not resist change. Resistance hinders healing/awareness/insights/opportunities. The road to necessary change may be difficult but well worth it.
• July 21, New Moon/Solar Eclipse ~ the second New Moon in Cancer and the second of the 2-year series of Cancer/Capricorn Eclipses. Click here for article.

With the Sun's transit in Cancer, Cancer-Suns and Risings are showered with rejuvenating rays, illuminating their First House which represents the outward self, our leadership skills, our soul/being, and our life's purpose.

Not a Cancer-Sun or Rising? No worries. The Sun's generosity extends to all. Where will this Sun transit fall on your birth chart? Look to the natal and solar house/s ruled by the Cancer. Match the signs with the house cusps on your solar and natal charts. (Solar chart uses your Sun sign; Natal chart uses your Rising sign.) Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Cancer zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation.

Look for your Sun and Rising Signs below then click here for an explanation of Sun transiting those houses.

• Aries or Aries Rising ~ 4th House
  
• Taurus or Taurus Rising ~ 3rd House
  
• Gemini or Gemini-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Cancer or Cancer-Rising ~ 1st House
  
• Leo or Leo-Rising ~ 12th House
  
• Virgo or Virgo-Rising ~ 11th House
• Libra or Libra-Rising ~ 10th House
  
• Scorpio or Scorpio-Rising ~ 9th House
  
• Sagittarius or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 8th House
  
• Capricorn or Capricorn-Rising ~ 7th House
  
• Aquarius or Aquarius-Rising ~ 6th House
  
• Pisces or Pisces-Rising ~ 5th House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart by clicking here (opens a new window) for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a personalized reading.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

• Transiting Sun in Houses
• New Moon in Cancer ~ June 22, 2009
• New Moon in Houses
• Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn ~ July 7 (starts Cancer-Capricorn Eclipses cycle 2009 to 2011)
• Solar Eclipse in Cancer ~ July 21 (most powerful in 21st century)
  

New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon on June 22 highlights Cancer traits (intuitive, sensitive, caring, protective, maternal) and 4th house themes (private life, family, home, roots, the past). Since the Moon is the ruler of the zodiac sign Cancer, she is at home and comfortable in familiar Cancerian surroundings these next few days.

In Cancer, the Moon is driven by emotion, instinct, and family ties. The unity of this Cancer-Sun/Moon is unfavorably aligned with Pluto (power, transformation) in Capricorn (structure, reality) which is reminiscent of last month's Gemini-New Moon, where we were reminded that our thoughts create our realities. This month, the Cancer-New Moon's connection to Pluto highlights our power to successfully harness the balance between our private life/family (Cancer) and public drives/career (Capricorn); to gain a more profound and productive understanding of the link between where we have been/past (Cancer) and where we are going/goals (Capricorn); and to have the resolve to make the changes/adjustments/allowances required to satisfy these polarities.

Elsewhere in the sky, the previous day's Venus-Mars conjunction linger and the couple's growing alignment to Saturn color the energies of this new moon. Our efforts and hard work are rewarded by the laying of new foundation or redefinition of our relationships, including that we have with the self. As with last month's new and full moons, this one remains under the hope and promise of the triple conjunction between Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune, giving us the power to look within, let go of excess baggage, and live an inspired life.

This new moon occurs at 1 degree and 30 minutes of Cancer. Those born between December 22 & 24, March 21 & 23, June 22 & 24, or September 24 & 26 or have planets/house angles around 1 degree of Cancer, Capricorn, Aries, and Libra may feel the effects of this new moon stronger than most.

What natal house will the new moon occupy in your birth chart? Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp/s. Use the list below then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.

No birth chart? You may use your Sun sign and/or Rising sign, if you know it. Scroll down to find out which house/s this new moon will influence then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.

• Aries or Aries Rising ~ 4th House
  
• Taurus or Taurus Rising ~ 3rd House
  
• Gemini or Gemini-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Cancer or Cancer-Rising ~ 1st House
  
• Leo or Leo-Rising ~ 12th House
  
• Virgo or Virgo-Rising ~ 11th House
• Libra or Libra-Rising ~ 10th House
  
• Scorpio or Scorpio-Rising ~ 9th House
  
• Sagittarius or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 8th House
  
• Capricorn or Capricorn-Rising ~ 7th House
  
• Aquarius or Aquarius-Rising ~ 6th House
  
• Pisces or Pisces-Rising ~ 5th House

Next month's New Moon will be in Cancer again and will be immediately followed by a Solar Eclipse. Click here to read article.

Related articles:

• New Moon in Houses
• Sun in Cancer ~ June 21 to July 23, 2009
• Venus-Mars Conjunction ~ June 21, 2009
  
• Solar Eclipse in Cancer ~ July 21/22, 2009
  

Since their rendez-vous on April 21st when Mars swept Venus off her feet upward and through those dreamy Piscean clouds, Venus (love/relationships) has been busy chasing after Mars (sex/motivations). Their romantic interlude was brief but stirred interest for more. Venus' efforts are rewarded as she gets some face time with Mars on June 21, perfecting their blending of energies at 9:09 a.m. (Eastern) and giving the new week a bright beginning!

This time around, the couple meet in the comfort-seeking, sensual, and grounded sign of Taurus. Their kiss may not be as "romantic" as last April's but it promises "more" than just a dalliance, as both Venus and Mars form a harmonious link to Saturn (longevity) in Virgo (practical). Saturn's influence on the couple results in the meticulous (Virgo) laying out of their realities, limitations, and challenges, including the hard work involved with being in a healthy and successful relationship. Adding to his reach and influence is the Moon (heart) in Gemini's (cerebral) antagonistic link to Saturn, where our emotions (Moon) take a back seat to reason and logic (Virgo/Gemini).

Elsewhere in the sky, the Sun (conscious will), newly in Cancer (intuitive) and at Aries Point (greater strength), in conflict with Pluto (power/transformation) and the North Node (life path) adds even more depth and weight upon this Venus-Mars blending of energies.

New relationships may find the Taurean stability of this Venus-Mars meeting comforting and encouraging. Existing relationships that may have been troubled the past few weeks/months may now find a more grounded redefinition and/or cohesive foundation to their coupling. Others may come to the conclusion that the challenges are just too great and a breakup may be the better choice. Couples who have been and remain solid may find this energy validation of their relationships' strength and lasting power.

On a deeper level, as our relationships of all types take center stage (intimate, platonic, familial, with the self, etc.), we are asked to determine or be reminded of who/what may take importance in our lives, becoming the motivation behind our actions. Are these people, things, or goals worthy of our time and energy? Are we driven (Mars) by love or lust (Venus), fear or power (Pluto), obligations or pride (Saturn), volition or purpose (Sun/North Node), greed or materialism (Taurus)? While we remain under the umbrella of the Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune triple conjunction and while all three are in retrograde motion, we are encouraged to seek within and right wrongs, even at the cost of complete ruin so that we may begin to correct/heal as we continue each of our journey to personal growth.

For me personally, my natal Saturn feels the weight of this Venus-Mars conjunction and their alignment to transiting Saturn. All three transiting planets now grow closer to blending energies (Venus & Mars) and declaring war (transiting Saturn) with my natal Saturn. That's more than enough Saturn action for me! My realities, obligations, limitations, and obstacles are clearly defined and laid out for me. Some are self-imposed, while others are unavoidable and thrust upon me, but all are necessary to move me forward. Many figurative valleys and mountains to climb as this Venus-Mars conjunction fall in my natal 8th house of shared resources, debt, endings, and transformation. I'm up for the challenges before me; it's a part of my journey, and I accept it.

Who might be most influenced by this Venus-Mars hookup? Those with Venus-ruled Sun, Moon, Venus, and Mars; Venus-ruled 1st, 5th, or 7th houses; or have house angles and/or personal planets at 15 degrees of Taurus, Libra, Aquarius, Leo, and Scorpio; and especially, those born May 5-7 and October 8-10.

Unsure of what natal house/s this Venus-Mars meeting will fall in? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a paid personalized reading. (both links open a new window)

Related articles:

• Mars-Venus Conjunction in Pisces ~ April 21, 2009
• Mars in Taurus ~ May 31 to July 11, 2009
• Venus in Taurus ~ June 6 to July 5, 2009
• Sun in Cancer ~ June 21 to July 23, 2009
• Saturn Direct (in Virgo) ~ May 16, 2009
• Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune Conjunctions ~ Long-term influence
• Neptune Retrograde ~ May 31 to November 4, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde ~ May 30 to October 31, 2009
• Jupiter Retrograde ~ June 15 to October 13, 2009

Request a reading (opens a new window).

Image of Sandro Boticelli's Venus and Mars, 1843, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The planet of expansiveness, blissfulness, and luck retrogrades for four months. What are we to do?! During this time, our focus turn inward to re-evaluate where we are going and re-assess our belief systems/life philosophies. We may find blockages where once an open path lay before us. Expect delays, obstacles, and difficulties even if previously, or historically, there were none.

Following the standard with any retrograde planet, this Jupiter retrograde period is a time for the prefix "re" -- reflect, review, reorganize, redefine, re-examine, repair, reassess. Jupiter is the bringer of hope, benefits, happiness, and opportunities. He represents our aspirations, ideals, belief systems, and our capacity for personal growth on every level -- higher education, experiences, and exposure to other cultures/religions/spirituality/philosophies. He also rules justice, publishing, and travel.

In the innovative sign of Aquarius, Jupiter holds humanitarian ideals, though they may be unorthodox. He has the ability to find new, unconventional solutions to long-standing issues or common problems. Jupiter is committed to righting injustices; and in Aquarius, sometimes at the cost of rebellion or chaos. Jupiter's undertaking to champion causes that benefit each individual within the masses is best achieved when he does not lose sight of the bigger picture and understanding the underlying processes necessary to complete the objective.

Jupiter in Aquarius stations on June 15 at 27 degrees and retrogrades until October 13, where he will retrace his steps all the way back to 17 degrees.

Those born between February 15 to 17, May 17 to 19, August 19 to 21, and November 19 to 21 and those with house angles or personal planets falling on 27 degrees of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio may feel Jupiter's initial directional change (from June 15 to June 19) more strongly than everyone else.

While in retrograde, Jupiter will reconnect with Neptune (enlightenment) next month on July 10 [article here] and Chiron (healing) on July 22 [article here].

Unsure whether you have any personal planets or house angles at 27 degrees of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio, cast your own chart -- birth date, time, and place required.

Related articles:

• Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune Triple Conjunction ~ Long-term influence
• Neptune Retrograde ~ May 29 to November 4, 2009
• Chiron Retrograde ~ May 30 to October 31, 2009
• Jupiter Conjunct Neptune ~ July 10, 2009
• Jupiter Conjunct Chiron ~ July 22, 2009

Mercury re-enters Gemini on June 13 at 10:47 p.m. (Eastern), where he continues to retrace his steps from the retrograde period and from first time he entered Gemini this year. Unresolved issues or events from April 30 through May 6 may resurface between now and June 15.

The planet Mercury is the fastest moving planet in the zodiac. He represents how we think, how we process information, and how we communicate the information we've processed. He also rules commerce and trade.

Mercury is at home in Gemini -- quick thinking, quick-witted, curious, friendly, and versatile with varied intellectual interests. With my natal Mercury in Gemini, I'm a bit partial to this sign placement for Mercury. Gemini is the first Air sign -- cool, detached, logical, objective. Conversations fluid; ideas flowing; interactions friendly. However, despite Gemini-Mercury's vast curiosity, hunger for learning, and active intellectual pursuits, his knowledge can be superficial and at times fleeting; so make sure to write down any brilliant ideas conceptualized during this period.

While Mercury transits Gemini, he'll make connections to:

• Pluto on June 16 ~ Mercury will be at odds with Pluto (intensity/depth/transformation), where our thoughts turn deeper with a need to uncover what lies beneath the surface.
• Saturn on June 26 ~ Mercury will be in conflict with Saturn (realities/limitations/obligations), where our challenges become clearly defined for us. Knowing what or where the obstacles are aid in planning what or when to take the steps necessary to achieve our objectives.
• Chiron, Neptune, Jupiter and Uranus on July 1 ~ Mercury will in be harmony with Chiron (healing), Neptune (insight), Jupiter (ideals) and in conflict with Uranus (innovation). Our minds may be awakened to unconventional solutions to common or long-term problems/issues. We remain under the influence of the rare triple conjunction that occurred last month, enabling the influence of Mercury's connections on this day to be farther reaching that it normally would be.

• Aries or Aries Rising ~ 3rd & 6th Houses
  
• Taurus or Taurus Rising ~ 2nd & 5th Houses
  
• Gemini or Gemini-Rising ~ 1st & 4th Houses
• Cancer or Cancer-Rising ~ 12th & 3rd Houses
  
• Leo or Leo-Rising ~ 11th & 2nd Houses
  
• Virgo or Virgo-Rising ~ 10th & 1st Houses
• Libra or Libra-Rising ~ 9th & 12th Houses
  
• Scorpio or Scorpio-Rising ~ 8th & 11th Houses
  
• Sagittarius or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 7th & 10th Houses
  
• Capricorn or Capricorn-Rising ~ 6th & 9th Houses
  
• Aquarius or Aquarius-Rising ~ 5th & 8th Houses
  
• Pisces or Pisces-Rising ~ 4th & 7th Houses
  

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Houses
  
• Mercury Retrograde ~ May 7 to May 30, 2009
• Mercury Direct ~ May 30, 2009
• Triple Conjunction - Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune ~ Long-term influence

Transformative love. Meaningful connections. Intensity in relationships. Passionate. Sensual. Power play. Obsessive love. Need for control. Power to let go. The new work week begins with a focus on our relationships -- intimate, platonic, familial, all types. In contrast with last month's Venus-Pluto alignment, this Venus-Pluto relationship is more fluid and harmonizing. Similar energies are in play but less conflicting and obstrusive. It's easy to be consumed by the intensity felt in our interactions, especially with loved ones, potential significant others, or those we aspire to emulate or impress.

Following Sunday's Full Moon in Sagittarius, where focus was given on ascertaining what is at the heart of our thoughts/ideas, this collaboration between Venus (love/relating) in Taurus (tenacious/security-seeking) and Pluto (depth/transformation) in Capricorn (structure/disciplined) illuminates what ties us to our existing existing relationships -- what is the foundation of this bond? how deep and how wide is this love? what feeds this attachment?

In the hours preceding the perfection of their alliance, the Sagittarius-Moon makes her own alignments to Chiron (the wounded healer), Uranus (the awakener), Neptune (the enlightened one), and Jupiter (the idealist). Our hearts (Moon) become aware (Uranus) of how our relationships (Venus) may be flawed (Chiron). We remain hopeful (Jupiter) that this awareness will inspire (Neptune) the commitment (Taurus/Capricorn) necessary in making reparations and changes (Pluto).

About 30 minutes after Venus and Pluto perfect their alignment, the Moon enters a more serious Capricorn and quickly moves to blend energies with Pluto, arousing emotional reactions rooted from the farthest/deepest recesses of our hearts. We may become critical of what defines our connections, where our foundations lie, and how they are reflected in our current relations. Another hour and the Capricorn-Moon harmoniously aligns herself with the Taurean-Venus. We become nostalgic of our past relationships; we realize how valuable our current relationships are to us; we become determined to hold on, savor, enjoy, and be grateful for the presence of our loved ones in our lives.

This Venus-Pluto trine occurs at 2 degrees and 21 minutes of Taurus (Venus) and Capricorn (Pluto). What houses will this trine activate in your chart (match the sign and degree)?

For me, the 4th (home, family, past/roots) and 8th (sex, death/endings, regeneration) houses are activated, urging me to acknowledge the importance of family/roots/the past and their influence on me in the present; it also encourages me to recognize any unfavorable/unhealthy family-related issues and/or deeply-rooted hurtful memories (4th), come to terms with these wounds (emotional or otherwise), and "let go" of them so I can move on (8th).

Unsure of what house/s this trine will influence? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Or request a quote for a paid personalized reading. (both links open a new window)

Later this month, Venus gives Mars a great, big smooch.

Since Mars caught up to Venus back in April, Venus has been right behind him, continuing the chase. Well, Mars entered Taurus over the weekend; and this weekend, on June 6 at 5:06 a.m. (Eastern), Venus enters Taurus and will remain in Taurus until July 5.

Venus represents relationships (how we relate to others), love (how we love/how we want to be loved), our values (what we value in life & why), and money (financial status/material stability). In Aries, Venus is ardent, passionate, flirty, spontaneous, bold, confident, and driven by immediate gratification. By contrast in Taurus, Venus is home, where she is grounded and stable, values longer term connections, is driven by material security, and responds to the stimulation of our five senses.

For those in newly-found relationships, Venus in Taurus might incite the need to address "the status" of the relationship -- exclusive or open? For those in existing relationships, Venus in Taurus might question "where is this relationship going?," "where do we want this to go?," "where does this relationship fit in my life?," "do I even like you as a person?," "why am I really with you?," and the like. For those who are single and seeking, you can't meet your special someone while sitting in your room and reading this blog :)

Look to the house ruled by Taurus and/or Libra in your birth chart to get an idea of where Venus' energy might play out while she is in Taurus. Unsure of what house/s Venus in Taurus is visiting? Cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. Are you celebrating a birthday? Schedule a Solar Return or 3-Chart Package Reading. (Gift certificates also available). Request a quote for a more customized reading. Have a question? Ask me here.

Venus and Mars hookup again later this month for another smooch ... more on that soon.

Related articles:

• Mars in Taurus until July 11
• Mercury Direct (in Taurus until June 13)
• Mars-Venus Conjunction on April 21

True color Venus image processing, courtesy of R. Nunes.