Astrology Forecasts by Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis

Summer Solstice -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., June 16th - Sun., June 23rd, 2013

Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis: Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2013 4:20 PM

Please note that all times given below are Eastern Daylight Savings Time -- to change the listed times to your own timezone, I recommend clicking here for the time and date converter

Last week was a week of adjustments for me. I felt very tired from my travels and I had to pay attention to my body -- I felt like somebody borrowed my body without telling me, and then ran a marathon with it. Probably due to the Neptune and Chiron station. Neptune also represents water, which would explain all the extreme rainfall we experienced in Europe.

This week's headline items: Thursday afternoon, we enter a 13-hour Moon VoC; on Friday morning, the Sun changes signs from Gemini to Cancer -- also the time of the Summer Solstice; Mercury starts to slow down its speed from Friday on; and on Sunday morning, the Full Moon in Capricorn will be exact.

Monday: the Moon remains in harmony-loving, balance-seeking Libra-- it's been there since last Sunday and will journey there until Wednesday morning. The energy of the Libra Moon wants to maintain equal relationships: we thus tend to spend more time on diplomacy -- making compromises, negotiating, practicing graciousness, balancing, etc.

We can better set aside our emotions, to achieve the peace we desire; the shadow side of this is a tendency to avoid direct confrontations. We see both sides -- and may also fear loss of approval -- so we can't decide. As best as you can, find your inner balance with this... and communicate what needs to be said with grace and charm.

Yesterday (Sunday), Chiron came to a halt at 14 degrees of Pisces. We are still feeling this energy very strongly today (Monday). As you may recall from last week's forecast, Chiron is the wounded healer; in Pisces, it brings our attention towards our emotional and spiritual wounds.This is the beginning of Chiron's 5-month retrograde phase. Between now and its conclusion on Nov. 19th., we are getting a chance to connect to our wounds and insecurities on a more internal level.

We may need to put our emotional or spiritual wounds under the magnifying glass; while they are there, take a closer look at how you can bring compassion and understanding to them. What might you discover about those wounds, if you really looked? How could others benefit from your discoveries?

Do you have your Ascendent, your Career point or any of your personal planets in 12-16 degrees of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius? If you do, you will probably feel the effects of this station more than others.

An opportune Mars/Uranus aspect becomes exact at 11:20am EDT. We started to feel this from Wednesday on; it will be strong until Thursday. We have the opportunity to create some forward movement in our lives, especially in connection to new or unusual goals. We may want to start projects with like-minded people right now. Flexibility is the key to success at this time; pleasant changes may be in store -- certainly unexpected ones ;-)

What is one of your unique goals? How could you go after what you want, while still keeping other people's benefit in mind? As best as you can, watch out for messages from the Universe! Remember: an opportunity is not automatically given to us: We have to "realize" it.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 10-15 degrees of Aries, Gemini, Aquarius or Leo? If so, you will be more aware of this opportunity.

Tuesday: the Moon remains in harmony-loving, balance-seeking Libra all day (see Monday for details)

Later in the evening at 11:55pm EDT on Tuesday, we enter a brief Moon void of course (VoC), that ends at 2:39am EDT (Wednesday very early morning). During this time, allow for a flow with others.

Wednesday at 2:39am EDT the Moon moves into passionate, all-or-nothing Scorpio, where it will journey until Friday morning. We feel emotions on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things -- superficiality won't work for us now -- and we instinctively read between the lines. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power; it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. This tends to be an emotionally colored, all-or-nothing, black or white experience -- it can therefore be an intimate, passionate time.

As best as you can, avoid manipulation, brooding and suspicion; instead, open to the wealth of your innermost feelings -- decide to go deeper, allowing all feelings to surface, if they need to. Embrace all of who you are. Know thyself, love thyself and you shall be set free. Remember: Love connects us to the Power within; Fear causes "Force" to show up -- and is ultimately what disempowers us and others.

Also on Wednesday, the Sun aligns with Jupiter in Gemini. This will be exact at 12:11pm EDT, however we started to feel this alignment from last Friday on; it will be strong until this Friday. This is an excellent time to start new long-term projects. You might find that you feel more vital, confident, and optimistic about the future at this time. It's a good time to resolve conflicts.

Events may give your ego a boost, and you could be feeling quite perky and "alive". Take advantage of this by promoting yourself or putting yourself "out there". Consider whether you want to begin a new long-term project; if you do, try to launch it at the time of the transit (assuming all other things are equal). Ego gratification is the theme of this transit. This is the start of a "new you" with more confidence and faith. We have a chance to create a world of adventure and personal growth. We are optimistic; that helps us attract positive circumstances.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 25-30 degrees of Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo or Pisces? If so, you will feel this alignment quite strongly. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo(the Sun rules Leo).

One last aspect on Wednesday: Mars makes a challenging aspect to Chiron, exact at 8:43pm EDT. We started to feel this aspect from last Saturday on; it will be strong until Monday of next week. This aspects ask us to stretch (grow) in the following two areas: our anger/assertiveness and our desires. The main challenge with this aspect is to learn to accept our own desires and feelings of anger as valid. That way, when we do express them, we do so naturally, rather than feeling ashamed of them.

Right now, it's important to recognize that we could perhaps communicate our frustrations without guilt and assert what we know with others. However, we need to be gentle and kind to ourselves: As best as you can, be compassionate and forgive yourself if you are not doing it perfectly.

We may experience situations that call on us to demonstrate our initiative and independence of spirit -- but we may not feel confident that we can rise to the challenge, or follow through if we did. As best as you can, take some action on this challenge; feel the excitement that comes with stepping out of the familiar. Ask yourself: If I were the hero of this movie, what would I do?

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 11-17 degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius? If so, you will feel this aspect more strongly. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Aries(Mars rules Aries).

Thursday: the Moon remains in passionate, all-or-nothing Scorpio all day (see Wednesday for details).

Thursday afternoon at 3:16pm EDT starts a 13-hour Moon void of course (VoC), ending at 4:31am EDT (Friday early morning). During this time, we are looking to connect to others on an emotional level: This is a great time for a deep transformational experience. As always with a Moon VoC, go with the flow or stick to routine things (…if possible).

On Thursday evening, at 10:11pm EDT, we experience an energetic opposition between Saturn and Chiron. This is a calling to bring healing and forgiveness to our reality as it is. As best as you can, find a balance between building long-term goals and healing "old" wounds.

One last aspect on Thursday: a Mercury/Venus alignment in Cancer that becomes exact at 10:57pm EDT. We started to feel this alignment from last Sunday on; it will be strong until Monday of next week. This is an excellent time to start sharing about any of the following: an art project, teaching, something home-related (remodeling, maybe?). This alignment indicates an ability to communicate from the heart -- and in fact, connecting to people we feel comfortable with is essential.

We want to feel able to connect in a safe space and communicate on an equal footing. We tend to have a strong sense of fairness at this time, and want to be in touch with family (or people who feel like family to us). In general, we are very agreeable and enjoy socializing. We also thoroughly enjoy the written and spoken word -- literature, wordplay, puns, moving conversations -- especially if connected to something we can relate to from the past.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 19-25 degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Libra or Aries? If so, you will feel this alignment quite strongly. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Virgo, Gemini or Taurus (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra)

On Thursday night/Friday very early in the morning (at 1:04am EDT), the Sun changes signs from Gemini to Cancer, where it will journey until July 22nd. This is also the exact time of this year's Summer Solstice.

Friday morning at 4:31am EDT, the Moon moves into optimistic, adventurous, truth-seeking Sagittarius, where it will journey until Sunday morning. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. The Sagittarius Moon persuades us to come from intuition and think in a broader manner.

We seek meaning and ideas that expand upon the "here and now"; we pursue truth and a new vision -- meaning the big picture, rather than the details. Spontaneity is the key: we'd rather improvise than plan; this may tip into just "winging it". We could also overdo or overstate.

From Friday, right through until July 2nd, Mercury slows down tremendously, as it prepares to come to a halt before turning retrograde on June 26th. During the station, we feel Mercury's energies more strongly. Pay attention to anything "in your face" in any of the following areas: communications, short travels, transportation of any kind, communication devices. You will get a chance to make adjustments during the retrograde -- or the shadow phase that follows.

For the next 11 days, we might experience delays or misunderstandings; things could feel "off" or stagnant. It might be a good idea to give yourself some extra time when getting ready to go somewhere -- and that goes for the journey itself, too -- especially if you intend to drive or use public transportation. Going with the flow is definitely recommended at this time.

Be extra-patient if you intend to buy, sell or ship big-ticket items, especially if they are transportation or communication devices like planes, trains, cars, phones, computers, iPads, etc. Best of all (if possible): wait until after August 3rd, when the shadow phase is over.

Some of us will feel the effects of the Mercury station more than others: those of us who have Gemini or Virgo as our Sun- or Rising-Sign (Ascendant); and those of us with personal planets in 20-24 degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Libra or Aries.

Saturday:The Moon remains in optimistic, truth-seeking Sagittarius all day (see Friday for details).

Sunday morning starts with a one-hour Moon void of course (VoC), ending at 4:08am EDT. At that time, the Moon moves into practical, accomplishment-oriented Capricorn, where it will journey until Tuesday of next week. The Capricorn Moon emphasizes our need for structure and forward planning. We are motivated by a desire for success; achievement and manifestation are paramount. We are resourceful, and pursue economy with time, energy, and other resources.

We take things more seriously during Moon in Capricorn: we look reality in the eye. This can also be a very productive period. As best as you can, avoid "should-ing" on yourself. Take the pressure off: try saying "I am doing the best I can and that's all I can ever do" ;-) With Saturn (ruler of Capricorn) transiting through Scorpio right now, this is a great day to face our fears. It's also a great time to go deeper on an emotional/intimate level with ourselves and others. As best as you can, be authentic about who you are and what you feel passionate about.

This Moon placement also starts the energetic build towards this month's Full Moon. The Full Moon in Capricorn becomes exact at 7:32am EDT. The Moon in practical, accomplish-oriented Capricorn opposes the Sun in protective, family and feeling-oriented Cancer. For the next two weeks, we are looking for balance: we are more aware than ever,that something needs to be brought into alignment.

The balance in question is between our inner experience -- symbolized by Cancer -- and our outer obligations or goals (Capricorn). It's important to realize that our long-term goals (Capricorn) need our attention -- and that they will bring fulfillment and inner stability (Cancer). Feel free to watch my video on the subject (will be posted on or before Friday).

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 0-4 degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra or Aries? If so, you are more affected by this month's Full Moon. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo (the Sun rules Leo).

Have a fantastic week! Happy Summer Solstice!

Many blessings,

Sonja

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The Wounded Healer -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., June 10th - Sun., June 16th, 2013

Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis: Posted on Sunday, June 09, 2013 5:18 PM

Please note that all times given below are Eastern Daylight Savings Time -- to change the listed times to your own timezone, I recommend clicking here for the time and date converter

Last week was about family and healing, for me personally -- not surprising, given that Venus moved into Cancer, while Neptune and Chiron both stationed.

This week's headline items: on Monday, Mercury enters its Retrograde Shadow; Monday afternoon sees the beginning of an almost 20-hour Moon VoC; Chiron stations prior to turning retrograde on Sunday morning; and the first Quarter Moon in Virgo will be exact on Sunday afternoon.

Monday: the Moon remains in protective, introverted Cancer -- it's been there since yesterday (Sunday) and will journey there until Tuesday night/Wednesday early morning. With this Moon placement, we are more sensitive to what people say to (and about) us -- so be kind to yourself and others. Emotional safety is important to us at this time; we like connecting to the familiar -- home or family is our sanctuary. Nurture yourself and others, but remember: make sure your glass is filled before letting others drink from it ;-)

Monday: Mercury enters its 2-week shadow phase when it reaches 13 degrees of Cancer; this precedes its retrograde phase, which will begin on June 26th.

What happens when a planet goes "retrograde"?

Relative to us on Earth, planets periodically look as if they are slowing down. As they slow more and more, they seem to stop moving through the sky for a while, then actually go "backward". This backward motion then slows in turn, halts -- the planet is stationary again -- and then, slowly at first, the planet sets off again in a "forward" direction.

Astrologers say a planet is "stationing" during both periods when the planet is still or moving slowly. The times when the planet appears to go backward are called "retrogrades".

There are also two "shadow" phases -- during these, the planet travels over ground it will later revisit. The first "shadow" comes before the planet moves backward; the second comes when the planet starts to catch back up. Just like in life, if you backtrack, you have some catching up to do and will see the same scenery twice or more. So it is with shadow phases: the same energies will be "coming up" more than once.

In the case of Mercury, it is usually in its shadow for two weeks before the Retrograde phase begins, and for three weeks after it ends. If you want to buy, sell or ship big-ticket items -- especially connected to transportation (cars, airline tickets, etc.) or communication devices (phone, computer, iPad, etc.) -- be aware of the shadow periods as well as the retrograde phases. If possible, plan it or get these things done before Mercury enters it's shadow, or wait until after the shadow phase is over ;-)

Of course, if there is something that must get done during these phases, don't put your whole life on hold, just because Mercury is retrograde or in it's shadow. Sometimes things line up exactly at the right time. As best as you can, trust your intuition and be open to making adjustments as needed ;-)

On Monday morning, a harmonious Mercury/Chiron aspect will become exact. We started to feel this aspect from last Thursday on; it will be strong until this Wednesday. This aspect is a wonderful possibility for deep emotional healing in regards to our conditioning and day to day thinking structures.

We are able to be compassionate with ourselves and others, when it comes to communicating something that may be difficult for us, due to its emotional component. We are more able to allow for the flow of feelings, as we share ourselves. Generally speaking, in fact, forgiveness and understanding towards ourselves and others comes more easily now.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 10-16 degrees of Pisces, Scorpio or Cancer? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini or Virgo (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo).

Monday at 5:15pm EDT sees the start of an almost 20-hour Moon void of course (VoC), that ends at 12:58am EDT (Tuesday night/Wednesday very early morning). During this time, we have a need to connect to family or loved ones. It's best to be very kind to yourself and nurture your "inner baby". Plan ahead of time, and as always with a Moon VoC, go with the flow or stick to routine things (…if possible).

Tuesday: the Moon remains in protective, introverted Cancer and VoC (see Monday for details).

The next aspect to become exactalso involves the Moon's North Node. This is a harmonious Mercury/North Node aspect that we started to feel from Monday on; it becomes exact today at 10:29am EDT and it will be strong until Friday.

This aspect creates an open dialog with people who support our Soul's path. Deeper communication is possible; we have a much easier time processing our feelings as we share them with others. The ability to use compassion and understanding to connect with others is likely -- communicating from the heart truly empowers ourselves & others ;-)

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 14-18 degrees of Pisces, Scorpio or Cancer? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini or Virgo (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo).

At 6:08pm EDT Tuesday, a Venus/Pluto opposition becomes exact. We started to feel this opposition from last Sunday on; it will be strong until this Wednesday. We are called to create a balance between our desire for harmony with people we care about, versus our desire to bring a deep focus and passionate approach to long-term commitments.

We can learn much about ourselves through our relationships during this time -- although we may not always like what we see. We will meet ourselves (the "darker" side) through our relationships, and it will be critical that we recognize it as our own "stuff", rather than projecting it onto our partner or a family member. There might be tendency to confuse Love and Power at this time.

Because we have a deeply lodged need to establish a sense of self-worth, we may start to argue or blame, in order to feel better about ourselves. We need to be less concerned with how we appear to others and more concerned with how we actually are. Sexual intensity or attraction can be a part of this transit too -- as can fear of losing loved ones or of being abandoned. All of the above could bring up some deep feelings in connection with others.

Do you have your Ascendent, Career Point (or any personal planets) in 8-13 degrees of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra? If so, you may be more affected by this opposition. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus or Scorpio (Venus is the ruler of Taurus; Pluto rules Scorpio)

For the second time since last October, a harmonious long-term aspect between Saturn and Neptune becomes exact at 7:26pm EDT on Tuesday evening. We started feeling this instance of this aspect build from April 29th on; it will be strong until early September. This aspect reminds us that reality and imagination are not necessarily exclusive -- we get the sense that we can make our dreams reality.

We see our problems and responsibilities in a new light, as part of a larger drama we are living; we are thus able to handle difficulties more easily, seeing them as part of that larger story. Whether inner or outer, our spiritual and emotional connections are in alignment with our long-term goals and commitments.

This is a also great time to release the fears that keep us from making our dreams come true.

Those of us who have their Ascendent (or personal planets) in 3-8 degrees of Scorpio, Pisces or Cancer will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Capricorn (Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn)

Wednesday at 12:58am EDT: the Moon moves into fun-loving, attention-seeking Leo, where it will journey until Friday afternoon. We have a chance to appreciate ourselves and our lives -- and to connect to the heart. Hand out as many compliments as possible, they will be deeply appreciated :-)

Fun, games and romance are a big part of this energy. You might also enjoy spending time with little ones. What are you most grateful for today? What would be heaps of fun? What would be so much fun, you squeak just thinking about it?

A challenging Venus/Uranus aspect will be exact at 6:49pm EST on Wednesday. We started to feel this aspect from Monday on; it will be strong until Saturday.

This "stretch" aspect asks us to grow beyond what we know and have experienced in the past, in regards to our relationships (especially with family or people who feel like family). Priorities may shift at this time and we may experience clashes in taste or values with those we love. As you can imagine, we may feel some instability or restlessness in connection to others.

We may struggle with freedom versus emotional safety at this time. We may also experience fears around our financial goals at this time. As best as you can, take a deep breath and hold off on decision-making with regards to finances -- in particular, it is best to avoid impulse buys at this time.

In general, expect the unexpected. Things may take a different turn now, when it comes to what is truly important. Keep your mind and heart open: if something needs to be eliminated or changed at this time, it was waiting for that shift to happen anyway. This aspect is also part of a T-square with Pluto, so we are going to feel some tension here... but also quite energized. As best as you can, find creative solutions through cooperation and collaboration.

Do you have your Ascendent, Career Point (or any personal planets) in 9-15 degrees of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra? If so, you may be more affected by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus or Aquarius (Venus is the ruler of Taurus; Uranus rules Aquarius)

Thursday: the Moon remains in fun-loving, attention-seeking Leo all day (see Wednesday for details).

A harmonious Venus/Chiron aspect will be exact at 6:07am EDT on Thursday. We started to feel this aspect from Monday on; it will be strong all week. This aspect helps us to have compassion and understanding towards others. We are also able to heal some wounds from the past. We are more willing to go deeper, trusting that the other person has our best interest at heart. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, rather than concerning ourselves with fault -- it's a strong time for seeing potential in one another.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 10-16 degrees of Pisces, Scorpio or Cancer? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who h//ave our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus or Libra (Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra).

Friday starts with a 5-hour Moon void of course (VoC) that lasts from 7:14am until 12:26pm EDT. Take it easy in the morning and use this intuitive time as an opportunity to broaden your connections with others. Enjoy and appreciate life, as much as you can. As with all Moon VoCs, do not start anything brand-new: stick to routine things, or go with the flow... 'cos the flow knows where to go ;-)

At 12:26pm EDT on Friday, the Moon moves into detail-oriented, practical Virgo, where it will journey until Sunday evening. This turns our focus toward practical activities -- reorganizing and rethinking our plans, perhaps. Solving problems, making order out of confusion, helping others: all of these bring emotional satisfaction.

Health matters might come into focus. We notice the parts that make up the whole; this is a great time to look at our daily routines (eating, work, self-care, etc.), to see if they are in alignment with our long-term goals. This Moon placement also starts the build towards the first Quarter Moon that will be exact on Sunday afternoon… more on that later.

Saturday: the Moon remains in detail-oriented, practical Virgo all day (see Friday for details).

On Saturday early morning, Venus makes a harmonious aspect to the Moon's North Node, exact at 2:04am EDT. We started to feel this aspect from Tuesday on; it will be strong until next Tuesday. This aspect connects us to supporters of our Soul's journey. We are able to go deeper within our relationships; we can connect on an emotional level to others with more understanding and passion. We know now who we can trust -- we know who supports our journey towards wholeness and empowerment.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 13-19 degrees of Pisces, Cancer or Scorpio? If so, you will be even more blessed by this aspect than those who do not; this is also true for those of us with our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus or Libra (Venus being the ruler of Taurus and Libra)

Saturday at 9:19am EDT, a somewhat challenging Mars/Pluto aspect becomes exact. We started to feel this aspect from Tuesday on; it will be strong until next Tuesday.We feel uneasy about something, almost awkward -- and we need to make a choice. An inner awareness needs to be developed in order to see what needs adjusting.

We all know that taking care of others can sometimes be a way of putting them down. We need to recognize our own competitive instincts for what they are right now, rather than masking them with the idea of "service".

In addition, as best as you can, evaluate any projects before you get involved. Our great energy and genuine humanitarian spirit could get linked to other people's unrealistic expectations in a way that leaves us drained and unappreciated. If we are able to evaluate our everyday habits in a positive way, we will see whether or not they really support our long term goals.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 10-12 degrees of Gemini or Capricorn? If so, you will be more affected by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Aries or Scorpio (Mars is the ruler of Aries; Pluto rules Scorpio)

Sunday: the Moon remains indetail-oriented, practical Virgo until 9:19pm EDT (see Friday for details).

On Sunday at 5:19am EDT, Chiron comes to a halt at 14 degrees of Pisces. As you may recall from last week's forecast, Chiron is the wounded healer; in Pisces, it brings our attention towards our emotional and spiritual wounds.This is the beginning of Chiron's 5-month retrograde phase, that lasts until Nov.19th. Until then, we are getting a chance to connect to our wounds and insecurities on a more internal level.

At 1:24pm EDT on Sunday, the first Quarter Moon becomes exact, in 25 degrees of Virgo. We start to feel this aspect from the moment the Moon enters Virgo on Friday around noon. The Moon in detail-oriented, helpful and practical Virgo makes a challenging aspect to the Sun in chatty, fast-thinking and busy Gemini.

We feel compelled to take action. Last week saw the New Moon, on June 8th. If we began a project or initiative around then, it is probably off the ground by now -- and facing its first obstacles. This is therefore a time to stretch and grow -- and create some forward momentum. We may feel anxious or unusually busy. As best as you can, take it one breath at a time. Allow for changes, remain flexible and find creative solutions in your day-to-day interactions with others.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in any of the following: 22 - 28 degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius? If so, you will feel the effects of this first Quarter Moon more strongly than otherwise. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo or Cancer (the Sun rules Leo; the Moon rules Cancer).

On Sunday at 5:26pm EDT,we enter a 4-hour Moon void of course (VoC), lasting until 9:19pm EDT. It is best to remain flexible during this intuitive time. Find creative ways to communicate the bigger picture and the detailed steps. As always with a Moon VoC, go with the flow, or stick to routine things (…if possible).

At 9:19pm EDT, the Moon moves into harmony-loving, balance-seeking Libra, where it will journey until Wednesday of next week. The energy of the Libra Moon wants to maintain equal relationships: we thus tend to spend more time on diplomacy -- making compromises, negotiating, practicing graciousness, balancing, etc.

As a head's up for Monday: an opportune Mars/Uranus aspect becomes exact at 11:20am EDT. We started to feel this from Wednesday on; itwill be strong until Thursday. We have the opportunity to create some forward movement in our lives, especially in connection to new or unusual goals. We may want to start projects with like-minded people right now. Flexibility is the key to success at this time; pleasant changes may be in store -- certainly unexpected ones ;-)

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 10-15 degrees of Aries, Gemini, Aquarius or Leo? If so, you will be more aware of this opportunity.

Have a fantastic week!

Many blessings,

Sonja

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Mercury Shadow Phases and Retrogrades

Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis: Posted on Sunday, June 09, 2013 11:00 AM

What happens when a planet goes "retrograde"?

Astrologers say a planet is "stationing" during both periods when the planet is still or moving slowly. The times when the planet appears to go backward are called "retrogrades".

There are also two "shadow" phases -- during these, the planet travels over ground it will later revisit. The first "shadow" comes before the planet moves backward; the second comes when the planet starts to catch back up. Just like in life, if you backtrack, you have some catching up to do and will see the same scenery twice or more. Thus it is with shadow phases: the same energies will be "coming up" more than once.

If you have a Gemini or Virgo Sun-sign or Rising sign, all the above is especially advisable for you, but also if you have personal planets or your Asc./Rising Sign in the sign that Mercury journeys though as it starts its retrograde phase.

Feel free to reach out for support, to understand this more fully in your own personal birth chart.

Many blessings,

Sonja

sonja@AstrologerCoach.com

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New Moon in Gemini, June 2013 -- What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis: Posted on Wednesday, June 05, 2013 4:05 AM

If you are seeing this page from a mobile phone/smart phone that doesn't support flash player, click here to watch my video directly on Youtube: http://youtu.be/odTSlW4L68U

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New Moon in Gemini, June 2013 -- What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Join me as I share about several upcoming Astrological events:

* New Moon in 18 degrees of Gemini (on June 8th, 2013 at 11:58am EDT)

* Sun and Moon connect to Jupiter in Gemini

* Mercury connects with Venus in Cancer

* Uranus in T-square to Pluto and Mercury/Venus

* Grand Trine in Water: Neptune, Saturn and Mercury/Venus

* Neptune stations: it's energy is exalted

What are we here to learn or share?

How can we connect with others on a deeper emotional level?

For my online Soul-based Astrology courses: click here

For my weekly forecasts: click here

For my daily astrological posts: click here

To book a reading via skype or phone, Reach out via email or my website.
For my services and fees: click here.

All readings are done via skype or phone.

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Dissolve the Barriers -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., June 3rd - Sun., June 9th, 2013

Astrologer Coach: Sonja Francis: Posted on Sunday, June 02, 2013 3:25 PM

Please note that all times given below are Eastern Daylight Savings Time -- to change the listed times to your own timezone, I recommend clicking here for the time and date converter

Last week was a journey of new experiences, being present and gentle with myself. I also felt quite conscious of my feelings, my responses and my behaviors…. more so than usual. I could certainly feel the Neptune station, which is not over yet… ;-)

This week's headline items: On Monday morning, Saturn moves over the degree of April 25th's Lunar Eclipse; the Balsamic Moon phase starts midday Tuesday; a 38-hour Moon VoC begins on Wednesday morning; very early on Thursday morning, we have Mars opposing the degree of May 25th's Lunar Eclipse; Neptune comes to a halt in Pisces, starting its 5-month retrograde phase on Friday; at midday on Saturday, the New Moon is exact; and finally, Chiron starts to slow down from Saturday on, prior to going retrograde on June 16th.

The Lunar Eclipse that happened back on April 25th was exact at almost 6 degrees of Scorpio. On Monday morning, between 3am and 10am EDT, Saturn moves over this same degree: This is an invitation to take a realistic look at our lives and release what we have outgrown -- anything out of balance or integrity.

What boundaries, commitments and goals are needed for an authentic life… one that is connected to your deepest passions… to your Soul Purpose? Rather than pushing or forcing things, allow for the journey to unfold: patience is key!

Also on Monday: The Moon has been in pioneering, fast-paced Aries since Sunday; it will journey here until Tuesday morning. The Aries Moon is connected with starting something new. Our gut impulses are strong. We feel energetic, spontaneous, enthusiastic and brave -- and perhaps impatient and impulsive. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

We've been feeling a harmonious Mercury/Neptune/Saturn aspect since last Saturday, it becomes exact on Monday afternoon/evening and will be strong until this Wednesday. The three planets are building a Grand Trine in the water element, this can support us with the flow of feelings. It also helps us take responsibility for feelings: both how we feel and how we communicate those feelings to others.

Our intuition and instincts are quite strong at this time. Trust your inner experience, most of all: let it flow. Emotional responsibility and emotional intelligence are of great value to us, especially when it comes to long-term commitments in personal relationships or business ventures.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 2-8 degrees of Pisces, Scorpio or Cancer? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo or Capricorn (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Saturn rules Capricorn).

On Monday night/Tuesday early morning, a challenging Sun/Chiron aspect becomes exact at 1:26am EDT. We started to feel this aspect from last Friday on, it will be strong until this Thursday. This asks us to stretch ourselves and expand from within. We might feel less confident about who we are, and have a hard time projecting a social "front". Our conditioned mind and wounded feelings may be out of harmony with each other.

As best as you can, take this as an opportunity to make space for feeling vulnerable or emotional without seeing yourself as weak or "less than". It is perfectly ok to have feelings and feel insecure once in a while; as best as you can, bring compassion and love to yourself and others.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (MC) or personal planets in 11-16 degrees of Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Gemini? If so, you will feel the effects of this aspect more strongly than otherwise. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Leo (the Sun rules Leo).

On Tuesday at 2:09am EDT we enter a 10-hour Moon void of course (VoC), that ends at 11:53am EDT. This intuitive time provides an opportunity to gain new perspective on our goals. Plan your morning ahead of time -- and as always with a VoC, go with the flow or stick to routine things (…if possible).

At 11:53am EDT, the Moon moves into steady, peaceful Taurus, where it will be until Thursday evening. With the Moon in Taurus, we are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulse is to relax, resist change, get comfortable: life… slows… down. We may also be stubborn and materialistic under this influence. As best as you can, stop and smell the roses during this time -- enjoy life and its offerings ;-)

As the Moon enters Taurus, we enter the Balsamic Moon phase; this lasts until Saturday morning, when the New Moon becomes exact. We are being asked to slow down and get quiet, so we can listen to our intuition. For some of us, this might be a stretch. As best as you can: stay grounded, take a deep breath and exhale any tensions.

Rather than starting something brand-new, put all that energy into completing existing projects. This is also a great time for letting go of whatever no longer serves us. What if you could hear the voice of your inner wisdom? What might it be saying?

Wednesday: the Moon remains in steady, peaceful Taurus all day (see Tuesday for details).

On Wednesday at 9:25am EDT, we enter a 38-hour Moon void of course (VoC) that ends at 11:32pm EDT, Thursday evening. Use this intuitive time toconnect to your body in a powerful way. Allow for things to come to you. Imagine you are a powerful manifestation magnet... and allow the flow. Don't start anything brand-new, especially if it has a linear, rational or structural nature.

Back on May 25, we had the second Lunar Eclipse at 4 degrees of Sagittarius. On Wednesday night/Thursday very early morning (at 2am EDT), Mars opposes this same Lunar Eclipse degree. This will most likely trigger an issue that was revealed to us during the time of the Lunar Eclipse, less than two weeks ago. We are now invited to take action and do something about this issue. What would a single, simple action step be?

Thursday: the Moon remains in steady, peaceful Taurus (and VoC) until 11:32pm EDT (see Tuesday for details). Thereafter, it moves into chatty, versatile Gemini, where it will journey until Sunday midday. The Gemini Moon keeps us social and busy. Interactions may take place online, on the phone, or face-to-face with those in our immediate environment. With this Moon placement, we like to multitask and stay engaged with life as much as possible: As long as we don't get bored, we're good.

Thursday: Neptune will come to a halt tomorrow; we strongly feel its slower motion today. Most likely, this will express itself as a mix of chaos, confusion, creativity, imagination and inspiration. Allow for things to flow as best as you can for the next three days.

Friday is a big day!

First, Neptune comes to a halt at 4:23am EDT at 5 degrees of Pisces, beginning a 5-month retrograde phase. Until this ends on Nov. 13th, we are invited to access Neptunian energy from within: Our intuition will be very strong during this time.

We can see how connected we are to our Higher Self/The Universe/Source. What's more, we have an opportunity to dissolve any barriers between us and our Soul's guidance. Are we sensing our Soul's desire for love and oneness to the fullest? Are we connecting to our intuition? Is anything keeping us from experiencing the flow of life?

Some of us will feel the effects more than others. This is particularly true if you have personal planets in an early degree (2-6 degrees) of Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius -- and if you have Pisces as your Sun- or Rising-Sign. For you in particular, this is a great time to reevaluate your connection to Source -- and perhaps to allow yourself to connect more fully to the flow of life.

A harmonious Venus/Neptune/Saturn aspect becomes exact on Friday morning. We started to feel this aspect from Tuesday on, it will be strong until Sunday. These three planets are building a Grand Trine in the water element, similar to Monday's Grand Trine involving Mercury. This supports us with the flow of feelings, especially in connection to our relationships and what we value most; creating responsibility around how we feel and how we relate to others is going to feel easier at this time.

Our intuition and instincts are strongly supported here too. It becomes easier to trust others and open up to them; we give ourselves permission to receive love and emotional support. Emotional responsibility around others is of great value, especially when it comes to long-term commitments in personal relationships or business ventures. Let it flow.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 2-8 degrees of Pisces, Scorpio or Cancer? If so, you will be most blessed by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus or Libra (Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra).

A Mercury/Pluto opposition becomes exact at 6:03pm EDT on Friday. We started to feel this aspect from Wednesday on, it will be strong until Monday of next week. This might bring up some very deep issues that need to be discussed. Obsessive thinking, attempting to persuade others, insisting on knowing the "truth" or exposing lies: These are all possibilities now.

We are capable of very hard work and effort. In particular, we tend to pursue ideas with intensity, making this an excellent time for any kind of research or in-depth study. We may not be able to put our inner thoughts and experiences into words -- and maybe that's as well, given the darkness and intensity of those thoughts.

We may develop a great love of debate. We need to be careful though, not to overpower others with our strong opinions, attempting to "convert" them to our frame of mind -- in other words, treating regular debates or exchanges of opinion as battlegrounds. This is great time to learn how to harness our intense mental energies and apply them productively.

Intense conversations and connections feel more real than superficial ones. We want to dig out the truth about our feelings and the world we have built. As best as you can, try not to obsess about what someone said to you, or what you've heard: We may takes things personally, that were actually meant to empower us. Here's what it comes down to: Could you allow yourself to go deeper and tap into your inner power?

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 7-13 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn? If so, you will be more affected by this alignment. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo or Scorpio (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Pluto rules Scorpio)

Lastly on Friday, a challenging Mars/Neptune aspect becomes exact at 7:57pm EDT. We started to feel this aspect from Monday on, it will be strong until Tuesday of next week. This aspect is asking us to stretch ourselves, in order to resolve a tension between the things we want to go after, versus our feelings about a higher, spiritual calling. We may be chasing a dream... or a fantasy.

Ordinary life may seem drab and uninteresting to us right now. We want something that stirs our imagination: Some vision or ideal or dream to motivate us. We have a strong urge to act out our fantasies or live out our dream -- and we have the energy now to DO that which others only talk or dream about.

Artistic creation, drama, other vehicles of imaginative expression: All excellent things to explore or commit to, during this period. We tend to either over- or underestimate our own power and abilities: As best as you can, follow your intuition... Inspire yourself and others.

Most impacted by this aspect: those of us who have any of our personal planets (or our Ascendent) in 2-8 degrees of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Aries (Mars is the ruler of Aries)

Friday and Saturday: the Moon remains in lively, curious Gemini all day (see Thursday for details).

Saturday: Chiron starts its station, slowing down as it gets ready for its 5-month retrograde phase. The latter begins on June 16th; we will feel its effects until June 26th. Chiron's energies are more exalted during this period.

Chiron is the wounded healer; in Pisces, it brings our attention towards our emotional and spiritual wounds. It represents the places inside us where we feel insecure, self-conscious or wounded. Chiron also represents the inner wound of abandonment, and the place where we need to "make it on our own". We are invited to approach things on a holistic level. We must find a way to heal our imperfections, healing others thereby.

This is accomplished through something that is the beauty and strength of this energy: compassion. Even though we feel handicapped in some way, we can help others who deal with similar "wounds". During the time of the station, we will be more aware of our sore spots. We get an opportunity to see what needs more compassion, attention and healing. During the Chiron retrograde phase, we will have the opportunity to access the Chiron energy from within. What emotional or spiritual sore spots need to be acknowledged? What needs to heal?

Water-related issues will also be emphasized on a global and environmental level.

Some of us will feel the effects of this station more than others: those of us with personal planets and points (Asc. or MC) in 11-14 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

On Saturday, we have a somewhat challenging Mars/Saturn aspect; this is exact at 1:18am EDT. It will contribute to feeling either a lack of physical energy, or a need to focus on our commitments with others. We started to feel this aspect from Wednesday on; it will be strong until next Monday. Too much work and too narrow a spectrum of relating could leave us feeling slightly victimized by life right now.

Make the necessary adjustments as best as you can. We create our own limits; slowing and quieting down helps us see this. If we have a better sense of time, we can do less and achieve more -- and we can do this as soon as we balance our outlook and start to use our judgment less comparatively.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 4-7 degrees of Gemini or Scorpio? If so, you will be more affected by this aspect. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Aries or Capricorn (Mars is the ruler of Aries; Saturn rules Capricorn)

This aspect also begins the buildup toward the New Moon. This is a good time to slow things down and go within. We sometimes feel anxious about our accomplishments right before a New Moon. As best as you can, stay grounded: Take a deep breath and connect to your inner wisdom.

On Saturday at 11:56am EDT, the Moon aligns with the Sun in 18 degrees of Gemini. This is the beginning of a new Moon cycle. Feel free to watch my video on the subject

With so many planets in Gemini, we are invited to look at our biases and beliefs, our conditioning and our way of connecting to our surroundings. Anything to do with communication -- whether it's writing, speaking, listening, teaching, learning, etc. -- is wonderful to pursue at this time.

Mercury is the ruler of Gemini. With Mercury in Cancer and in aligned with Venus, we can make another strong connection between head and heart: This time, it is inviting us to create deeper emotional intelligence.

Pluto opposes Mercury, and they both make a square to Uranus. This creates some tension, but also an invitation to clarify our priorities and see what needs to change in our relationship to ourselves, others and the world.

Neptune stationed a day before this New Moon (see Friday for details). This amplifies the call to release whatever is no longer in the best interest of all concerned.

Let's talk about setting some powerful intentions for this Lunar cycle, the ideal timing for this: anytime after 12pm EDT (Saturday) and before 4:30am EDT (Sunday).

Do you have your Ascendant or any personal planets in 15-21 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces? If so, you may feel the effects of this New Moon more strongly.

Saturday: a challenging Mercury/Uranus aspect -- which is part ofa T-square between Mercury, Uranus and Pluto -- becomes exact today. We have been feeling this T-square build from Tuesday on; it will be strong until Monday of next week. First, Mercury in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn (see Friday for details), then Mercury makes a challenging aspect to Uranus in Aries (exact at 2:47pm EDT).

These aspects create some tension in our lives: We may feel anxious or stressed by a situation or an interaction with family, or something to do with the home/real-estate. It's a time when we want to think outside the box. We may want to bring some changes to a life situation or emotional connection that no longer fits. Again: We are being called to play a bigger game; our minds may feel overwhelmed by what it all means.

Our minds may be influenced by how our feelings about a certain situation -- and we could have an irritable temper. It might be best to channel some of our nervous energy into constructive pursuits. Since we might have a tendency right now to challenge established thought, or play devil's advocate, it helps to get in touch with our own opinions and feelings, to reflect on what we truly believe. If we learn to trust our own individual thoughts, our intelligence, integrity, and ingenuity can come shining through.

As best as you can, take it one moment at a time. Seek to resolve any issues through collaboration and co-operation with others. Keep an objective point of view, as much as possible. When you notice that you are taking things personally and starting to get defensive, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Is this really about me? Or is this about my past issues, or their's? How can I ground myself in the here and now?

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 7-14 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn? If so, you will be more affected by this alignment. This is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio or Aquarius (Mercury is the ruler of Gemini and Virgo; Pluto rules Scorpio; and Uranus rules Aquarius)

Sunday starts with a 8-hour Moon void of course (VoC) that lasts from 4:29am until 12:16pm EDT. We can use this intuitive time to bring a broader view to our day to day interactions. As with all Moon VoCs, do not start anything brand-new: stick to routine things, or go with the flow... 'cos the flow knows where to go ;-)

On Sunday at 12:16pm EDT:the Moon moves into protective, introverted Cancer, where it will journey until Tuesday night. With this Moon placement, we are more sensitive to what people say to (and about) us -- so be kind to yourself and others. Emotional safety is important to us at this time; we like connecting to the familiar -- home or family is our sanctuary. Nurture yourself and others, but remember: make sure your glass is filled before letting others drink from it ;-)

As a head's up for Monday: Mercury starts to move into its Retrograde shadow. Mercury enters its 2-week shadow phase when it reaches 13 degrees of Cancer; this precedes its retrograde phase, which will begin on June 26th.

What happens when a planet goes "retrograde"?

Astrologers say a planet is "stationing" during both periods when the planet is still or moving slowly. The times when the planet appears to go backward are called "retrogrades".

A harmonious Mercury/Chiron aspect will become exact in the morning. We started to feel this aspect from Thursday on; it will be strong until next Wednesday. This aspect is a wonderful possibility for deep emotional healing in regards to our conditioning and day to day thinking structures.

We have compassion for ourselves and others when communicating something with a difficult emotional component. We are more able to allow for the flow of feelings as we are sharing ourselves. Forgiveness and understanding towards ourselves and others comes more easily now.

Have a fantastic week! Release what no longer serves...

Many blessings,

Sonja

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Summer Solstice -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., June 16th - Sun., June 23rd, 2013

The Wounded Healer -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., June 10th - Sun., June 16th, 2013

Mercury Shadow Phases and Retrogrades

New Moon in Gemini, June 2013 -- What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Dissolve the Barriers -- Astrology Forecast for Mon., June 3rd - Sun., June 9th, 2013