Here is a brief forward looking glance at a soul centered astrological theme for the quarter between June Solstice and September Equinox 2014. I have chosen to look only at the sign/element placement of planets with particular reference to the predominance of those in retrograde phase at the beginning of this period. This was purely intuitive, following a similar approach to lunar station astrology. This delivered an unexpected perspective on the initiating energetics at work within the planetary matrix for the three months to equinox…..

          There is a sense of ‘back to the future’ about the coming times, a desire to advance beyond current limitations through forward projection of our soul’s path, this belonging very much to the Moon’s north node. Before such a journey can be undertaken however, it pays to remember the determining factors behind our motivations and resources, this belonging to the Moon’s south node. With this in mind, the quarter up to September Equinox opens with a call to slow down, pay attention to inner balance and reflect particularly upon how our inner and outer worlds, past and future, this world and the next, mirror each other. Where are the discrepancies, and how do we adjust them, what adjustments do they call for in us? The answer is suggested in the fact that the June Solstice sees five major planetary retrogrades in motion simultaneously. This too is just the pre-amble and preparation for what promises to be an exciting and highly active three months!

          Powerful compassion based soul work can be undertaken under this retrograde influence. Neptune and Pluto break down boundaries, while Chiron and Saturn both strengthen them, give us structure and meaning to work with. Mercury helps us to metabolise the process and maintain awareness of our inner processes. Their collective field flows inwards and aids the spirit in adjusting to the demands that the physical world makes upon it. This integrative energy is valuable in tough times. But, its true gift is in the ability to renew and evolve inwardly.

        We can usually tell, from looking at the natal and progressed moon’s nodes in our chart, what area of our lives the ‘experience producing’ challenges that our souls require for growth will be emergent within. This is where we have ‘yet to experience’, the unmapped territory, and in tough times we are all challenged to enter there, fully conscious. The field view, which provides a potential that can affect collective as well as individual soul paths, is particularly highlighted as Jupiter squares the moons nodes at the offset and, later in the quarter, Mars crosses the nodal axis at the north node. There is a strong interface between our collective and personal paths in this time, where we are all heading, but, there is more that those retrogrades can tell us about this.

          On a hunch I took a look at the Sabian symbols for each of the degrees of the retrograde planets. The Sabians tell us that Mercury in Gemini, Saturn in Scorpio, Pluto in Capricorn, and both Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, without exception, point towards the importance of actualising new beginnings, with Chiron calling us to bring this new reality into the public arena. There is an astonishing coherence between the individual Sabian symbols at work here, and this gives a sense of confidence. This suggests acting with commitment, once we have done our checks and balances. We can act upon what we feel most strongly drawn towards that fits with our deepest knowings, regardless the discomfort we may see ahead. This is not about taking the easy path, but, rather about trusting our path, and trusting ourselves to navigate it. To create it, even, because we ‘know’ it is the right one. Learnt from experience, as Chiron teaches, our ‘knowing’ is what will carry us forward now, even, and especially in the face of the unexpected. We must embody the Elder wisdom within. There is no doubt about how important this is on the global scale, but, it all begins under our own feet…….

          Elementally, this potential is initiated through water, air  and earth. The fire is provided by that Mars transit which re-enters opposition to Uranus in Aries and square to Pluto before reaching the north node. This indicates that we should bring the most important and radical lessons we have learned from the last three months in particular and act upon them to transform our way of living, finally releasing ourselves from the outlived patterns and ties of the past with a real commitment. The emphasis will very much be on ‘the viable future’ and living that future as a reality, starting now. With a predominance of water in the planetary elemental matrix that reality is carrying healing and nourishing energy as we live it.

          One week before Lughnasadh Mars will begin travelling through Scorpio, conjuncting Saturn on the way, and, by Equinox will have reached the early degrees of Sagittarius – live that reality with a passion and deep self belief that we can ‘make it so’.

        The midpoint of the quarter is also preceded by a new Moon in early Leo, this time conjunct Jupiter. Jupiter’s entry into Leo on July 16th also marks the end of the Mercury retrograde period, so this will really flag up the second half of the quarter as a time to not only embody our soul’s path fully, but, to shine through our unique individuality and genius, and to join others in doing so. This is a time to ‘see’ and be seen, as an example of how you would like the world to be, acted out in human form. There needs to be an element of acting here, of taking on the role, acting ‘as if’, as a means to realising the goal. The renewal of our human reality will become ‘earthed’. It is a powerful and, arguably, realistic basis for entraining the ‘peaceful revolution’ that is being increasingly talked of now, perhaps the most realistic, if we are to break the mould of the past and avoid our demise. The indigenous traditions tell us of multiple past ‘extinction level’ events…..we have to pay heed this time. It is not enough to rage against those who would use and oppress us – even if we succeed in removing them from the picture we must be strong enough, inspired enough and ‘knowing’ enough to embody that future we most desire.

            As the Sabian symbol for the visionary, mystical planet Neptune says of its degree in Pisces at Solstice, “tomorrow lives through today” – whatever means or roles you find your deepest and most natural passion and wisdoms realised through, we can all now be all those things with confidence………