JUNE 22-24: EXCELLENT SCORPIO MOON

MOON ENTERS SCORPIO at 3:11pm EDT on Friday, June 22 after a VOID OF COURSE DAY and remains here until Sunday, June 24 at 10:00am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Mercury in Cancer. Actions initiated during the V/C time tend not to work out as planned. It's best to use this time for inner creative work. The Scorpio Moon would be a great time for communicating about important issues, especially psychological and/or financial resources, with someone we trust. Both Scorpio and Cancer are water signs and emotions, which are likely to run high, are in focus. Go deep and try to find the source of any painful early wounds. Once identified and expressed, and appropriate responsibility taken, the suffering tends to lighten. This is also a great time to ask for money! Scorpio rules others' resources so benefits, especially from family or close women friends, are quite possible. If you can get to some revitalizing body of water, do it! Actions initiated along these themes tend to have EXCELLENT resolutions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwvymINJIAo

SCORPIO FILM: Queen of the Desert, 2015; Writer/Director: Werner Herzog. Daughter to a wealthy and politically well-placed British family in the late 1800's, Gertrude Bell is a restlessly independent woman before her time. After being sent to live with relatives in Tehran, she finally finds her true home in the freedom, dignity and poetry of the Arabian Nefud desert. She becomes a writer,

photographer, archaeologist and political liaison. Because of her unique intelligence and sensibilities she is one of the only foreigners who comes to know the Bedouin tribes fondly. This is a Lawrence of Arabia-like story based on a remarkable real-life female historic British character. T.E. Lawrence, archaeologist friend to Bell, is actually also a character in this film and played by Robert Pattinson. Nicole Kidman, as Bell, takes on what could have been another role of a lifetime but the writer/director fails to deliver the goods. I'm not a Herzog fan (my analyst and I agreed a long time ago that he doesn't tend to love his characters) but I was compelled, for the second time this week (The Promise), to continue watching just to learn the story. Interestingly, both films depict the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
While Herzog keeps us at bay and on the surface of her adventure, the true Gertrude Bell with her natal Moon Conjunct Pluto, would have been driven deep into Scorpionic emotional territory. Kidman’s Scorpio Ascendant would have been able to journey down into this underworld, but without the written prima materia, the task is nearly impossible. There is dialogue which alludes to this moist creative place seething with potential self-wisdom but the breadth of narrative scope as well as the traditional focus on her romantic interests undermine the presence of any meaningful character development. East of the Red Sea, Bell discovers a hidden gorge with surprisingly fresh

water. "The deeper I penetrate this labyrinth, the more I become known to myself." The movie would have benefited greatly from more of this inner poetic connection to the land...reminiscent of Out of Africa. The majestic mise-en-scène is almost powerful enough to carry the movie. At one point a colleague toasts his fellow archaeologists. Bell responds, "So far I am just a traveler." "Well, then here's to the travelers and those who dig up mysteries from under the surface." A perfect Pluto trine Mercury description. Officially named 'Oriental Secretary' by Churchill, she helped create borders between Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Bell was thought by many to be a spy; but her character states defiantly in the film “I am a spy only for myself.”

JUNE 20-21: CHALLENGING LIBRA MOON

Redon's Woman Among the Flowers

MOON ENTERS LIBRA at 8:29am EDT on Wednesday, June 20 and remains here until Thursday, June 21 at 9:34pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Pluto in Capricorn. SUN ENTERS CANCER tomorrow, June 21 at 6:07am, giving us SUMMER SOLSTICE! Ruled by Venus, this Cardinal Air sign highlights relationships. With the difficult Last Aspect, this is likely to reflect a period where some form of limitation or reality check shows up in this arena, especially with women. It might be important for us to muse on the ramifications or reasons for this resistance or brick wall we face and identify just how we might bring the situation to a better Libran balance. This is also a time when legal issues might arise which are also likely to encounter a block. It's conceivable that finances enter into this equation, as Venus rules Money and Pluto reflects others' resources. Perhaps it's best to use this time for getting clear about what issues are at stake and what alternatives are possible and best suited for our desired outcome. Because Libra/Venus also reflects Art and Beauty we might consider immersing ourselves in aesthetically pleasing environments or even making something of this nature. In general, actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions.

ww.youtube.com/watch?v=olcIido6EL4

LIBRA FILM FOR THE DAY: The Promise, 2016; Writer/Director: Terry George. During the Ottoman Empire's genocide of the Armenian people in the early 20th century, a potential love affair is thwarted by a promise and history. Medical student Mikael (Oscar Isaac), who is betrothed to a woman in his small village, travels to Constantinople for his studies where he meets artist Ana (Charlotte le Bon). Though she is married to American reporter Chris (Christian Bale) she feels more at home with Mikael, in part because they are both Armenian. As they are growing closer brutal attacks on the Armenian population begin and this triangle of characters find themselves immersed in the fight. Venus is clearly thwarted by events of Plutonic magnitude in this poignant period piece. While it takes longer than perhaps it should to get into the meat of the narrative, The Promise is an important story to tell. The current Turkish government continues to deny the events on which the film is based. Once again, reality appears to be a very fragile thing. 

JUNE 18-20: CHALLENGING VIRGO MOON

MOON ENTERS VIRGO at 4:40am EDT on Monday, June 18 and remains here until Wednesday, June 20 at 6:51am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Sun in Gemini. Persephone comes to mind once again in these last few days of Spring - before Summer Solstice on Thursday, June 21. The virgin purity of the Feminine archetype may be tested as it is squared against the Solar Masculine archetype. An innocent emotional response may be challenged by hard-core reason and experience. It will be our choice how to negotiate or value the two perspectives of reality. More simply, this may just be our last Virgo-supported time for spring cleaning! Our drive for perfection in some planned-to-a-tee situation may be thwarted by a communication from another. Both Virgo and Gemini are ruled by Mercury, so the Trickster Archetype is likely to be in play big time. Things may not be as they seem. Remember Virgo's nit-picky nature can sometimes be overly critical - of ourselves and others. Try to see the bigger picture and not get caught up in the small stuff. Be conscientious about not gossiping or not being fully accurate in your statements. Virgo should reflect attention to those slippery details, but Gemini moves so fast that we might not take the time to double check our information. Writers may take advantage of this time but be dissatisfied with their end result. Virgo also reflects health and diet and, with the Square to the Sun, we might not necessarily make the wisest choices for ourselves. Virgo's pretty good about moderation so let's go with that! In general, actions along these themes tend to have Challenging Resolutions.
NOTE: Neptune Goes Retrograde on Monday at 16º Pisces and remains here until November 24 at 13º Pisces. Today Neptune joins Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in retrograde motion (their orbits appear to be going backwards as viewed from Earth). Interestingly, this occurs as the Virgo Moon is Opposite Neptune in Pisces now...The Great Dissolver and Master of Illusion, Neptune, is likely to reflect a time when we re-visit our beliefs and discover what's true and what's not. Best to hold off on any major decisions until you get clear. Making Art, engaging in meditation and other spiritual practices are likely to be deeply revealing for us now. Also, try to keep a journal by your bed to keep a record of your dreams. The symbolic life should be particularly rich and full of meaning. More than ever double check your understanding of the facts you gather and be willing to go with the flow. Neptune rules Cinema so take advantage of this season's strong new releases - and let the images take you on an inner magic carpet ride! Try this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDTbznf26d4

VIRGO FILM FOR THE DAY: The Virgin Spring, Swedish 1960; Director: Ingmar Bergman. Persephone’s myth of abduction and rape becomes a religious morality tale through Bergman’s cinematic eye and strict Lutheran heritage. Here the master filmmaker-philosopher offers a profound visual parable about Good, Evil and the question of God's will. Shot in black and white (of course) we see Torë's (Max von Sydow) pampered, radiant, princess-like virgin daughter Karin (Birgitta

Petterson) reluctantly doing her father's bidding. She is instructed to journey through the forest to take candles to the church but will only obey if she can wear her Sunday finest attire. Accompanied by a jealous witchy servant (Gunnel Lindblom) the only part of the maiden that returns home is one of her blood-stained garments. Her father wreaks retribution on her attackers and while he cries to his God that he doesn't understand how He could watch and let such a thing happen, he asks forgiveness for his own violent revenge.

This very realistically photographed film (Sven Nykvist) resolves with a rather surprising symbolic moment of magical imagery - perhaps to be taken as a sign from God that Torë's violent sin is forgiven and life can eventually go on. There's little moderation in a Bergman film - but the advice to remember the moral bigger picture is clearly part of his Virgonian message. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1960, this Bergman classic is considered one of the most important works in his body of innovative work. The following link is to the complete film with English subtitles. Make sure you click on icon for subtitles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wim8nn5Vyk

Here is a clip with director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi) describing the monumental effect Bergman, and Virgin Spring in particular, had on his own career:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfUzWn_R7jE

  

JUNE 16-17: EXCELLENT LEO MOON

MOON ENTERS LEO at 3:21am EDT on Saturday, June 16 and remains here until Sunday, June 17 at 11:25pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Sun in Gemini. Leo loves to play and entertain. We want to express ourselves with abundant enthusiasm now. This could be a major party weekend! Ruled by the Sun, the center of our solar system, Leo wants to get to the Heart of the matter. That drive towards the heart is often expressed the yearning for and the active seeking of love relationships. It might also be demonstrated by that passionate self-expression witnessed in Art, Music, Poetry and all other creative work. Leo takes pride in this fundamental way of relating and needs to know others appreciate and respect him for his contributions. Always the caution for this Fixed Fire sign Moon → don't hog center stage. Appreciate your playmates fully and let them shine as well. This shouldn't be too hard, for as long as we feel acknowledged ourselves we are also likely to demonstrate our Leonian generosity and warmth this weekend. Honoring the sextile to Gemini this is a perfect time to take off on a short trip with friends or loved ones. It's also a great time for your creative work to blossom. Get to it! Actions initiated during this Leo Moon will tend to have EXCELLENT RESOLUTIONS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps_Sau7xqQ

LEO FILM SCENE: Let the Sun Shine In (Un beau soleil intérieur), 2017; Director: Claire Denis. Isabelle, played by the always mesmerizing Juliette Binoche, is an artist looking for love - in all the wrong places. This hackneyed theme is revitalized by the beauty and life-force that Binoche and Denis bring to the character - and of course, the intellectual yet liberating French perspective. Isabelle is driven at once by her sensuality and her innocence. Binoche comments in an interview: "One of Isabelle’s defining characteristics is that she dives into every relationship with the same amount of faith and the desire to make it work. Despite being hurt over and over again, she finds the [Leonian] courage and the freedom within herself to start anew and to believe in the possibility of love once more." In the final scene with clairvoyant Gerard Depardieu, from which the image above is taken, she seeks guidance and affirmation. She receives this...along with yet another possible suitor. It would appear no one can resist the magical and soulful Isabelle/Juliette - especially the camera.

JUNE 14-15: CHALLENGING CANCER MOON

MOON ENTERS CANCER at 3:20am EDT on Thursday, June 14 and remains here until Friday, June 15 at 12:18pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the day. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Pluto in Capricorn. Ruled by the Moon, this Cancer period is likely to see pretty intense emotional scenarios. The FEMININE ARCHETYPE is highlighted now, so home, family, protection, food and, in general, that which nourishes us is the focus. The Opposition to Pluto signifies potential power plays with women or our use of others' resources being in some form of conflict. Jealousy and possessiveness are Pluto's difficult calling cards in relationships. Be conscious of even subtle motives of control - yours or others'. Be willing to go deep into your inner life for your true motivations. Act as consciously as possible and with integrity. Find the courage to speak your truth, draw your boundaries and honor freedom. In its most optimum expression the underworld of Pluto reflects slow but complete transformation to the depths of our being. What might you be willing to purify or regenerate in yourself now? It also suggests the ability to access a profound healing wisdom in times of crisis. On a lighter, more practical note, we can also utilize this Plutonic lunar energy to renovate our homes! Practical actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have CHALLENGING RESOLUTIONS. Inner rectification may be just what is needed. Remember the Feminine is present now, even in opposition. Spiritual astrologer Isabel Hickey tells us that, "Minerva, goddess of wisdom, rules the highest aspect of Pluto. Every growth begins in the darkness and grows toward the light." I would add that Persephone, abducted by Pluto/Hades and taken to the underworld to become its queen, is allowed to ascend home to mother Demeter after every winter - and with her returns the light, color and regeneration that is Spring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuEIZi-_aYc

CANCER FILM SCENE: Rectify, 2013-2016; Series Creator: Ray McKinnon, Sundance Channel. Though I wrote about this series in December 2016 for its Sagittarius philosophical themes, after watching it again over the last few weeks it strikes me as equally representative of a family in crisis.  And I'll probably refer to it again for other symbolic profundities...it remains one of the most moving screen narratives I've ever entered; it has wrenched open my heart. It is a tale not only of rectification but of purification, both Plutonic qualities. After nineteen years on death row, Daniel Holden, played by a transcendent Aiden Young, is released from prison. His sentence has been 'vacated' due to a DNA technicality and he is allowed to return home to his family. The story delves into the inner lives of its characters, which includes the small town of Paulie, Georgia, and questions how one can negotiate such an emotionally complicated return. Daniel's younger sister Amantha, played by a

modern Demeter/Persephone-like Abigail Spender (she carries both Mother and Bringer of Spring archetypes) devotes her entire adult life to orchestrating his release. Every character in this extended family goes to hell and back with such soul, fatefulness and quiet beauty that it would activate empathy from the most resistant of closed hearts. The series won a Peabody Award which "honors the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and online media." Nothing more need be said...except it's currently streaming on Netflix.

🌙 JUNE 12-13: EXCELLENT GEMINI NEW MOON

MOON ENTERS GEMINI at 2:53am EDT on Tuesday, June 12 and remains here until Wednesday, June 13 at 3:43pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the day. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Sun in Gemini. NEW MOON is EXACT: Wednesday, June 13 at 3:43pm at 22º Gemini. This Moon period is ruled by Mercury, planet of Communication, Mind Processes, Travel and The Trickster. That both the Sun and Moon reside here now makes it a New Moon and a time for New Beginnings along these themes. Take off on a short mid-week trip. Keep it light and flexible. Catch up on all the calls you need to make and messages you've been putting off writing. At this time they're likely to meet with connection and positive responses. Mercury is the information gatherer - all the pieces that go together to make up our understanding and decisions with intelligence. This is a great time for expressing your true self while being very social. Teaching, writing, reading and speaking in general are Gemini's arena. The Trickster Archetype is likely to have you playing games with others or feeling played by the universe! Keep smiling and keep going...The joke's on all of us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwktRDG_aQ

GEMINI NEW MOON FILM SCENE: Won't You Be My Neighbor? 2018; Director: Morgan Neville. This documentary about the life of Fred Rogers, Presbyterian minister and children's PBS television show host, is one of the most endearing and emotionally penetrating films to be produced this year - or any year, for that matter. A legendary, mysterious and provocative teacher of young children, the mostly beloved Mr. Rogers offered all children a healing perspective for a variety of life's experiences. From the meaning of divorce to expressing one's anger, from issues of race and segregation to the concept of death, he disseminated information that supported children in their daily lives. While his demeanor was a soothing, loving and accepting voice in an increasingly chaotic and confrontational world, he was also a vehicle for seemingly radical viewpoints. He routinely utilized the friendly faces of puppets to ease into controversial, complex and often confusing subjects for kids. His language was simple and clear; his pace was slow and steady (not a classic Geminian trait!)  He gave his viewers a sense that each and every person had value, whatever their circumstances - and most of all, that he wanted them to be part of his community. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was an inclusive place where everyone belonged. How remarkable that a unique character such as Fred Rogers found his way onto electronic airwaves and into our living rooms. While his Sun, Moon, Mercury and Venus were all in Pisces - no surprise there - his North Node was in Gemini, so we could easily say it was his destiny.

Check out this clip from Rogers' 1969 testimony in front of the Senate Sub-committee on Communications in support of federal funding for PBS - what the right words from the right person at the right moment can do - nothing short of a miracle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7ljRr0AA

JUNE 10-11: EXCELLENT TAURUS MOON

Birth of Venus - Odilon Redon

MOON ENTERS TAURUS at 0:04am EDT on Sunday, June 10 and remains here until Monday, June 11 at 11:29pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Venus in Cancer. Ruled by Venus this Taurus Moon is in its glory! Its archetype deals with that which we value - its range is from Beauty, Sensuous Love and Art to its Earthy self as Master Builder. What Taurus creates must satisfy a lust for aesthetic pleasure and be of the physical world. And what the Taurus Moon builds she makes for the purpose for of providing security for those she loves. Taurus is a Fixed sign and its stubborn nature is legendary. This is a time for creating Beauty that gives support and being conscious of breathing into and letting go of places where we feel stuck. Taurus is the money sign and this is the time to purchase that which gives you pleasure! Actions along these themes initiated during this Moon period will tend to have EXCELLENT RESOLUTIONS. Note: The Moon will Conjunct Uranus newly in Taurus, now at 1 degree. This may reflect some excitement or unexpected disruption in our home or emotional life. It also may require some needed space. Best to honor Uranus' requests as he's not one to be ignored.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2hcDb7gJ4I

TAURUS FILM SCENE: Back to Burgandy (Ce qui nous lie - That Which Binds Us - original title), 2017 (French); Writer/Director: Cédric Klapisch. A Sensuous Venus is tangible in this gorgeous French wine country film. From the first shot we can tell we are going to relish every moment. Three siblings reconcile their financial conflicts over an inherited vineyard when Jean (Pio Marmaï), the eldest, returns

after many years from Australia and a troubled relationship. Though he has run away from his father and his roots, we witness as he reconnects with the his family and their land which supports him in more ways than he remembers. Perhaps resolutions come too easily but we fall in love with each character - a rare experience - and want to jump into the screen to stomp on grapes and celebrate with them.

JUNE 7-9: FAIR ARIES MOON

Redon's L'ange Guerrrier (Angel of War)

MOON ENTERS ARIES at 5:26pm EDT on Thursday, June 7 after a VOID OF COURSE DAY. MOON REMAINS IN ARIES until Saturday, June 9 at 3:37pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Venus in Cancer. Actions initiated during the V/C period will tend not to work out as planned. It's better to use the time for inner creative work - don't expect to get much practical work accomplished. Ruled by Mars, this Cardinal Fire sign Aries Moon is likely to be a force with which to reckon. The naturally nurturing feminine Moon will now fight for what it wants to protect. It will also probably see some feelings get hurt. Aries likes direct honesty in its actions and communications; often this can be pretty blunt, impulsive and unconsciously hurtful, especially to emotionally sensitive water signs. Just know from whence it comes and toughen up your skin as best you can. This is a good time for being active and passionate about your endeavors. While Aries is skilled at beginning projects, it's best to find support in others for completing them. The square to Venus in Cancer may see some conflicts with women. Breathe through them while finding Aries' courage to speak your truth. Remember Mars carries the Warrior Archetype and we should now have access to the strength that this symbol indicates. Remember also to use this power wisely. Actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have FAIR RESOLUTIONS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7gqRY6R_u4

ARIES FILM SCENE: RGB, 2018; Directors: Julie Cohen and Betsy West. The world never imagined that this demure and physically tiny (5'1") Pisces woman, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, would have become the Aries-like 'badass' legend-in-her-own-time that this film documents. But you never know what accompanies the Sun sign unless you do the natal chart. In fact, Ginsburg's courageous voice, which has formally advocated for gender equality and women's rights since 1970 (when she co-founded the Women's Rights Law Reporter the first law journal in the U.S. to focus exclusively on women's rights) is symbolized by her Mercury in Aries. RGB, which premiered this January at Sundance to rave reviews, is a survey of her profound impact on the American legal system. As the second woman to be named to the Supreme Court, when Sandra Day O'Connor retired in 2006 and Ginsburg was the sole female among the other eight justices (for three years - before Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan were named) she felt compelled to make her oft- dissenting voice heard. She says, "I did feel like kind of a kindergarten teacher in those days because the judges didn't think sex-discrimination existed." Some say the best part of the film, however, is her tender and mutually supportive relationship with deceased husband, tax lawyer Martin Ginsburg. While the feminine Moon - which, by its archetypal nature, nurtures and protects - is in the fiery sign of Mars-ruled Aries, we honor this "Notorious RGB" (as she's known by Tumblr folks to link her to rapper "Notorious BIG") for being one of the best blends of Masculine and Feminine energies we've ever seen on a movie screen...for real. She opens the trailer with: "I ask no favors for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks." A polite soft-spoken Aries Badass!