Planetary Cycles Through End of July, 2006

June fulfills the Chinese axiom, "may you live in interesting times."

The strongest planetary configuration of the month is the T-square among Jupiter in Scorpio, Mars and Saturn in Leo, and Chiron in Aquarius. Jupiter represents optimism, Saturn, pessimism; Jupiter, expansion, Saturn contraction. Feisty Mars throws discord and impatience into the mix, while Chiron warns of old wounds surfacing.

Conflict is likely to manifest between seeing idealistic possibilities and trying to making realistic assessments, between the urge to move forward and the fear of reaching too far. This can make it feel that no matter what we do it's not enough or that we should be doing something else. Yet these planetary patterns provide an opportunity to appropriately stand up for ourselves, let go of old wounds, learn from past mistakes, and ultimately pursue future goals more wisely.

In the political arena, President George Bush's chart is affected by all this planetary energy. Very likely, more scandals will pop up or old ones will be revisited, making it a tough month for the President.

The Sun's trek through Gemini encounters both favorable and difficult planetary aspects. Aspects to Neptune heighten creative urges and idealism. More difficult aspects to Uranus and Pluto heighten the likelihood of erratic conditions and power struggles.

In July, Mercury turns Retrograde once again. Its Retrograde trek starts on July 4 in early Leo and moves backward until July 29 when it reaches 21 degrees of Cancer. This Retrograde is not as feisty or difficult as the one in March, but it behooves us to watch out for communication mishaps. It's best to avoid signing contracts or agreements. Expect people to be late for appointments or possibly not show up at all. Avoid mechanical or electrical failures by having the car checked or backing up the computer ahead of time. If you were born or have planets in late Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, or Aries, or early Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, or Taurus, you are most affected.

Yet at the same time, the Sun's trek through Cancer makes significantly favorable planetary aspects with trines to both Jupiter and Uranus. This puts an optimistic spin on the month. It's time to take a leap of faith and step into the unknown, particularly for those with the Sun or other planets in mid Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces.

Joyce Levine is a full-time professional consulting astrologer, lecturer, teacher, and author with over 30 years experience. She serves as a catalyst for her clients (1) to recognize their natural abilities and use them to overcome their personal obstacles to success, and (2) to take action at the right time to attain desired results. Joyce consults with individuals, couples, families, and businesses.

You can contact Joyce at 617-354-7075

Joyce's Astrological Predictions From 2005

The following are likely with Neptune in Aquarius, Pluto in Sagittarius, Jupiter in Libra, Saturn in Cancer, and Uranus in Pisces. Some of these are positive trends, others much more difficult. Bush's popularity significantly falling by June Real estate prices falling

Value of dollar declining against other currencies and precious metals

Rise in prices of commodities - gold, precious metals, food, and energy.

Continuing growth of spiritualism.

More women in the boardroom.

Success being measured by personal choice, not just money or opportunities to climb the corporate ladder.

Increase in cosmetic surgery and money being spent on beauty.

Continued concerns over violence and terrorism--not abating before 2009.

In her book, A Beginner's Guide to Astrological Interpretation, first published in 1992, Joyce predicted the following:

"With Pluto's transiting Sagittarius from 1995 until 2009, religion, philosophy, higher education, and even long-distance travel take their turn being regenerated. Since Pluto brings out the dark side of a sign before regenerating it, scandals involving financial misappropriations and sexual misconduct in religious organizations and colleges will be even more prevalent than they are today. Increased terrorist activity is on airlines is another likely manifestation before the world changes its current religious and philosophical tenets."