Waking from the Dream

Astrology by David Weatherly

June/July 2005

Can you hear the sounds? What started as a subtle chime years ago has become a blaring alarm of urgency. We are being called to awaken from a dream or, in the view of many, a nightmare. The shift in consciousness has begun and with it the shifting of the planet itself. Events of the last several months - earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanos - are a not-so-subtle call to change the direction in which we as a people are going. Native elders have cried out for years and now, more than ever, it is time. Time to listen and, more importantly, time to take action.

There will be a dramatic shift in energies this summer when the planet Saturn moves from Cancer into the sign of Leo. The journey of Saturn through Cancer, over the US natal sun, has been an extremely difficult one for this country. As Saturn transitions into Leo on the 17th of July a new period begins and we should all pay attention to the new attitudes that it brings. Leo can bring much attention to the ego and its needs. The sign of many great actors, Leo can bring out the dramatic in any situation. The lion is also a sign of leadership and positive actions. In this regard, the placement of Saturn here can bring attention to those things which need to be changed in our communities.

On June 4th, Venus moves into Cancer. It will also travel through Leo and Virgo during this two month period. A degree of self-evaluation is called for at this time. Trust may be an issue with many relationships in your life. You may suddenly discover that someone close to you does not share the same ideals and values that you do. It is always important to be comfortable on a mental, emotional and spiritual level with those around you. This will be a time to closely evaluate the time you spend with others. Is it of value to your spiritual journey, or is there someone who is holding you back from the things you need to accomplish and experience?

In general, romantic relationships take a turn for the better in July. The desire to be a homebody will have to be balanced carefully with the need to be out in the sun and nature.

Mars will move from Pisces to Aries on June 13th. Mars is not well placed in Pisces, a water sign. This aspect often leads to hotheaded attitudes and the need to "blow off steam" because of the fire-water mix. Aries, however, is ruled by Mars so this will be a positive placement. The high, active energy of Mars is excellent for the summer months. This is a perfect time to enjoy summer activities, especially athletic and outdoor oriented events.

Jupiter has been moving retrograde (backwards) in Libra since February. On June 5th it will finally turn direct. This forward motion could give a positive boost to the stock market and the economy in general. Unfortunately, there is little hope in sight for the rising cost of gas and oil. Jupiter is the planet of growth, expansion, learning and travel. Be careful of the extravagant tendencies of Jupiter during this time. This summer is a bit different as the inclination is to stay closer to home rather than to travel long distance. Shorter, closer trips are the order of the day for family vacations this year. Although tourism will be down in many areas, business in general is good over the warm months. Libra is the sign of balance and places emphasis on relationships. Much of the focus at this time will be on increasing the comforts of the home. Community building is also an important key. Now is the time to reach out to those like-minded people around you and to establish solid, active networks of spiritual people. This is a time to build for the future with its myriad possibilities. Having a strong support system in place offers a deep sense of security.

Weather patterns will continue to be erratic over the months of June and July. There is still danger in the east, especially Indonesia and the Ring of Fire. Prayers and positive energy should continue to be sent to this region since we may not have yet seen the last of the devastation. Likewise, the Middle East will continue in a state of disruption. We can expect to see increasing calls for the US soldiers stationed there to be returned home after this long struggle. Unfortunately, we have not seen the end yet of the US involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

As for the outer planets, Uranus is still in Pisces and will turn retrograde on June 14th. Neptune remains in retrograde motion in Aquarius, and Pluto continues its retrograde movement in Sagittarius. The outer planets have an effect on the subconscious as well as overall social attitudes. Their positions are important in the growth of the Aquarian age and the global shift in consciousness.

This shift is indeed occurring, despite appearances to the contrary. As a global people, humanity cannot continue on the course that it has followed these past years. The destruction of our environment on both the physical and spiritual levels must be reversed. We've all heard the wake up call, and the alarm bells are becoming louder. Each individual has a choice to either heed the alarm or to continue sleeping in a vain attempt to ignore the call to get to work.