by Lina Elisabeth Preston 4 min read

A retrograde Mercury is closely involved with the solar eclipse in Taurus on June 10th, which can manifest problems with communication. Mars is debilitated all month and Jupiter goes retrograde on June 20th. Let’s take a closer look at how these transits will affect us this month.

Communication problems, anyone?

Mercury is unsettled this June. He just entered Gemini on May 26th, the day of the lunar eclipse. However, a couple of days later he went retrograde. Mercury retrogrades back into Taurus on June 2nd, just in time to be closely involved with the solar eclipse on June 10th.

There is a need to be conscious of what we say and how we communicate during this time. Mercury is the planet of communication, education, trade and commerce. Misunderstandings can occur, and we might need to watch out for manipulation and dishonesty. Read the fineprint if you need to sign any contracts.

Gemini and Virgo ascendants, or people with their Moon in these signs, should keep life simple during this time. Cancer and Leo ascendants are of course also affected when their planetary ruler is involved in the solar eclipse.

Eclipses can reveal things we were previously unaware of. With Mercury in retrograde, we might need to re-examine and re-evaluate matters. The retrograde Mercury in Taurus exchanges signs with Venus in Gemini until June 22nd. That indicates that during this time some people might need to look over their finances, or go about business in a different way than before.

Mercury retrogrades for 24 days, from May 29th until June 22nd.

Once Mercury is direct again on June 22nd, the Mercury/Rahu connection in Taurus can be quite positive. This combination can show innovation and progressive thinking regarding business, finances, technology and education.

Why is Mars debilitated in Cancer?

Mars goes into the sign of his debilitation, Cancer, on June 1st and stays in this sign until July 20th. It may be difficult to understand why Mars is debilitated in Cancer, because Mars is actually a very good planet for Cancer ascendants and Mars and the Moon (the ruler of Cancer) are friends.

Mars is often militant, a warrior and a defender of nations. We see the energy of Mars expressed in people such as firefighters, surgeons, athletes, the police and members of the military. Mars is quick to action and often saves lives through his quick response. This planet has energy that is well expressed in a disciplined way. This is why he is exalted in Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn.

Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon and expresses emotions and feelings. Mars has the ability to act quickly, but in Cancer he can act impulsively and defensively under the influence of emotions. Mars is hot and the emotions can get overheated.

The debilitation of Mars is cancelled if the Moon is well placed in his own sign Cancer, or in the sign of his exaltation, Taurus. A well placed Jupiter can also cancel the debilitation because Jupiter can influence Mars to act in accordance with wisdom and dharma.

Confrontational Energy

Until July 20th, the debilitated Mars in Cancer is in mutual aspect with a retrograde Saturn in Capricorn.

Their opposition is not favorable. The energy is confrontational, and there is potential for social unrest.

The sign of Libra is under stress because both Saturn and Mars are casting their aspects on Libra. When Venus, the ruler of Libra, joins Mars in Cancer from June 22 until July 16, Libra’s qualities of diplomacy, peace and justice come under increased pressure. However, Jupiter is also aspecting Libra which might be a saving grace.

What does Jupiter retrograde mean?

On June 20th, Jupiter begins his retrograde. Jupiter goes retrograde for 120 days every year which means he is retrograde about 30% of the time. Jupiter is the planet of expansion and knowledge.

Retrograde does not mean that he goes into reverse even though it may appear that way. He is just moving slower than normal.

It doesn’t mean that he is weak either. Jupiter is actually closer to Earth than normal, and his influence is strongly felt. However, while in retrograde he doesn’t necessarily express himself in a dynamically outward way. When Jupiter is retrograde in the birth chart he tends to be more inward and reflective. A retrograde Jupiter wants to expand inner knowledge and wisdom.

When Jupiter goes retrograde we often need to review what has been accomplished. We may need to do something again. For example, some people may want to return to school and expand their education.

We are now slowly returning to normal life and with a retrograde Jupiter perhaps we need to ask ourselves how we should go about it. Many things have changed. How do we want to grow?

Jupiter Retrograde in Satabhisha Nakshatra

Jupiter is retrograde in Aquarius in Satabhisha nakshatra, from June 20th to July 19th.

Satabhisha nakshatra is ruled by Rahu.

In Vedic mythology, Rahu was involved in the churning of the ocean while making an effort to find the Divine nectar. Both good, sattvic and beneficial things came up from the ocean, but also negative and poisonous ones.

Similarly, Satabhisha has both dark and healing qualities.

Satabhisha is also called “the nakshatra of a hundred physicians.” It can heal, but there may also be a need for healing. Satabhisha is good with medicines and herbs and benefits by focusing on the positive.

Since the emotional Mars in Cancer is also casting an aspect on Jupiter during this time, it is especially important to try to remain positive.

Jupiter in this nakshatra can help to calm negativity and uplift the energy by having a focus on the positive.

You may find this affirmation helpful:

The decisions that I make in life come from within myself, from my sense for what is right. I am committed to the truth, and to channeling it outward to the world.

–From Affirmations for Self-Healing by Swami Kriyananda

Dates to Remember

June 1 - July 20 Mars in Cancer
June 2 - July 8 Mercury comes back into Taurus
May 28 - June 22 Venus in Gemini
June 2 - June 22 Mercury - Venus exchange
June 10th Annular Solar eclipse
June 14 - July 16 Sun in Gemini
June 20 - Oct 18 Jupiter Retrograde begins in Aquarius, ends in Capricorn
June 20 - July 19 Jupiter Retrograde in Satabhisha
June 22 Mercury is direct in Taurus
June 22 - July 16 Venus in Cancer

Blessings,
Lina

Lina Elisabeth Preston
Lina Elisabeth Preston

Lina Elisabeth Preston has been doing astrological consultations for 20 years. She is a certified Jyotish Visharada and member and practitioner with the Council of Vedic Astrology. Lina also works with vedic gemstones. A long time meditator and disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, Lina lives with her husband Binay at Ananda Village, a spiritual community in Northern California. Lina and Binay founded their business Northern Lights in 1990.



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