“We’re all living the same basic
archetypal saga.” – Jim Sher
Jim Sher gave part two of his lecture on the astrological signs this past weekend, weaving in the metaphysical philosophy behind the zodiac as an esoteric symbolic system derived from ancient times to help us interpret our purpose in life. Representing the cycle of individual development, all the signs are operating in our lives at any given moment, with each having their turn at being triggered by life’s unfolding events to so we can take a good look at them with greater awareness. In the big picture, the progression of the signs represents cycles of action, with beginnings (the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra Capricorn), middles (the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) and endings (the mutable signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces). “No matter what the natal chart,” said Sher, “it is important to develop and fully live the qualities of each sign, or end up with a backlog of unfinished business making action that much more difficult.” We can’t ignore Scorpio, for example, which is perhaps the most maligned of the signs because their intensity arouses so much fear. Yet it is that very intensity from which we all would benefit to learn. Scorpio teaches us to be all in, with whatever we are doing. That concentration, focus and presence is reflective of a total commitment to the moment, a necessary part of what leads us to be the highest expression of who we are.
Even if our natal charts contain no planets in some of the signs that does not mean the archetype of each sign is not operating. For example, I only have planets in 5 out of 12 signs (Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius), and they are in only 4 of the 12 houses (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th houses.”) Since the Sun and Mercury are currently in Gemini and are critical players in this week’s transit, I have a good opportunity to look at how Gemini is operating in my life even though I have no planets in Gemini or in the third house of communication, which it rules. Yet here I am chronicling the planetary movements. There are ways to interpret through my natal chart the reason I write, but for the purposes herein, I’m here to tell you we all have Gemini operating in our lives and it is up to us to be all in with its lesson to go beyond what is easy for Gemini, which is to consume and share information, and develop its true gift which is to allow wisdom to gather within before rushing off impetuously with fake or superficial news on our lips.
On June 13th, Mercury becomes the third planet in Gemini over recent weeks, behind the Sun (June 3-4) and Mars (May 11-12) to activate the long term inconjunct between Jupiter in Libra and Neptune in Pisces. With Jupiter having just turned direct on June 9th and Neptune turning retrograde on June 16th, both planets are at their most powerful. Although Mercury will pass through this alignment quickly, the effects could be a strong boost of qualitative energy from the planets of philosophy (Jupiter) and consciousness (Neptune) that have the potential to open new avenues of perception. Gemini archetypally perceives itself as split apart and yearns to reconnect with other to make itself whole again. There is always a sense of something missing. Can we reach wholeness through an experience of sacred love (Neptune in Pisces) and then bring that spark of the Divine into all our relationships in lasting balance and harmony (Jupiter in Libra)? The challenge of Jupiter expanding the archetype of Libra is to reach total ease in relatedness. This means, according to Sher, “that we must come to realize that the distinction between self and other is a dualistic falsehood.” Why? Because it takes another person in order for us to realize that both of us are parts of a functioning Whole. “This can lead to greater understanding and new solutions that neither individual could come to without the other. Each one realizes the catalytic nature of working together.” The challenge of Neptune in Pisces, the dominant archetypal voice in this configuration due to its station, is to face the sense of overwhelm directly, says Sher, by building up the courage to live in the world of others with all its chaos and uncertainty and yet remain in a constant state of high compassion and sensitivity.
The Sun in Gemini joins the long term trine between Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries June 15th – 18th. Continuing the theme over recent weeks of waves of varying archetypal planetary energies, this configuration is likely to redirect our attention from the internal processes inspired by the Mercury/Jupiter/Neptune configuration to matters at hand in the material world. When Mars, the planet of action, passed through this space May 28-30, there was a rash of mass violence in Europe and the Middle East perpetrated by groups characterized by highly crystalized extreme ideological dogmas. With the Sun now activating this zone we may see some fallout from those events. The Sun in Gemini symbolizes our core, heart-generated vitality that makes us shine in endeavors to connect with others in an articulate way. When it opposes Saturn, representing authority and limits, that process is challenged. Saturn archetypally asks us to ensure our heart is all in, bringing total integrity to, for example, the way we share information. If that is lacking, then consequences arise to give us feedback. When the Sun sextiles Uranus, which represents freedom and uniqueness, that feedback is augmented with the imperative to act consciously in an original way rather than following the heard of voices telling us how to react. Uranus also carries with it the call to use the power of our uniqueness wisely for the benefit of all mankind.
Closing in on the Sun, Mercury in Gemini will move into orb of this configuration and has its exact opposition to Saturn also on June 18th. The Gemini/Sagittarius polarity presents the principles of information and wisdom. Saturn in Sagittarius symbolizes knowledge that stands the test of time, the embodiment of ancient wisdom. The choices we make under this signature have consequences derived from an all-encompassing philosophic worldview. “We’re in time of great polarization,” says Sher. “We need to come together and understand each other, but what is missing is what I call the ‘Civilization’ process, which is to be engaged in ways that bring us together to create some type of civilization that benefits the whole of society.” Mercury in Gemini asks us to stand at the gate of the temple of wisdom (represented by the Gemini glyph) and receive the wholeness of what is being experienced for that is how we gain insight. “The art of letting things happen” (Gemini’s gift according to Dane Rudhyar) brings a much higher quality of communication, sharing and perception that is beyond ego and allows us satisfy the deepest Gemini motivation to connect with others.
Here’s the data (using Pacific Time and planetary positions rounded to the nearest whole degree, unless otherwise noted):
June 13 – Mercury trine Jupiter at 13° Gemini/Libra at 8:45 a.m.
June 13 – Mercury square Neptune at 14° Gemini/Pisces at 8:29 p.m.
June 15 – Sun opposite Saturn at 24° Gemini/Sagittarius at 3:17 a.m.
June 16 – Neptune station retrograde at 14° Pisces at 4:10 a.m.
June 18 – Sun sextile Uranus at 28° Gemini/Aries at 11:46 a.m.
June 18 – Mercury opposite Saturn at 24° Gemini/Sagittarius at 12:07 p.m.
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