The sun entered the sign of the twins, Gemini, on May 20, where it will travel until the Summer solstice on June 21. Mercurial by nature, people born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Gemini must work to establish a fine balance between the extremes of their nature. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun transits Gemini during the heart of Spring when the earth is alight with flowers, the trees are bursting with leaves, and the streams and rivers are overflowing. Spring is a time of fullness, and Gemini people often reflect this fullness with their lighthearted playfulness.

Full Moon sheds light on Gemini's expressiveness

Gemini is, by nature, intellectual, social, and communicative. While the sun travels through Gemini in late May, and during the first three weeks of June, we naturally become more outgoing and creative. On June 5, a full moon in Sagittarius, opposite the sun in Gemini, illuminates the theme for June. This year, as the sun makes its way through Gemini, it travels together with Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury, giving us a triple dose of Gemini playfulness, changeability, and restlessness. In the sign of Gemini, Saturn brings us lessons, or "karma" with communication. Jupiter in Gemini expands our horizons, prompting us to travel, learn new things, or embark on some adventures, and Mercury in Gemini increases our expressiveness.

Gemini playfulness opposes Sagittarius' principles

Three planets, Pluto, Mars, and Chiron in Sagittarius, stand opposed to the Gemini grouping, creating tension between the Gemini urge to be playful, experimental, and expressive, and the Sagittarian need to be true to our principles by following a philosophical or spiritual path. This dilemma becomes the theme for the month of June, which, to some extent, each of us will be grappling with. In this pursuit, it may, or may not, be helpful that the planet of communication, Mercury, turns retrograde (apparent backwards motion) on June 3.

Mercury retrograde slows us down

While Mercury is retrograde in Gemini (from June 3 until June 27), the tendency to direct our attention outwardly into the world is curtailed, and we become inwardly reflective, concerning ourselves more with the past. For some of us, this may feel restrictive, as the other planetary energies in June are thrusting us outward. However, Mercury retrograde serves the very useful purpose of giving us hindsight, so we can learn from the lessons of the past. In addition, it gives us the opportunity to get current with our affairs by cleaning up and completing unfinished communications and old business.

Eclipse and Summer Solstice bring changes

On June 21 we encounter a remarkable occurrence. On this day, we have not only the Summer Solstice, but also a Solar Eclipse in the sign of Cancer. Either of these planetary events signals powerful changes, but together, they give us a double dose. The Summer Solstice, as the sun enters Cancer, marks the longest day of the year, the beginning of a new season, and a symbolic "stop" in time to give us a deep look at the rhythms of our lives. A solar eclipse at the beginning of the sign Cancer serves a similar purpose, in that the eclipse can bring extreme changes if that is what is needed to restore us to a more natural harmony, or balance.

Giving and receiving

The solar eclipse in Cancer brings our awareness to changes that are needed within the structure of our home and family life. We may become more aware of our need for nurturing and support, and the need to give nurturing and support to others. During the last week in June our values are being tested to help us course-correct, or to find a new life direction. When Mercury resumes direct motion on June 27, we may begin to implement needed changes.

Sun Signs for June 2001

ARIES - You may feel overwhelmed as you try to fit in too many projects and activities, and find yourself going in too many different directions. However, philosophical and spiritual breakthroughs open a new arena of possibilities that can point you toward the right experiences this month.

TAURUS -Various financial options arise from a new career possibility or business opportunity. This may require you to make changes in your investments or mutually held assets with a partner, leading you to experience a transformation and healing of your old values and beliefs.

GEMINI - Several planets in your sign this month add to a feeling of wanderlust. So many new possibilities are opening before you, but this could cause an upset in your primary relationships. Any new vision and understanding should be communicated to your loved ones.

CANCER -Dynamic forces operating in your life bring a complete transformation of your normal daily routines. Behind the scenes, spiritual assistance is with you. Letting the life changes happen will bring much needed healing.

LEO - Creativity surges this month as you see long awaited changes in life direction materializing. A project that you have been nurturing for some time comes to fruition, bringing a feeling of abundance and grace.

VIRGO -The green light is on for career and business advancement this month. Transformation and healing that is going on with your family, or in your home life, is essentially positive, but you may experience it as a distraction to your work. Find creative solutions to a domestic dilemma.

LIBRA - A legal or ethical issue takes you back to the drawing board in terms of your essential values and beliefs. A necessary transformation in your outlook, especially involving children or creative projects, needs to be communicated this month.

SCORPIO - A transformation of your financial situation occurs this month, bringing new options and opening future possibilities for your family, or in your home life. More enlightened values are the result of many months of reflection about what has true meaning for you.

SAGITTARIUS - The full moon in your sign together with a stellium of planets in Sagittarius makes this an exciting month full of personal transformation. Love relationships are stimulating, and communication with friends or relatives is expansive. You have a new vision for your life.

CAPRICORN - A phrase that could apply to your life this month is, "when it rains, it pours!" You have so much to do you hardly know where to begin, but remember, this activity can bring you the prosperity you have desired. Help comes from unexpected sources.

AQUARIUS - Your life is changing so fast you may feel like you are on a merry-go-round. Hold on tight, and let it fly! This month, explore new directions and possibilities. A budding new romance, or great enjoyment with children or creative projects is on your horizon.

PISCES - Career changes and pressures can make you nervous and restless this month, but they bring many new possibilities and welcome opportunities into your life. The cure for all the tension you are feeling is meditation, healing and spiritual renewal.

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Carolina Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina Eastwood is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose.

For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@cts.com. You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.