I moved from L.A. to Sedona, Arizona in the late Eighties, seeking refuge from big city life. But as I soon discovered, the once-charming little town was fast becoming an overcrowded tourist destination. Jeep tours stirred up dust and noise near awe-inspiring red rocks once sacred to the Anasazi. And developers gobbled up pristine land to build more shopping centers.
Jupiter had just entered my first house, and I was gung-ho to make a difference. So I joined a group called We the People, dedicated to greening Sedona. We started a recycling program, then turned our attention to sustainable gardening, hoping to inspire others to do the same. With visions of giant vegetables dancing in my head, I persuaded my landlord to grant us a neglected part of the front yard to use as a garden.
We threw ourselves into the project with abandon, getting sweaty and dirty as we tilled the dry earth before re-mineralizing it with rock dust. Then we planted row upon row of everything from squash to carrots to strawberries. I could feel the devas of the land doing a happy dance as we worked. And our efforts did produce a plethora of vegetables – some of them quite enormous! But the best part was enjoying all that bounty in pot-luck meals with the community we’d nurtured along the way.
The approaching Sagittarius Full Moon (Monday, June 17, 1:30 a.m. PDT) is a great time to get inspired by a message or an activity you feel passionately about, and to take action on it. It’s also an opportunity to dream big, with Jupiter so prominent in the heavens. Through the end of this month, the largest planet in our solar system is at his closest point to Earth – making him extra bright and easy to see with the naked eye. Look for him near the Moon as she starts to swell. Jupiter exactly squares Neptune the day before this Full Moon, magnifying dreams and visions (as well as, perhaps, illusions). Things could feel exaggerated, from your thoughts and feelings to dealings with others and world events. With Jupiter retrograde, look to the past for guidance and keep your wits about you.
Adding some spice to the mix, Mercury conjuncts Mars in sensitive Cancer (exact the day after the Full Moon) as they both oppose Saturn and Pluto in brass-tacks Capricorn. This configuration can be testy, so avoid being overly critical or blaming others, no matter how wrong they may seem. We’re receiving a strong message about protecting what we care about, from people and places to our own autonomy.
Since the Nodes are nearby, there is a sense of destiny in the air – so listen closely for a call from Spirit, and say No to anything that doesn’t work for you. Take a stand for nature and community, as we did thirty years ago in Sedona. As for me, with Jupiter transiting my North Node, I’m again feeling drawn to organic farming and soil regeneration, an often-overlooked factor in climate change. What are you feeling passionate about? Embrace it now!
Should make for an interesting solar return for me on Saturday… when SR/transiting Venus is exactly on my natal Jupiter (looking for the positive aspects here).. and Mercury-Mars is right there on my 8th-house natal Mercury-Uranus conjunction. Maybe I’ll just stay home and watch a good movie… (Pluto is squaring my Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Libra.) Just way too much going on.
Yes indeed – and an interesting year ahead! Venus-Jupiter is certainly promising. And I’m sure you’ll find a clever way to make the most of that Mercury-Mars-Uranus energy! Happy solar return…
Simone- love your Astrological take on the energies, and love hearing how you have expressed then in your past….offering both outer and inner learning opportunity. Thank you for your expertise and your beauty in expressing that wisdom. With much appreciation, Samantha
Bless you, Samantha, for taking the time to let me know that you enjoyed the essay! I know that my take on things is sometimes quirky, so it means a lot to hear that you are getting the message I’m trying to put across!! Happy Full Moon to you…
Regenerative agriculture is my passion too. Especially teaching little ones about it all.
Cheering you on!
And you, too, Leslie!
Simone.
I sense that by the Full Moon I’ll have a good idea if my new love relationship is going to flourish and grow into a life mate. Or not! I love your take on all things. Thanks, blessings, Patti
Holding magical thoughts for you, Patti! Glad you’re enjoying my work…
I always love hearing your sense of the planets energetic dance, and their effects on us earthlings. Thanks for your intuitive insights.
You’re so welcome, Bitsy! And thanks for letting me know you appreciate it. Happy Full Moon!