A Slice of Heaven: Summer 2012

Welcome to another look at the planets. It’s a tense, intense, no-nonsense time right now, where flexibility and decisive action are called for.

Uranus and Pluto are in square aspect to each other. There is much built-up pressure that forces us to move beyond our current comfort zones. Evolution is accelerating at an ever rapid pace, as the 60s are coming home to roost. We’re now setting the tone for decades to come.

The eco-structures are changing fast and precariously. Yet evolution is not about to slow down, and everything is possible at all times. Something entirely new is being birthed, composed of our individual choices, imagination and intent.

Jun 20: Sun enters Cancer / Summer Solstice at 4:09 p.m. With all planets in cardinal and mutable signs there’s an urge to take decisive action, no more holding back.  It’s all happening right now. As there are no planets in fixed signs, those will be called on to anchor the rest of us. (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio)

Jun 23: Sun trine Neptune. Your inner psychic is in full gear today. Pay attention to the quiet, little voice inside. Also watch out in traffic, as everybody is more spaced out than usual.

Jun 24: Uranus squares Pluto. The big deal aspect of the year, now exact for the first of seven times. It’s a major, collective wake-up call. Be realistic, stay centered and consider everything that happens as a personal message from spirit.

Jun 25: Jupiter squares Neptune. Personal boundaries are a bit fuzzy all week long. As in — it’s easy to get carried away. Good for meditation and expanding one’s inner horizons. Not great for rational or business pursuits.

Jun 27: Venus SD (stations direct). The planet of love is on an extended vacation in the quirky sign of Gemini, called a retrograde. Today it’s moving out of neutral into forward gear, a fine time to move on, let go or change perspectives.

Jun 29: Sun opposed Pluto, square Uranus. Ouch! The tension is palpable today and for the whole weekend. Try to cool your jets and take a diplomatic approach, if at all possible.

Jul 3: Full Moon 12° Capricorn, Moon eclipse Pluto, Mars enters Libra. Oh boy! Good for social gatherings, yet this Moon brings up deep, dark topics of power, passion, control and/or the lack thereof. The sign change of Mars feels a bit edgy. Like we don’t know how much muscle to apply or where.

Jul 4: US Independence Day. Moon v/c from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During “void-of-course” periods the Moon makes no aspects and is stuck between signs. Not a time for making decisions or important projects. To quote an old text on this condition: “Nothing will come from it.” Same on Jul 6  from 9 a.m. to 9 pm.

Jul 13: Uranus SR (stations retrograde). In Aries Uranus is at its antsy, rebellious and courageous best. Good for setting intentions, making new friends, and expanding horizons.

Jul 14: Mercury SR in Leo, Moon eclipses Jupiter, Sun squares Saturn. Big weekend! A fine time to boldly speak the truth, with courage and integrity. Think big and never mind a bit of drama.

 Jul 17: Mars trine Jupiter, square Pluto. Here it’s easy to get carried away, overdo, over-stretch or miscalculate one’s effort. Extra Yang, so add some Yin if possible. Like soft cushions, mellow tunes and nurturing foods.

Jul 18: New Moon 27° Cancer. With Mars in opposition to Uranus it’s impatient, irrational and accident prone. You can benefit from a strategic retreat to the kitchen, bed or bathtub.

Jul 22: Sun enters Leo. The royalty of the zodiac is born under this sign. A fine time to liberate your inner king and queen, and show up in your brightest colors yet.

Jul 28: Sun conjunct Mercury retrograde. Good for planning sessions, meeting old friends, re-doing, re-thinking and mulling things over.

Jul 30: Sun trines Uranus. Today brings much inventive, fun and co-creative energy. Good for doing artistic things you’ve never done before. And with Mercury retrograde, you’ll probably end up doing them again and again.

Aug 1: Full Moon 10° Aquarius. Life is all about self realization. Here you can express the full range of your individuality in all its glory. Even though it’s midweek, make some time for friends.

Aug 7: Mercury SD. You may feel a bit feisty or hot-headed today. Try to cool your jets, relax and don‘t push harder than necessary.

Aug 11: Moon eclipses Jupiter. Good for taking the high road, whether it’s in discussions or in nature. Benefits from adopting a generous, liberal attitude and big-picture perspective.

Aug 15: Venus opposes Pluto, square Uranus, Mars conjunct Saturn. Tense! Avoid righteousness, it’s such a turnoff. Remember, you only have two choices: You can either be right or you can be happy.  =)

Aug 17: New Moon 25° Leo. Good for taking it easy. Relax, enjoy quiet times with friends and family.

Aug 22: Sun enters Virgo. The collective shifts toward a more prim and proper attitude. Less passion, more plan.

Aug 23: Mars enters Scorpio. For the next six weeks the vibe is assertive, feisty, and passionate. Watch out!

Aug 24: Sun opposes, Mars trines Neptune. Accelerates your intuition big time, so sleep a bit longer this weekend, catching up on your zzz‘s. Good for moving meditation, music and dance.

Aug 29: Sun trine Pluto. An excellent day for meeting with power players. You can be bold, strong and very convincing.

Aug 31: Full Moon 9° Pisces. A dreamy time that comes with great sensitivity and tenderness. Try and keep your feet on the ground as your heart is swooning off into lofty realms.

Sep 3: Venus squares Saturn. Not the best aspect for Labor Day parties, as people feel less social and more pinched. The outlook is conservative.

Sep 6: Venus enters Leo. A fine opportunity for bold self expression. Let your artistic self come out to play. The next few days will bring up polarity of issues, pitting the needs of self versus the needs of others.

Sep 10: Sun conjunct Mercury. Good for analytical pursuits, multitasking and experiments. Not great for projects requiring perseverance and focus.

To be continued ....

“A Slice of Heaven” is a quarterly astrology column about making good use of the planetary influences. Lola Babalon is a Topanga psychic, astrologer, palm reader and herbalist. She is online at www.lolababalon.com or (310) 455-0103.