The New Lunar Phase Cycle begins with New Moon in Gemini

New Moon, 23 Gemini 41, June 14, 2007, 11:13 pm EDT
Gemini is the sign most associated with communication, but if you're planning this New Moon for the finalizing or sending of important documents, caution is advised. Mercury, ruler of Gemini, and planetary symbol of communication, turns retrograde tomorrow, at 7:40 pm EDT, after Moon has passed into the watery and emotional sign of Cancer. The retrograde station occurs at 11 Cancer 35. Words sent too hastily on New Moon day, perhaps with the goal of foiling the retrograde, may be regretted.

I do not believe in being superstitious about Mercury retrograde. Having once run a business with the word "communication" as part of its name, I'm clearly aware that one cannot cease to mail, or phone, or send books to the printer (for example) until Mercury turns direct once again. But respect calls for extra care and thought in all matters ruled by Mercury while he is retrograde period. It is also best to also take extra care during the shadow period from Direct Station until Mercury has passed in direct motion the degree at which his Retrograde Station occurred. Mercury will change to direct motion at 2 Cancer 33 on July 9 and will pass the 11th degree of Cancer by July 25.

Gemini New Moon Magic
Gemini is a social sign, too. Make a ritual for this New Moon by walking out with a friend (or several friends) late at night beneath the stars. Join hands as you ask for blessings of the Maiden Goddess to guide your thoughts and ideas. Then walk along in the night together, taking turns brainstorming on a question for each of you. Let a question be posed, then quckly speak of whatever comes to mind. New Moon is instinctive, so throw out ideas as they occur—don't stop to ponder them before you speak. Though some things that come out in any brainstorming session may be useless, even silly, quite often just the answer needed will emerge and cause a seed of the new to sprout and grow. Be sure to thank the Maiden for her inspiration at the close of your rite.

Crescent Moon, 12 Leo 01, June 18, 2007, 11:06 am EDT
Summer Solstice, Sun at 0° Cancer 00, June 21 at 2:06pm EDT
The culmination of Light at the solar-seasonal Sabbat comes toward the end of this month's Crescent Moon phase. Crescent is a time of challenge to persist in moving forward toward goals—to increase the light—despite the pull of the past or our own inner lethargy. Midsummer (or Summer Solstice) celebrates the maximum power of Sun, but with the recognition that from this point forward, light gradually wanes. The results of seeds (real or symbolic) planted months ago have now grown to full flower and will soon bear fruit. We can enjoy the color, but what is the purpose, unless the fruits of fulfillment are harvested and shared? Common to both themes is acceptance of personal responsibility.

Click here for my article on the lore of Summer Solstice
Click here for A Personal Summer Solstice Ritual

First Quarter Moon, 0 Libra 46, June 22, 2007, 9:15 am EDT
On the second day of this phase, June 23, the outer planet Uranus turns retrograde at 18 Pisces 41. If you have planets or angles of your chart in the middle degrees of Pisces, Gemini, Virgo or Sagittarius, this station may be especially significant for you. Uranus is spotlighting an area of your life in which somehow you need additional freedom...even if you don't yet realize you do, and even if you may be digging in your heels in denial. If you are resisting your need for change, freedom, independence, or perhaps greater personal creativity, or maybe to break with convention and try something new, you may experience this transit with a good deal of tension. But, if you can be flexible, experimental and willing to try "doing your own thing" then Uranus can mean a time of excitement, greater freedom and maybe even a surprising new lease on life.

This phase is the "crisis of action." If decisions must be made, this is the time to make them and get on with it. Take charge of your life and move forward with energy toward your goals.

Gibbous Moon, 19 Scorpio 41, June 26, 2007, 11:59 am EDT
Moon is almost full, but not quite. Yesterday Saturn opposed Neptune (21 Leo/Aquarius). This is the third repeat of an opposition that first occurred last August at 17 Leo/Aquarius, then again in February at 20 Leo/Aquarius. You who have important points in your horoscope in those mid-degrees of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus or Scorpio may especially relate to the themes of this slow-moving pair. The blend is of Saturnine pragmatism, structure and reality with Neptunian ideals, dreams and fantasies. If your dreams are grounded in real potential, this transit can be a time of taking steps toward making your dreams come true. But if they are unrealistic, this could be a time fraught with disappointment and/or coming to terms with that unreality. Or, you could get in the way of your own ability to achieve your dreams by negative thinking. What is called for in any opposition aspect is balance. Balance your vision with realistic possibilities. It may also be helpful to get outside yourself and spend time in an activity that blends the higher themes of Neptune (art, healing, spirituality) with the solid work of Saturn.

Full Moon, 8 Capricorn 25, June 30, 2007, 9:49 am EDT
One way we might look at the Venus opposition Neptune at the time of this Full Moon is with a touch of romance, and a bit of the whimsey that if often found within usually serious Capricorn. Full Moon is an aspect of relationship as Moon reflects the full light of Sun, so we might make a ritual of honoring, celebrating and thanking those who have mentored, nurtured or in any way been especially strong influences within our lives. Set your altar wtih photos or symbols to represent each person you wish to honor. Have a candle for each, gather flowers of the season, and prepare a chalice and beverage to toast. Then, as the Full Moon rises high in the sky, create your sacred space, light a candle before each person's symbol or photo, present him or her with a flower, and then offer a toast as you express what the signficance of each one's impact on your life and offer your thanks.

Disseminating Moon, 26 Aquarius 53, July 4, 2007, 1:24 am EDT
The phase associated sharing the results of one's fulfillment comes on July 4 in this cycle. In the USA it's a national holiday that invariably includes fireworks. At the moment, I can't think of any better way I'd like to spend it...shared with family and friends, of course!

Last Quarter Moon, 15 Aries 12, July 7, 2007, 12:54 pm EDT
Balsamic Moon, 3 Gemini 25, July 10, 2007, 9:53 pm EDT
The time from Last Quarter through Balsamic phase is the best of each month to release whatever is finished or no longer wanted in your life. Use the element associated with the sign of the Moon as your primary method of release. From July 7 untl early afternoon July 8, it's Aries/Fire. Then Taurus/Earth until Moon enters Gemini/Air on July 10. Cancer/Water begins at 6:39 pm EDT on July 12 and continues through the next New Moon (21 Cancer 41, 8:04 am EDT, July 14.

Ritual for Waning Moon

Choose small natural materials from outdoors to symbolize what you will release, such as leaves, small stones or twigs. Name one or more objects for what each will represent to you, and then take a few moments to hold the object, infusing it with what it will symbolize in your release. Then, in the night, take the object(s) outdoors under the waning Moon. Hold that which you'll release up to the Moon and call the Crone for her blessings and assistance:

Then release the symbol to the element(s) that you deem most fitting—burn it to ash, throw it into water, toss it to the winds, bury it in the earth. Release it in an area where you need not come again any time soon. Once you have released it, repeat teh calling of the Crone as you feel the release of energy from head to toe. Then turn and walk away. Don't look back.