The planetary cycles don’t cause things to happen, they just amplify certain probabilities. Astrology is the art of translating these planetary probabilities into common sense. Astrological symbolism is as old as mankind and best learned in small doses.
A Slice of Heaven provides a glimpse into the current influences. It examines what happens in the heavens above and how it effects the everyday experience here on earth.

The month starts with a stellium in Gemini, as the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mercury retrograde are all cavorting in the ambidextrous, multi faceted sign. Gemini and Pisces are the two dual signs in the zodiac. As Gemini is an air sign this duality manifests as an intellectual orientation, while the duality of Pisces are in the emotional realm, more feeling, less thinking. During this current mega Gemini influence people will really want to get their words out, communicate freely and look at the many options on the table. This is good for connecting the dots, reconnecting with people, places and things.
8 of 10 planets are in earth and air element, that’s heavy on logic and reason, only Mars in Leo and Uranus in Pisces to hold up the emotional polarity.


Mercury
The classical Mercury was a messenger between the gods and mortals, often depicted as a hermaphrodite - with the physical characteristics of both genders, being androgynous, somewhere in-between. This in-between-ness of Mercury is an important aspect for understanding the sign of Gemini. All apparent opposites are embodied, which can be confusing to those with more straight-laced, goal oriented mindsets. The Gemini individual can hop, skip and jump from one aspect of their colorful personality, from one minute to the next. This also applies to people who where born with Mercury close to the Sun.
Since Mercury is the planet that orbits closest to the Sun, it is a bit more erratic in its motion. Hot air anyone? The planetary paths are somewhat elliptical, when observed from the earth and against the background of the zodiac they appear to go backward at times. Mercury, because of its tighter orb goes into retrograde motion more frequently than any other planet, about three times per year for the duration of about three weeks each.
When Mercury is retrograde its influence is felt more strongly, as the sign it retrogrades through becomes charged with mercurial mischief. Communication can be difficult, mechanical things tend to break down, letters and messages may be lost or misplaced. Weird synchronicities and repetitions. Good for reconnecting with the known, not great for starting new projects or signing contracts.
Whatever you do during Mercury retrograde you’ll likely get to do again, which is good for some things like fun and games, and not good for others like major dental work.

This current retrograde ends on June 19 Mercury turns direct, when the wheels of progress will be chugging along again.


Famous Topanga Gemini:
Happy birthday, much love and blessings to Claire Davis, Jean Francis, Mollie Hogan, Chryssa Lightheart, Adam Scott, Lisa Villasenor, Henry Smith, Randy Just, Elaine Alghani, Jane McAllister, Andrea Walker, Delphine Scoffield, Roland Van Loon and all others not mentioned here. Cheers!



A few highlights:

Jun 3
New Moon 14* Gemini
A fine day for exploring all your options and opportunities. Good for connecting with peers, siblings and people from your past, also for initiating correspondence. Don’t limit your choices now, everything is possible!

Jun 7
Sun conjunct Mercury ret, Moon in Leo eclipses Mars
There is much nervous, restless energy today. Comes with a tendency to skim the surface of things, while unable to go deep or concentrate.

Jun 8
Sun conjunct Venus
Always a fine time to enjoy the magic of life in all it’s forms and expressions. Comes with an increased sense of fairness, appreciations and being open to each other. Auspicious for beginning new relationships. Love rules!

Jun 12
Venus and Sun square Uranus
This line-up is all about individuation, the need for personal space and freedom. It can trigger impulsive reactions, bursts of sudden eccentricities. Good for radical self expression, not great for boring tasks. Expect a few monkey wrenches.

Jun 18
Full Moon 28* Sagittarius
This Moon is conjunct Pluto in the last degree of the sign. It makes for much pressure to complete things or to make them happen. People are inclined to speak their mind without restraint or self censoring. Look out for some juicy revelations or “Oops!” moments in the news. Mercury has no aspects at all, a singleton, doing it’s own thing.

Jun 19
Mercury SD
Here the gears are shifting into neutral and get ready to accelerate towards action. No more re-doing the past, go for what’s new and exciting. It is also okay to sign those papers, leases or contracts at this time.

Jun 20
Sun opposes Pluto, enters Cancer, Summer Solstice
A powerful shift into the next season. As the days are longest, and solar energy is at it’s peak, the Sun also aspects the lord of the underworld. Pluto takes down all that has outlived it‘s usefulness, and opens the door for new times to come.
Oppositions create a strong magnetic pull, comes with an urge to “must do something”, especially for the cardinal signs (Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, Libra)

Jun 21
Mars opposes Neptune
This aspect has a potential for deception or trickery. Cause and effect may be confused, peoples goals and motivations misunderstood. Keep your eye on the ball, and pay attention in crowds or in traffic.

Jun 26
Uranus SR
Are you feeling a bit radical, antsy, or feisty these days? It’s a transit, it will pass, but do enjoy the excitement that comes with the territory.



Lola Babalon is a Topanga Psychic, Astrologer and Herbalist. She provides spiritual counsel, hands-on healing and no-nonsense readings for individuals, couples and groups. She also produces local herb tinctures, fine aphrodisiac Love-potions and can be found online at www.sexpeace.net 310/455-0103