What’s happening in June?
8 JUNE
(Sunday flights in and out on 7th and 14th June)
THE GREEK ISLAND SUMMER SCHOOL – DISCOVERING ASTROLOGY
It’s our 14th season of sun, fun and horoscopes! The first half of June is a beautiful time to be in Greece – fabulous sunny weather, warm evenings, eating out at the seafront or beach tavernas – all at amazingly good value for money. If you’re a last-minuter the bargains are up for grabs. See this link to Charter Flights – destination airport PREVEZA – only 45 minutes transfer time to Nidri, on Lefkada:
http://search.charterflights.co.uk/fusion/flexiflights.pl?sessionkey=F8996858-4BF8i417F-B584-DED779D16547&resultkey=default
Return flights, incl 20k baggage allowance – now £169.00
Spacious rooms or small apartments on seafront – from £20.00 a night
Don’t hesitate to come alone! Most students do, to learn and enjoy the company of likeminded people. There’s plenty of free time to enjoy your holiday – all of Wednesday and Saturday. Group meals are organized for the evenings and you can still enjoy a two course meal with wine for less than 15 Euros a head.
If you want a package deal the top picks are from Cosmos –
http://www.cosmos.co.uk/search-results/package/package/eg/egl/eglni/any/2015-06-07/0/0/7/lgw/1/1-2-0-0/0/0/default
Avra Beach hotel – £233 per person, including flights, transfers to and from the hotel, accommodation and breakfast. These prices are based on two sharing a room but single person supplement is usually quite manageable – call them to get the best quote! Cosmos Holidays 0843 227 1464
LONDON ASTROLOGY WORKSHOPS
Saturday 20 June
Level 1 Be Your Own Astrologer (13 of 20 places available)
Level 1 is suitable for all levels from beginner to intermediate.
This is a fun workshop, based on the material covered in my new book of the same name (Cico Books, March 2015). We pack a lot in, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to work on your own horoscope.
We will be covering the basics of Sun signs and planetary symbolism and houses – all very interactive and focused on working on your own charts. We’ll be studying transits and prediction in the afternoon session and I’ll be breaking everyone up into groups to learn more about your own horoscope.
Sunday 21 June
Level 2 Planets and Prediction (14 of 20 places available)
Level 2 is suitable for refreshers and intermediate.
Your horoscope is a natal blueprint but is also a mechanism in perpetual motion. Learn how astrology reflects not only your nature but your life experience in the past, present and immediate future, as described by the cycles of the planets.
My colleagues astrologers Sally Kirkman and Grant Davis will be with us on both days to assist with the work on everyone’s charts.
All workshops run from 10am to 5pm, £85 for the day, non returnable deposit of 35 payable at the time of booking, or as close to as possible. If you are a new student you will need to send me send your data – date, place and time of birth – as I’ll be drawing up everyone’s horoscope as usual in advance.
Email me joannaw@otenet.gr if you’d like to reserve a place or if you have any questions that you’d like to discuss.
The venue for both workshops is:
The Astrological Lodge
The Theosophical Society
50 Gloucester Place
London W1U 8EA
http://www.astrolodge.co.uk/location
What’s happening this week?
All times stated in BST
Mercury continues on his backwards journey through his own sign of Gemini – crossed wires, throat problems – one of my students has even gone down with mumps! – and dodgy information have all been the usual features of the mind planet in mischief mode. However, Mercury is not in the picture this week in terms of making any aspects to the other planets so it may well be that he’s done his worst! In fact, his next aspect is a lovely sextile to Venus next Wednesday just as he’s turning direct again, so this is a great week for easing yourself back into the driving seat. Get back to the matters that are important to you, or to the things that have been neglected for whatever reason.
This week’s Full Moon is also designed to throw light on things –
Tuesday Full Moon at 12 degrees of Sagittarius (17.20)
Full Moons illuminate, clarify or bring a matter full circle. In particular look out for themes ruled by the fire sign of Sagittarius. In traditional astrology the sign of the Archer is the learner and explorer of the zodiac, the sign of “the higher mind”, ruling truth, justice, travel, education and freedom. If you have planets at or close to 12 degrees of this sign (or the other mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo or Pisces) this Full Moon will be especially significant for you and here’s the usual link for checking the position of your natal planets:
http://www.alwaysastrology.com/birth-chart-calculator.html
Note that Full or New Moons often act as links in a chain so if this is a relevant sign and degree for you then this week will mark a milestone on your current journey, a turning point or even a catalyst for the resolution of unfolding events.
The only spokes in this week’s astrological wheel are two quinqunxes – an awkward aspect formed when two planets reach the same degree but five signs apart – both to Pluto and one of which coincides with this Full Moon –
Tuesday Mars quinqunx Pluto (16.37)
Saturday Sun quinqunx Pluto (00.30)
Mars and the Sun are both now travelling through Gemini, while Pluto of course continues on his long, slow trek through Capricorn. Pluto is currently retrograde at 15 degrees of Capricorn so, again, if this is a relevant degree for you, then these aspects are worth noting, especially as they tend to signal the kind of themes that we associate with retrograde Mercury – ie blind spots, differences of “ne’er the twain shall meet” variety, the things you couldn’t possibly anticipate or setbacks as a result of illness or injury. So although Mercury has gone quiet this week he is still part of the backdrop and these awkward aspects to Pluto are the most sensitive hotspots of the week. You don’t have to turn into a full blown cynic but do practice caution, don’t believe everything you hear and be aware that others may have hidden agendas. If something isn’t adding up then this will be for a reason that will emerge at a later date, probably next week. If you’re unsure about committing to any course of action then buy yourself a bit more time.
Otherwise the rest of the week has a definite feel good factor. The love planet Venus is on the move, changing sign and headed for a positive aspect with Saturn at the end of the week –
Friday Venus ingress Leo (16.34)
Saturday Venus trine Saturn (07.24)
The fire sign of Leo is not recognized as one of Venus’ signs of “dignity” but it’s nevertheless a combination that really works for me. Leo is passionate, whole hearted and dramatic, and there are worse qualities that you could bring to your love life! If you need some attention then ask for it, if your partner needs attention then be lavish with it, or if you want to meet someone new then get out there and seek the social spotlight. Leo has an entertaining streak and loves an audience. Find out where the fun is happening and get involved.
Conversely, and especially with the “get real” aspect to Saturn, it’s important to take a big step back if you are unhappy. If you secretly know that you are never going to get what you want from someone then now is the time to accept that. Venus in Leo is also a wonderful symbol for self love, for boosting your self esteem and finding love within first rather than moving from the belief that you have to find it from someone else. Psychologically Leo is about being centered and confident in your individuality.
These messages and lessons are especially poignant at the moment as Venus is embarking upon an epic journey through this sign. When at full speed she can whizz through a sign in about a month – just as Mercury does – but retrograde periods slow these planets down. Mercury turns retrograde three times a year for about three weeks at a time, but Venus turns retrograde only once every 18 months and for about 6 weeks at a time.
There’s a while to go before this happens as Venus doesn’t turn retrograde until the end of July, but as she heads for that turning point her journey will become slower and slower. By the time Venus turns direct again (early September) and changes sign again (early October) it will feel as if she’s been in Leo forever! So take note of what happens or who you meet at the end of the week or over this coming weekend – the chances are that it’s the beginning of something very important.
The end of the week also brings another positive aspect that supports this picture –
Saturday Mars sextile Jupiter (00.39)
As stated earlier Mars is moving through Gemini along with the Sun, so these two planets are currently working in tandem. We’ll have the Sun sextile Jupiter next Monday (22.57) so Mars, planet of action, is initiating or paving the way to events that add up to smart moves. Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius – the sign in which we have this week’s Full Moon – so this is like a double whammy of all those themes. Look out for duality – Mars in Gemini, sign of the Twins, just loves doubling up. For example, the things that would be difficult to handle or do alone become easier and happier when you join forces with someone else. Remember that Jupiter is the “Greater Benefic” – he is good for us and is the bringer of opportunity and good fortune. As above, so below –those who come into our life or events that correspond with Jupiter aspects, are considered to be beautifully starred.
It’s the 1st of the month – the time when the Greeks say “Kalo Mina” (have a good month) – so may Jupiter smile on you!
Until next week, love from Greece,
Joanna