Summer 97

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW

by Miriam Klamkin

Jupiter sextiled Saturn in February when Saturn was still in aspect to Uranus and Pluto. But Jupiter and Saturn both move faster than the outer planets, and although they are in sextile again, it's not in the exact same spot. With Jupiter retrograde, we have an opportunity to review and reflect on the transformative experiences of the winter without necessarily reliving the intensity of that time. Jupiter is always looking to give us perspective, to stretch our minds beyond their limits. A sextile to Saturn can help us to take the long view of realities that seem grim and depressing and obligations that feel oppressive. We can now execute our responsibilities with grace, moving toward some form of closure with the final (direct) sextile in November. For clues to the specific manifestation of this energy in your life, check the following points in your chart: the house locations of 20 degrees of Aries and 20 degrees of Aquarius; planets that aspect those two points; and the house(s) ruled by Saturn.

Back in February, Mars turned retrograde at 5 degrees of Libra. It went back as far as 16 Virgo where, on April 27th, it began moving direct again. On July 1st, Mars completes the loop when it passes 5 Libra once again. We don't always pay much attention to this leg of a planet's journey, but the time of "recovering lost ground" after a retrograde period has a quality all its own. Yes, matters that were in deadlock while Mars was retrograde did get moving again when it turned direct; but now we're really beginning to get clear of them as the planet gathers speed in a forward direction. Where are 16 Virgo and 5 Libra in your chart? Which of your natal planets did Mars aspect while it traveled between those two points? These indicate major points of stress in your life during the time of inaction and frustration. The stress eases now as we initiate appropriate actions based on what we learned about ourselves then.

ALMANAC

All times EST

• 5 New Moon at 14 Gemini 40
• 9 Jupiter turns retrograde
• 20 Full Moon at 29 Sagittarius 29
• 21 Summer Solstice: Sun enters Cancer at 3:20am

• 4 New Moon at 12 Cancer 49
• 14 Jupiter sextile Saturn
• 19 Full Moon at 27 Capricorn 28

• 1 Saturn turns retrograde
• 3 New Moon at 11 Leo 02
• 12 Pluto turns direct
• 17 Mercury turns retrograde
• 18 Full Moon at 25 Aquarius 32

• 1 New Moon at 9 Virgo 34
• 9 Mercury turns direct
• 16 Full Moon at 23 Pisces 56
• 22 Autumn Equinox: Sun enters Libra at 6:56pm

Miriam Klamkin has more than twenty years of experience in the field of astrology. Her astrological practice, Night Vision Astrology, includes private consultations, chart services, classes, and workshops. She can be reached by phone at 508-921-0789,or via e-mail as miriam@earthspirit.com.